In the poultry industry, the slightest variations in feed efficiency can have major impacts on a producer’s bottom line. Emerging technologies, along with proven best management practices, help growers get the most out of their systems.
Brian Johnson, district manager at Cumberland Poultry, works with poultry producers to ensure their feed systems operate at peak performance year-round.
“Consistent attention to your feed lines is essential — making sure that everything is running as it should be and operating correctly to keep the feed in front of the birds,” Johnson said.
There are signs to watch for that can indicate a larger mechanical or technical problem. Johnson said empty feeder pans, for example, may be an indication of needed adjustments or irregular wear on equipment. If not prevented, these can pose a potentially costly problem. Regularly adjusting feeder pans to the proper height and keeping feed lines level, including hoppers and motor ends, can help reduce uneven wear and keep systems functioning correctly.
While empty pans are a clear warning sign, Johnson warned that an overabundance of feed isn’t ideal either.
“It’s a common misconception that the more feed visible, the better,” he said. “When there’s too much feed, birds tend to play and scratch around in it. This hurts your feed conversions and can cause birds to eat off the floor, which can lead to digestive issues.”
Daily observation and adjustment remain among the most impactful actions a producer can take, but new technologies are making feed management even more efficient.
Infrared control pan technology is one advancement improving equipment reliability. These systems replace microswitch activation mechanisms, which often require manual adjustment multiple times per week or even daily. Infrared systems like the Cumberland IR Plus Feed Sensor consistently trigger the motor to deliver feed efficiently. The use of LED lighting on the control pan helps draw birds to a specific feed pan.
“The IR Plus sensors are also a huge advantage to growers because the technology is more reliable than microswitches,” Johnson said. “We have adjustable time delay settings in those devices, which helps reduce the number of on/off cycles throughout the day. This lowers wear and tear on the system.”
Johnson said there is strong potential in the integration of data analytics. Tools like feed bin scales and bird scales provide real-time insights by tracking feed usage and bird weights across the flock. These tools can be tied into whole-house environmental controllers and accessed remotely through apps and websites for continuous monitoring and reporting.
Regardless of automation or analytics, grower involvement remains critical.
“The importance of feed line maintenance and feed management cannot be overstated. Both are directly tied to feed conversion, bird weight and, in some cases, livability — and those are the metrics that grower pay is often based on,” Johnson said. “Proper maintenance and management are essential to maximizing return on investment.”
For more information, producers can contact their poultry equipment dealer or visit cumberlandpoultry.com.
