Although everybody can agree that uniformity is important
it has been difficult to measure and consequently
diff erentiate between farmers that produce broilers with
good flock homogeneity and those with less good results.
When flock homogeneity is not considered in the payment
schemes the experience tells us that it is very
difficult to improve. This has and still is a major hurdle to
overcome. However, there are now some promising
experiences from the Danish broiler industry with
photometric imaging of broiler carcasses showing that
it is possible to assess carcass size and composition for
individual birds at the slaughter house (Pedersen, 2009).
The system is based on equations that predict the carcass
size and composition based on photos of individual
broilers taken from different angels. Currently the
robustness of the system is being evaluated, but according
to the project manager Jacob R. Pedersen the results
have so far been promising. A full implementation of this
system will allow to pay farmers based on actual flock
uniformity, upon which it is believed that all partners
involved in the process chain will focus more on improving
homogeneity. The additional value that can be captured
through that is to the benefit of all partners in the broiler
production chain.
Conclusion
Poor flock uniformity in broilers can have a huge effect on
profitability. Improving feed homogeneity and increasing
nutrient levels in the feed as well as using easily mixable
nutrient sources can improve broiler uniformity. In this
context, monitoring carcass uniformity using a photometric
system to determine broiler carcass conformation
in the slaughtering process has shown promising results.
References
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Cosgri , B. (2008). Poultry International, June issue p. 16 – 22
Duncan, M. S. (1989). In: Recent Advances in Animal Protein
Production. Monsanto Latin America Technical Symposium
Proceedings pp. 31 – 40.
Lemme, A. (2003). Evonik Degussa GmbH, Facts & Figures
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Pedersen, J. (2009). Evonik Degussa GmbH, Pre-VIV Symposium
p