World meat consumption forecasts are expected to average over 36.3kg per capita by 2023, an increase of 2.4kg compared with 2013. Some 72% of this increase will come from poultry. Egg consumption continues to grow also, due to their nutritional value and high level of versatility. In addition, eggs are finding their way in innovative pharmaceutical and sport nutrition food products.

Progressive poultry industry producers know the average weight of birds, average feed, average water consumption and a couple of other “averages.” Egg producers are marginally better in having a daily data egg production average for a group of birds but managing by averages makes the entire production process potentially inefficient and misaligned.

The emerging “Topical Three” technologies as depicted in figure 1 will soon allow poultry producers to shift away from the management of “averages” to one with increased accuracy, range and representation of real time information, gathered across the supply chain – from flock to stock on the supermarket shelf.

This will result in improved visibility across a complex supply chain, resulting in improved physical and financial KPI’s.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an inter-connected network of -devices, vehicles, appliances – embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity, and computer capability enabling these objects to collect, exchange, and act on data, – usually without human intervention.

Sensor technology is easy to install and experiences less resistance due to lower implementation costs and because benefits are immediately recognised. Big Dutchman’s DOL 53 is a sensor designed to measure ammonia, a frequent problem in many poultry houses.

Also, climate in poultry houses influences the wellbeing of birds, feed utilisation and optimal performance. Respiratory, digestive and behavioural disorders are more likely to occur in houses in which the climatic conditions are not maintained constantly.

SKOV and Filipino Poultry use novel sensors to regulate and control the climate in the house, including ventilation and temperature.