BIRD-e -The Poultry E-Feeding System: Basis and Applications
BIRD-e -Le système d'alimentation électronique pour volaille : fondements et applications
Résumé
Until now, individual measurements of feed efficiency and feeding behavior have been performed on animals raised alone and in cages, but it has several drawbacks, in particular the absence of social interactions and the limitation of movements, which leads to an experimental bias, as conditions are not representative of farming conditions. The electronic feeder BIRD-e (Bird Individual Ration Dispenser-electronic) developed by INRAE and ITAVI allows to overcome these constraints with automatic recording of individual measurements of feed consumption and poultry weight raised on the ground and in groups. BIRD-e has eight feed access points, each equipped with two scales (one for feed, one for birds) and a detection antenna. Each chick is fitted with an electronic identification chip so that each visit to the feeder is recorded. Each station can record data from 100 to 120 animals raised on the ground, without human intervention and without penalizing their growth. Therefore, individualized measurements of weight and feed consumption are obtained continuously. It is also possible to collect information on feeding behavior: time spent to eat, time between two meals, etc. The expected benefits of this technology are at first progress in genetic selection, by integrating criteria of feeding behavior and by being more efficient on feed efficiency. On the nutritional aspect, this innovative tool allows to study the impacts of feed composition and technology on the feeding behavior of birds and their performance. This device is already used in research programs and could be used for partnership research within a year.
Domaines
Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
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