Hatchery Performance

How do you measure the performance of your hatchery? Is it hatch of fertile, hatchability, quality or 7 day mortality? The answer is probably all of them but what about energy use? Do you know the energy cost per 100 chicks produced? Are your buildings and equipment optimised? 

The first step is to understand what the energy usage is throughout the hatchery. The usage in areas such as setters, hatchers, air handling, chillers and chick take-off need to be monitored and measured. This will give the baseline information to be able to quantify any savings.

Below are some of the areas where potential savings can be made;

·        Variable speed and pressure-controlled air handling. Maintain the flow of air from “clean” to “dirty” areas but only condition the air volume that is required.

·        Variable speed drive pumps on chilled water circuits. Only pump round the water required.

·        Variable speed drive motors on paddle fans in single stage setters. Remember in the early stages of incubation the high humidity will assist in effective heat transfer, fans can run slower.

·        Heat recovery system that “capture” energy from the returning water which can be utilised to heat the building or heat wash down water.

·        Free air cooling again to remove the “heat” from the returning water before going through the chillers

·        Sequencing systems to facilitate running the chillers at optimum efficiency.

·        Turn on incubators at the correct time. All the hatchers don’t need to be up to temperature at the start of transfer, they can be staggered.

·        Ensure water doesn’t overflow from washing machines. Not only does this increase the cost of heating water but it also wastes water.

There are numerous other ways to save energy but just remember the easiest and simplest way to save energy; if doesn’t need to be on, turn it off.

Hatchability and quality are obvious key drivers in a hatchery but by understanding and managing energy consumption you will be able to produce quality chicks at best cost and reduce your carbon footprint.