Cage system
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This system involves rearing of poultry on raised wire netting floor in smaller compartments, called cages, either fitted with stands on floor of house or hanged from the roof.
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It has been proved very efficient for laying operations, right from day-old to till disposal.
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At present, 75% of commercial layers in the world are kept in cages.
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Feeders and waterers are attached to cages from outside except nipple waterers, for which pipeline is installed through or above cages.
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Auto-operated feeding trolleys and egg collection belts can also be used in this rearing system.
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The droppings are either collected in trays underneath cages or on belts or on the floor or deep pit under cages, depending on type of cages.
Advantages
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Minimum floor space is needed
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More number of eggs per hen can be received
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Less feed wastage
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Protection from internal parasites and soil borne illnesses
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Sick and unproductive birds can be easily identified and eliminated.
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Clean eggs production
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Broodiness is minimal
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No need of litter material
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Artificial Insemination (AI) can be adopted.
Disadvantages
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High initial investment cost.
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Handling of manure may be problem. Generally, flies become a greater nuisance.
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The incidence of blood spots in egg is more
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Problem of cage layer fatigue. (It is a condition, in which laying birds in cages develop lameness. It may be due to Ca and P deficiency but the exact reason is not known)
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In case of broilers, incidence of breast blisters is more, especially when the broilers weight is more than 1.5 kg.
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Last modified: Sunday, 3 June 2012, 6:00 AM
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