Use of new technologies in Moroccan broiler poultry farms

Abstract

Intensification of poultry production, increase of infrastructure capacity and rearing of higher numbers of birds requires appropriate technical and economic management procedures to be implemented on farms to meet market requirements. Biosecurity and follow-up measures require increased monitoring of poultry production, health and welfare. Implementation of “smart” management systems such as technologies used in “so-called” precision farms, installation of sensors, processes automation and use of platforms facilitate real-time management to optimize production, minimize costs and facilitate decision making based on collected data. The objective of this study was to establish a typology of technologies in use in 15 poultry production units (10 of broilers and 5 of turkey) using exhaustive phone surveys conducted between March and June 2020. Sensors for monitoring ambient conditions (Temperature, humidity), automate using generated data-connected objects, sensors for ventilation, feed consumption, etc... And cameras were the most used technologies. Cameras primarily operated for the purpose of surveillance outside farm buildings are used in 60% of broiler farms, and 80% of turkey units. The investigations did not reveal any use of biosensors, connected glasses, microphones, robots or radio-identification chips, etc... Access to data generated by technologies through applications mainly related to ambient conditions, ventilation, feed consumption, etc… was reported in 50% of broiler chicken units, and 60% of turkey farms. The major obstacle to the functioning of “connected” technologies remains the availability of the network in production areas. Other technologies may be proposed to improve management and productivity of poultry entities. The suggestion of possible “smart” means will help operators make better decisions, reduce risks and increase profitability of their respective operations.

 Keywords: Big data, Connected technology, Internet of things, Poultry, Morocco