Mechanical harvesting of broilers

At the end of the growout phase of broiler production essentially all broilers are caught and loaded into coops or cages entirely by hand. The catching of broilers remains one of the few aspects of broiler production not yet automated. Vacuum systems, permanent conveyors recessed in the floors of growout facilities, collecting mats, scoops, and self-propelled, combine-type devices have been tried with little success over the past 30 yr. Renewed efforts at developing mechanical broiler harvesters have been encouraging in recent years. Several equipment companies in North America and Europe have developed prototype mechanical harvesters that appear to have promise. The benefits of mechanical harvesting as compared to hand catching include lower costs and improved working conditions. In addition, studies conducted thus far indicate that mechanical harvesting will improve bird welfare both from a stress and injury standpoint.