This special edition of EGG-NEWS details the products to be demonstrated by Big Dutchman USA at the 2025 PEAK trade show on Booth 821. The product range includes innovations, introductions, upgrades of existing products and a display of tried and tested equipment contributing to efficiency and flock productivity.
Heidy Mobile Grader for Parent Broiler Rearing Flocks
This unit was developed to rapidly and accurately weigh broiler breeder pullets and cockerels during the rearing period to differentiate among three weight groups. Separation with supplementary feeding according to weight class will contribute to flock uniformity at transfer. The Heidy Mobile Grader can weigh up to 850 birds per hour with separation among three pre-determined weight classes. Data is recorded and displayed and can be transferred to a remote database. The unit is constructed of stainless steel and can be decontaminated using a high-pressure washer bor optimal biosecurity.
Duo Chain Feeding System for Breeders –
The MaleChain is designed to save floor space and to contribute to uniformity. The design of the corners and trough comprise a single line for installation in new houses or as a retrofit. The FeMaleChain is a complementary installation for hens. The male and female lines are equipped with appropriate grills. The chain feeding loop is located in a single trough with a center divider. The chain distributes feed from a single hopper in both directions and feed is rapidly distributed along a house with a length of up to 500 feet. The feed line can be suspended or rest on litter with the ability to adjust height.
Turkey Feeding Systems
Big Dutchman will demonstrate three systems designed for specific life stages of turkeys: -
- The UniGROW 360 incorporates a patented pan feeding system designed for poults through transfer. The three-strut grill facilitates feeding without the risk of entrapment. An anti-scratch ring prevents wastage.
- The Vista 360 – This starter pan can be used from day old through grow-out and is designed for ease of operation and to limit wastage. The Vista 360 incorporates a flooding capability for starting poults that closes automatically when the pan is lifted.
- Gladiator System – The Gladiator feeding pan is engineered to withstand the stresses imposed by heavy turkeys. The lip of the pan is designed to reduce feed wastage. Conversion efficiency is optimized by adjusting the feeding level using a twist and lock feature. Bruising is minimized by the flexible suspension of the pan allowing movement on the suspension tube. Individual pans can be removed for maintenance.
Turkey Drinkers
The Big Dutchman patented Turkey Drinker supplies water through the entire cycle of production. Drinkers incorporate a twin-nipple design delivering water to a cup with a water level that responds to intensity of drinking. The central pendulum that triggers the nipples ensures an adequate quantity of water in the cup but obviates spillage.
Colony 2+ System
The Colony 2+ single-tier open access aviary system is designed for barns but is compatible with existing multi-tier buildings. The system is supplied with INTEGRA plastic slats. The design of colony nests contributes to maximum recovery of clean saleable eggs. Nests are equipped with a patented tilting floor to exclude hens at night. The nest row has a flat top optimizing house area available for the flock. The Colony 2+ system is available with the proven Big Dutchman ChainFeeder and nipple drinker lines. To complete packages, Big Dutchman can supply ventilation installations including controllers, fans, inlets for new installations and upgrades.
Big Dutchman NATURA® Filia Rearing System
This two-tier rearing installation is compatible with Big Dutchman NATURA® Step and NATURA® Visio aviary laying systems.
The rearing system is designed to achieve uniform maturity, optimal body weight and subsequent egg production consistent with genetic potential.
Designed to comply with U.S. and E.U. welfare requirements, features include moveable partitions to confine the flock to small groups during early rearing and to facilitate vaccination and handling. The NATURA® Filia System incorporates bridges and ramps to encourage movement from the floor to both tiers. The NATURA® Filia System is equipped with a chain feeding circuit on each tier and drinking lines that can be adjusted according to the growth of the flock.
NATURA® Step Aviary Systems
Both width configurations of the Step System are designed to optimize flock production and achieve the highest proportion of saleable eggs from a flock. The NATURA® Step System is a true aviary allowing hens access to all levels and the aisles encouraging natural behaviors including foraging, dust bathing, roosting, feeding and egg laying within nests. The Step concept is based on strategically placed platforms allowing hens to move among tiers. This provides hens with access to the entire system and for the flock to be distributed evenly within the house. The nests are staggered along the middle tier are equipped with patented tilting floors. Polypropylene belts gently transfer eggs to EGGTRAX™ transfer units and then to EGGCELLENT™ elevators designed for high-volume collection. Top and bottom tiers are equipped with polypropylene manure belts with the option of ventilation to reduce moisture content.
NATURA Step XL |
Big Dutchman NATURA® Visio Aviary Systems
The NATURA® Visio aviary comprises two tiers each equipped with feeding lines, drinkers and nests. The design incorporates a step concept encouraging vertical movement of hens between the upper and lower tiers contributing to even distribution of the flock within the house. Shell downgrades are reduced to a minimum by the design and location of nests on both tiers. Eggs roll from the nests onto two eight-inch-wide belts of polypropylene moving product to a single elevator. The nest floor tilts through 90° to restrict entry during the dark phase of each day.
Each tier is equipped with a Champion™ chain feeding system using a wide trough with a specially designed lip to reduce wastage. Hens have access to drinker lines on each of the tiers equipped with 360° nipples incorporating drip cups.
Big Dutchman sales representatives and technical service specialists will be available on Booth 821 to demonstrate products and to provide advice and information on the operation of the systems.