8.

Exhibits readiness to engage in animal production

through technology.
8.1 Inquiries about technologies used in animal production.

Importance of Using Technology in Animal Production

1. Ensures Health and Sanitary Standards
o Use of veterinary methods, disease detection tools, and health monitoring
devices to certify animal health.
o Helps to ensure sanitary conditions, reducing the risk of disease transmission
to humans and other animals.
2. Provides Healthy and Safe Products to the Market
o Quality assurance through proper hygiene, processing, and packaging
technologies.
o Minimizes contamination and maintains product freshness.
3. Increases Efficiency in Production
o Automated feeding, watering, and environmental control systems improve
productivity.
o Reduces wastage of resources and optimizes production time.
4. Improves Storage and Transportation
o Use of refrigerated storage, vacuum packaging, and cold chain transport
ensures product safety and quality during distribution.
5. Facilitates the Development of High-Yield Varieties
o Selective breeding, artificial insemination, and genetic engineering help
produce animals with higher productivity (e.g., more milk, meat, eggs).
6. Allows Controlled Environment Rearing

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 o Climate control systems (temperature, humidity, light) enable rearing of rare
or exotic species under optimal conditions.
7. Enables Easy Identification and Tracking of Animals
o Use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and GPS systems for tracking,
record keeping, and theft prevention.
8. Supports Veterinary Care and Disease Management
o Diagnostic tools, vaccination programs, and tele-veterinary services improve
animal health and welfare.
9. Increases Milk Production and Processing Efficiency
o Automated milking machines and dairy processing technologies increase
output and maintain quality standards.
10. Improves Labour Efficiency
o Automation reduces the need for manual labour, lowering costs while
increasing consistency in operations.
11. Automated Feeding and Watering
o Timely and accurate supply of feed and water ensures animal welfare and
reduces labour needs.

Poultry management

Rearing Systems and Housing

Poultry rearing systems are chosen based on available space, climate, resources, and
production goals. The three main systems are
1. Open System
2. Semi-intensive System
3. Intensive System

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1.Open System – Poultry Rearing
• In the open system, poultry birds (such as chickens, ducks, or turkeys) are allowed to
roam freely in open fields during daylight hours.
• At night, they are kept in simple shelters to protect them from predators, wind, and
rain.
• The system closely mimics natural living conditions for birds, allowing them to
scratch the soil, find insects, seeds, and green plants as part of their diet.
Stocking Density
• Recommended 350–450 birds per hectare to avoid overgrazing and maintain hygiene.
• Each bird is provided with approximately 1000 m² of open space to move freely.
• Overcrowding is avoided to reduce competition for food and stress among birds.
Housing Type
• Hanging houses or small houses with a raised floor (platform type – තට්ටුවක්) are
used.
• The raised floor prevents dampness and protects from flooding.
• Houses are built using low-cost materials like wood, bamboo, or coconut leaves for
roofing.
• They should be positioned in a shaded area to protect birds from extreme sunlight.
Feeding & Watering
• Feed and water are kept outside the shelter during the day.
• Birds can supplement their diet naturally by foraging in the field.
• Water containers should be placed in shaded areas to keep water cool and fresh.
Advantages
1. Low Cost – Requires minimal infrastructure and equipment.
2. Natural Behaviour – Birds can scratch, peck, and forage naturally, which promotes
better muscle development.
3. Low Feed Cost – Birds obtain part of their nutrition from insects, seeds, and plants in
the environment.
4. Better Welfare – Freedom of movement reduces stress.
Disadvantages
1. High Land Requirement – Needs large open spaces, making it unsuitable for urban
areas.
2. Predator Risk – Birds are exposed to dogs, cats, snakes, foxes, or birds of prey.

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 3. Disease Exposure – Greater contact with wild birds can increase the spread of
diseases like avian influenza.
4. Weather Dependency – Production can be affected during heavy rain, extreme heat, or
storms.
5. Lower Productivity – Less controlled feeding and environment means growth rates
may be slower compared to intensive systems.

2.Semi-intensive System
• In the semi-intensive system, poultry are kept in a fenced or net-covered outdoor run
during the day.
• The outdoor run allows the birds to move freely and exhibit natural behaviours like
scratching and pecking, but they are still protected from predators.
• At night, birds are transferred (or allowed to enter on their own) into a poultry house
for safety, warmth, and protection from bad weather.
• This system is a balance between open and intensive systems, providing both natural
exposure and controlled housing.
Stocking Density
• Recommended 700–900 birds per hectare.
• The area must be large enough to prevent overcrowding, which can cause stress,
feather pecking, and increased disease risk.
• Adequate space inside the poultry house should also be maintained – generally 3–4
birds per m² indoors.
Suitability
• Well-suited for suburban or village areas where there is some available space for a run
but not enough land for a fully open system.
• Often used by small-scale commercial farmers or backyard poultry keepers who want
to increase production while maintaining bird welfare.
Housing & Infrastructure
• Day Area (Run): Covered with netting or mesh to prevent entry of predators (e.g.,
cats, dogs, birds of prey) and wild birds that can spread disease.
• Night Shelter: A poultry house with proper ventilation, perches, and nest boxes for
layers.
• Flooring: Can be earth, deep litter, or slatted floor depending on management.
• Feed & Water: Usually kept both in the house and in the run area to ensure access at
all times.

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Advantages
1. Reduced Predator Risk – The net covering or fencing prevents attacks from most
predators compared to fully open systems.
2. Better Disease Control – Limited exposure to wild birds reduces the spread of
infectious diseases.
3. Improved Bird Welfare – Birds still have space to move and forage naturally, reducing
stress.
4. More Efficient Use of Space – Allows higher stocking density compared to open
rearing.
5. Balanced Cost – Cheaper than intensive systems but more productive than open
systems.
Disadvantages
1. Higher Cost than Open System – Requires netting, fencing, and more permanent
housing structures.
2. Labour Requirement – Birds may need to be guided into the house at night, increasing
handling work.
3. Maintenance – Netting and fences must be checked regularly for damage to prevent
escapes or predator entry.
4. Manure Management – Droppings accumulate faster in the confined outdoor run and
must be cleaned or managed regularly.
5. Weather Limitations – Outdoor runs may become muddy during rainy seasons,
increasing disease risk if not managed well.

3.Intensive System
• The intensive system is a modern, highly developed method of poultry rearing where
birds are kept indoors at all times in specially designed poultry houses.
• The environment inside the house is fully controlled — temperature, humidity,
ventilation, light, feed, and water supply are all managed using technology.
• The system aims to achieve maximum productivity in a limited space by using high
stocking density and efficient feeding methods.
• Birds do not forage for food — all nutrition is provided in a balanced feed formulated
for growth or egg production.
Stocking Density
• Recommended 2500–3750 birds per hectare.
• The indoor floor space is also measured:
o Broilers: 10–12 birds per m².

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 o Layers: 4–6 birds per m² (depending on cage size).
• Overcrowding is avoided to prevent heat stress and disease outbreaks.
Suitability
• Best suited for areas with very limited land, such as urban or city farms.
• Used mainly in commercial poultry farms where high output and efficiency are
priorities.
Housing & Infrastructure
• Fully enclosed poultry houses with ventilation fans, curtains, or automatic climate
control systems.
• Artificial lighting is used to control the laying cycle of hens.
• Feeding and watering are usually automatic, reducing labour costs.
• Manure management systems (belt conveyors, deep pits) are often installed.
Advantages
1. High Productivity per Unit Area – More birds can be raised in less space.
2. Easier Disease Monitoring – Birds are under constant observation, allowing early
detection of health problems.
3. Controlled Environment – Temperature, humidity, and lighting can be adjusted for
optimal growth and egg production.
4. Efficient Feeding & Watering – Automatic systems reduce wastage and ensure
consistent supply.
5. Labour Efficiency – One worker can manage thousands of birds due to automation.
6. Year-Round Production – Not affected by seasonal changes in weather.
Disadvantages
1. High Initial Investment – Requires costly infrastructure, equipment, and technology.
2. Requires Skilled Management – Farmers must understand disease control, ventilation
systems, and feed formulation.
3. Animal Welfare Concerns – Birds have limited space to move, which can cause stress
and behaviour problems.
4. Higher Risk of Rapid Disease Spread – If disease enters the flock, it can spread
quickly due to high density.
5. Power Dependence – Relies heavily on electricity for lighting, ventilation, and
feeding systems.

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There are 3 types of intensive system.
1. Deep Litter System
2. Slatted Floor System
3. Cage System (Battery System)

Deep Litter System – Intensive Poultry Rearing

• In the Deep Litter System, poultry are kept on a floor covered with a thick layer (8–12
cm) of absorbent bedding material known as litter.
• Common litter materials include:
o Paddy husk (rice husk)
o Sawdust
o Wood shavings
o Rice hulls
o Chopped straw or dried leaves in some cases
• The litter serves several purposes:
o Absorbs moisture from droppings.
o Reduces odour by keeping droppings dry.
o Provides insulation for the floor, keeping it warm in cold seasons and cooler in
hot seasons.
o Allows birds to scratch, peck, and dust-bathe, which is good for their welfare.
Management of Litter
• Depth: Usually maintained at 8–12 cm initially, but may be increased to 15–20 cm as
droppings accumulate.
• Turning the Litter: Litter must be raked or stirred regularly (once a week) to keep it
loose and dry, and to mix droppings evenly.
• Moisture Control:
o Wet litter leads to the growth of harmful bacteria and parasites.
o Roof leaks, water spillage from drinkers, and high humidity must be avoided.
• Replacement or Composting:
o Litter is replaced when heavily soiled (every 4–6 months for layers, after each
batch for broilers).
o Used litter can be composted and applied as organic fertilizer to crops.
Advantages
1. Allows Natural Behaviour – Birds can scratch, peck, and dust-bathe, reducing stress.

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 2. Insulation – Protects against extreme floor temperatures.
3. Waste Utilization – Droppings mixed with litter form nutrient-rich organic manure.
4. Lower Construction Cost – No expensive floor systems are required.
5. Reduced Odour (if managed well) – Dry litter prevents bad smells.
Disadvantages
1. Ammonia Build-up – Poorly managed litter produces ammonia gas, which can irritate
the eyes and respiratory system of birds.
2. Wet Litter Problems – Leads to footpad dermatitis, breast blisters, and coccidiosis (a
protozoan disease spread in wet conditions).
3. Labour Requirement – Regular turning, drying, and monitoring are necessary.
4. Disease Risk – If litter is not replaced in time, harmful bacteria, parasites, and fungi
can multiply.
5. Rodent and Insect Attraction – Food particles and droppings in litter can attract pests
if hygiene is poor.

2.Slatted Floor System – Intensive Poultry Rearing

• In this system, the floor of the poultry house is made from wood, plastic, or metal
slats arranged with small gaps (usually 1.5–2 cm wide) between them.
• The slats are elevated 60–90 cm above the ground to allow droppings to fall through
into a manure pit or collection area underneath.
• Birds stand, walk, and rest on the slatted surface, meaning they are never in direct
contact with their droppings.
• This system is often used for breeding birds, layers, or parent stock, where hygiene
and egg cleanliness are important.
Design & Construction
• Material:
o Wood: Smooth, durable hardwood with rounded edges to avoid foot injury.
o Plastic: Lightweight, easy to clean, long-lasting, resistant to moisture and rot.
o Metal: Strong and durable but can be slippery and cause foot damage if not
coated.
• Gap Size:
o For chickens: 1.5–2 cm between slats.
o For larger poultry (ducks, turkeys): slightly wider gaps.
• Under-floor Area:

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 o The manure pit should have good ventilation to remove ammonia and
moisture.
o Manure can be removed manually or with mechanical scrapers.
Advantages
1. Reduces Disease Risk – Birds are separated from droppings, reducing contact with
pathogens and parasites.
2. Better Hygiene – Eggs laid on slatted floors stay cleaner.
3. Lower Litter Cost – No or minimal litter material is required.
4. Easier Manure Handling – Droppings fall directly into the pit, making collection
simpler.
5. Less Labour for Cleaning – The slatted surface stays clean longer than deep litter
floors.
Disadvantages
1. High Construction Cost – Materials and elevated structure are more expensive than
simple floors.
2. Foot & Leg Problems – If gap size is wrong or slats are rough, birds may suffer from
footpad dermatitis or toe injuries.
3. Slippery Surface – Metal or smooth plastic may cause slipping unless textured.
4. Requires Skilled Construction – Poor design can lead to injury or stress in birds.
5. Ventilation Need – Manure pit must be well-ventilated to prevent ammonia build-up
under the floor.
Cage System (Battery System) – Intensive Poultry Rearing
• In this system, poultry are kept in metal cages designed to house a small number of
birds per cage.
• Cages can be arranged in two main ways:
1. Single Cage Type – Cages placed in a single row at floor level.
2. Battery System – Cages stacked in multiple tiers (usually 2–4 levels) to
maximize space use.
• Each cage has:
o A sloping wire floor so eggs roll to the front for easy collection.
o A feeding trough and water nipples or cups fitted at the front.
o A manure collection tray or belt underneath to remove droppings regularly.
• Birds are kept indoors their entire life, with all needs (feed, water, lighting) provided
artificially.

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Stocking Density
• Very high — up to 4–6 birds per cage in layer systems.
• For broiler breeders, stocking density is slightly lower to ensure fertility and reduce
stress.
Feeding & Watering
• Automatic feeders move along the cages distributing feed evenly.
• Automatic water lines with nipples or cups provide a constant clean water supply.
Manure & Waste Management
• Droppings either:
o Fall into trays under each cage and are cleaned manually, or
o Fall onto a manure belt which carries waste to the outside of the house for
disposal.
• This reduces odour inside and helps maintain hygiene.
Advantages
1. Very High Stocking Density – Maximizes production in a small space.
2. Efficient Egg Collection – Sloping floor rolls eggs to collection trays, reducing
breakage.
3. Better Hygiene – Birds have minimal contact with droppings, lowering disease
spread.
4. Feed Efficiency – Little feed wastage due to controlled feeding systems.
5. Easy Monitoring – Farmers can observe each bird’s health, feeding, and laying
individually.
6. Labour Saving – Automation reduces daily manual work.
Disadvantages
1. Animal Welfare Concerns – Birds have no freedom to move, perch, or dust-bathe; this
leads to stress and behavioural issues.
2. High Initial Cost – Cages, automation systems, and housing require large capital
investment.
3. Bone Weakness in Layers – Lack of exercise can cause brittle bones (osteoporosis).
4. Rapid Disease Spread – If infection occurs, it can quickly affect entire cage rows.
5. Requires Skilled Management – Equipment and birds must be monitored closely to
avoid system failures.

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Special Notes
• Modern Enriched Cages: In some countries, cages now include perches, nest boxes,
and scratching areas to improve bird welfare.
• Lighting Control: Artificial lights are timed to maintain optimal egg-laying cycles.
• Ventilation: Fans or tunnel ventilation systems keep air quality high in large cage
houses.

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