Hatching chicks directly on the farm, rather than transporting them from an external hatchery, is an innovative approach that’s quickly gaining popularity in the United States and Canada. Originating in Europe, on-farm hatching has been embraced by poultry producers for its ability to enhance bird welfare and overall productivity. In North America, companies like Vencomatic Group and NestBorn are leading this trend by introducing efficient, user-friendly on-farm hatching systems that are sparking interest across the poultry sector. This article explores how on-farm hatching is reshaping the industry, especially with its welfare benefits, cost-effectiveness, and the support of regulatory changes.
The Concept of On-Farm Hatching: Enhancing Welfare and Reducing Stress
On-farm hatching is a unique process where eggs are hatched within the poultry house, eliminating the need to transport day-old chicks from an off-site hatchery. This shift minimizes stress for the chicks, providing them immediate access to feed and water and allowing for better adaptation to their environment from the very beginning. NestBorn, a pioneer in this field, highlights the welfare improvements and the seamless integration of this system into existing poultry operations. According to NestBorn, on-farm hatching can be implemented without significant changes or additional investments in the poultry house.
Innovative Systems for On-Farm Hatching: Vencomatic and NestBorn
European companies such as Vencomatic Group and NestBorn have developed practical on-farm hatching systems tailored for both small-scale and commercial operations.
Vencomatic’s X-Treck System: Vencomatic has designed the X-Treck system, which places hatching trays on rails suspended at various heights. This setup allows precise control of airflow and temperature to ensure optimal hatching conditions without requiring manual egg placement.
NestBorn and One2born Systems: These systems place hatching trays directly on the barn floor, providing a simpler setup that allows newly-hatched chicks to move freely. With less equipment complexity, these options are adaptable to a range of barn designs.
Some North American poultry producers are even creating their own DIY systems, highlighting the flexibility and ease of adopting on-farm hatching solutions.
Canadian Advances in On-Farm Hatching
Canada has begun to see a notable increase in the use of on-farm hatching, particularly with Vencomatic’s systems, currently operating on two farms in New Brunswick and Quebec. The potential for further adoption is high now that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has removed the requirement for barns with on-farm hatching systems to be licensed as hatcheries. This change simplifies compliance and allows for a smoother integration of on-farm hatching into poultry management practices.
Today, on-farm hatching systems in Canada fall under the jurisdiction of the national broiler association, Chicken Farmers of Canada, which oversees animal welfare and food safety through its Animal Care Program and On-Farm Food Safety Program. These standards ensure that producers maintain high levels of biosecurity and welfare, supporting the broader industry’s shift toward humane and efficient practices.
Economic and Health Benefits of On-Farm Hatching
Implementing on-farm hatching requires initial investment; however, it has proven long-term benefits in terms of welfare, growth rates, and manure quality, leading to improved return on investment. Here are some of the key economic and health benefits:
1. Immediate Access to Feed and Water: Chicks benefit from immediate access to feed and water post-hatching, which has been shown to accelerate digestive system development. This not only enhances early growth but also reduces chick mortality and susceptibility to diseases.
2. Reduced Transport Stress: Avoiding transportation from hatchery to farm significantly reduces stress for chicks. This can result in stronger immune systems, making them more resilient to common poultry illnesses.
3. Improved Manure Quality: On-farm hatched chicks often produce drier manure, which helps prevent footpad lesions—a common welfare issue in poultry. Drier manure also enhances barn cleanliness and can contribute to better air quality, further supporting bird health and comfort.
The potential for return on investment depends on various factors, such as the success rate of hatching, cost of purchased chicks, proximity to a hatchery, and level of automation. Producers who are closer to hatcheries may see less immediate cost savings but will still benefit from improved chick health and welfare.
Support and Guidance from Canadian Hatching Egg Producers
The Canadian Hatching Egg Producers (CHEP) has been instrumental in supporting the poultry sector with quality assurance programs. This year, CHEP’s CHEQ (Canadian Hatching Egg Quality) program celebrates its 20th anniversary, reinforcing standards in biosecurity, water testing, medication usage, and corrective measures. Such measures are crucial to maintaining high standards in an industry where biosecurity risks are ever-present. By emphasizing proactive health and safety practices, CHEP helps farmers mitigate disease risks and maintain high-quality production.
In a related move, the Canadian Broiler Hatching Egg Producers’ Association (CBHEPA) has been offering professional development opportunities for young farmers since 2002. Through its Young Farmers Program, CBHEPA provides young producers (under 40 years old) with a chance to tour breeder facilities in the US and gain insights into broiler management and the hatching egg industry. This year, CBHEPA and CHEP are collaborating to introduce leadership training to the program, equipping young farmers with skills to advance their careers and contribute to industry growth.
Future of On-Farm Hatching in North America
With its numerous welfare, health, and productivity benefits, on-farm hatching is well-positioned to expand in North America. As awareness grows about the advantages of this system, it is likely that more producers will adopt on-farm hatching to stay competitive, especially as consumers demand higher animal welfare standards. Industry organizations like CHEP and CBHEPA play a crucial role in this shift by setting standards, providing guidance, and encouraging young farmers to innovate.
Ultimately, on-farm hatching presents a win-win for the poultry sector, combining improved animal welfare with economic gains. As North American producers explore this trend, they are setting a new standard for sustainable, welfare-oriented poultry farming that meets both industry and consumer expectations. By implementing on-farm hatching systems, US and Canadian poultry farms are not only enhancing productivity but also embracing a more humane approach to raising poultry, aligning with the future of ethical and sustainable agriculture.
