Chicken rearing in mobile housing
MuD Animal Welfare Project: Chicken rearing in mobile housing (HüMaMo)
The ‘Broiler Rearing in Mobile Housing’ (HüMaMo) project is part of the Animal Welfare Model and Demonstration Programme run by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It focused on the relatively unexplored practice of rearing broilers in mobile housing and supported nine farms over a period of 2.5 years. During this period, practical findings were collated and the collected data scientifically analysed. This involved, amongst other things, the investigation of animal welfare and performance parameters, animal behaviour (activity, comfort and resting behaviour) and the use and design of outdoor runs.
Before commencing fattening in mobile housing, the primary focus is on selecting a suitable housing design and appropriate genetics. The project compared and assessed both standard models available on the market and self-built housing. A notable issue with many models was, above all, inadequate ventilation. During the summer and winter months, the temperature and relative humidity in the mobile housing repeatedly exceeded or fell below the biological optimum. In the cooler months with high humidity, radiant heaters were often used as a countermeasure. Whilst this improved the temperature and relative humidity, it resulted in poor air quality due to an insufficient supply of fresh air. Controlled air exchange using fans is advisable. In summer, however, cooling options must be provided.
To ensure high use of the outdoor run during fattening, factors such as a large run hatch and access to the outside that is as level with the ground as possible are important. Furthermore, shaded areas or structural elements offering protection from predators are of great importance. Natural structural elements such as bushes and tall grass can also be used to entice the chickens into the outdoor run.
To live up to the name of the project phase ‘Knowledge, Dialogue, Practice’, the HüMaMo team has compiled all key findings into three videos and a brochure. In addition, the results of the research were presented in three online seminars.
Further information on the project can be found on the website of the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences.
Online Seminar 1: Legal Framework and ‘Proper’ Genetics – What Matters
Contents
- Laws and regulations: Approval procedures for outdoor construction, emissions, marketing, etc.
- Overview of genetics: Decision-making criteria such as marketing, growth potential, behaviour, housing type, hatchery and breeder
Online Seminar 2: The ‘right’ mobile housing system and what matters in its management
Contents
- Rearing of broiler chickens
- Mobile housing systems – broiler production
- Site conditions
- Housing size
- Key considerations for a mobile housing system
- Management
Online Seminar 3: Planning your retirement – all the options available
Contents
- Outdoor access hatches
- Use of the outdoor run
- Maintenance measures
- Design elements
- Predators