Poultry housing systems and poultry houses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing system for poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, in particular for poultry farming, a poultry house for rearing poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, a method for rearing poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, and to the use of the housing system. The housing system comprises an animal habitat divided into a first habitat part and a second habitat part by a centrally located row of nests. The row of nests comprises a first nest assembly with a first egg path and a second nest assembly with a second egg path.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing system for poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, in particular for poultry farming, a poultry house for rearing poultry, in particular a house for egg-laying hens, a method for rearing poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, and to the use of the housing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Housing systems for poultry, in particular for laying hens, in particular for poultry farming, are known in different types and designs. By way of example, German utility model no. 202007015498 describes a housing system with a centrally located egg passage and alternating nests that are accessible from the sides.

[0003] However, further improvements would be advantageous, especially considering animal welfare, simplicity of construction, and / or efficient use of space. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a housing system for poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, in particular a housing system for poultry farming, a poultry house for rearing poultry, in particular a house for egg-laying hens, a method for rearing poultry, in particular for egg-laying hens, and a use of a housing system which is improved over existing solutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a housing system for poultry, in particular for poultry farming, in particular for laying hens, a poultry house for rearing poultry, comprising an animal habitat divided into a first habitat part and a second habitat part by a centrally located row of nests, the row of nests comprising a first nest assembly with a first egg path and a second nest assembly with a second egg path.

[0006] This arrangement, with a centrally located nest row with two nest assemblies, two egg paths, and two habitation areas, has several advantages. Firstly, the compact structure in the nest row allows the eggs to roll over a shorter distance through less soiled areas. This improves egg quality as the eggs are less soiled and less damage can be caused by obstacles while rolling down.

[0007] Furthermore, this arrangement of two nest assemblies, two egg tracks, and a central nest row allows for easy and improved use of two living areas for equipment such as feeding facilities, waterers, perches, etc.

[0008] Furthermore, the arrangement described herein as having two separate egg paths has the advantage that the egg paths are area available to the poultry in the area behind each nest assembly, allowing efficient use of the overall available area.

[0009] This arrangement advantageously contributes to efficient transport of eggs from the two nest assemblies via separate egg paths, as well as to finding a simple solution that improves space usage.

[0010] Furthermore, the solution described herein is based in particular on the following observation: in an arrangement with a central egg path, for example poultry cannot access the egg path and therefore the egg path cannot be used as an area usable by poultry. In this respect, the egg path is also difficult to access for inspection and cleaning.

[0011] On the other hand, in an arrangement with a lateral egg path, the nests are only accessible via the egg path, which therefore needs to be covered and the birds may occupy entire rows of individual nests from one side across this area which is often very soiled.

[0012] German utility model 202007015498 describes alternating nests with a central egg path, which has the disadvantage that the space required across the width of the hut is similar to that required for an arrangement with a double nest (i.e. with individual nests accessible from different sides). However, in German utility model 202007015498, the nest space only occurs at most halfway. A large part of the width of the hut described in German utility model 202007015498 is thus useless in terms of planning linear equipment such as feeding lines, waterers, etc. Furthermore, even in this case the egg path needs to be completely covered so that it can be used by the animals as a floor.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the first egg path is located between the first nest assembly and the second living area and / or the second egg path is located between the second nest assembly and the first living area.

[0014] The egg paths are therefore located at the two edges of the nest row where the nest row borders the habitat area.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the first egg path and the second egg path extend alongside each other and / or along the longitudinal direction of the row of nests.

[0016] In a further preferred refinement, the covered section of the first egg path is provided with a first cover. The first cover is preferably partly formed by the first nest assembly and partly formed by the covered floor. The covered floor is preferably configured to serve as an area usable by the poultry. Furthermore, the covered section of the second egg path is advantageously provided with a second cover. The second cover is preferably partly formed by the second nest assembly and partly formed by the covered floor. The covered floor is preferably configured to serve as an area usable by the poultry.

[0017] The covered sections of the egg paths are adjacent, preferably adjacent and / or overlapping, the respective dorsal sides of the nest assemblies, and preferably the eggs roll out of the nest assemblies in the direction of the dorsal sides and out of the nest assemblies to reach the respective egg paths.

[0018] For this purpose, the egg passages may be arranged laterally adjacent to the respective rear sides of the nest building, below the respective nest assemblies, offset inwardly from the respective nest assemblies, and / or partially below the respective nest assemblies and extending laterally outwardly therefrom. The covering floors are preferably each configured in such a way that the areas of the covering section not covered by the respective nest assemblies cover the respective egg passages.

[0019] Preferably, the floor of the first nest assembly and / or the floor of the second nest assembly slopes from the entrance side of each nest assembly to the rear side of each nest assembly. Preferably, the floor of the first nest assembly and / or the floor of the second nest assembly slopes downwards towards the rear side.

[0020] The inclination, in particular a uniform inclination, of the first and / or second living area section means in particular that each living area section does not have a step or twist between the areas and the different inclinations, but rather forms a continuous area in one plane inclined to the horizontal plane, which has the advantage that eggs laid in the living area outside the nest can roll off without the risk of being damaged by a step or twist.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, all or part of the lower section of the first egg path extends below the second nest assembly and / or all or part of the lower section of the second egg path extends below the first nest assembly.

[0022] This has the advantage that no separate cover is required for the lower section of the egg path. Moreover, this solution means that the available area in the area of ​​the lower section has a double function: the lower section is arranged below the nest assemblies, in particular in the area adjacent to the entrance and exit sides of each nest assembly. These areas are therefore available to the poultry as nesting areas, and the lower section of the egg path below them does not take up any additional surface area. This has the particular advantage that the size of the area of ​​the egg path, or the size of the egg path which is prone to getting dirty and which is preferably covered, is only 50% compared to the size of the egg path in the case of nests on alternate sides and a central egg path.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the first nest assembly and the second nest assembly have different access sides for the poultry to enter and exit. Preferably, the first nest assembly and the second nest assembly have opposite access sides for the poultry to enter and exit. The access side of the first nest assembly preferably faces the first habitat area and / or the access side of the second nest assembly preferably faces the second habitat area.

[0024] Preferably, the rear side of the first nest assembly faces and / or is adjacent to the second habitation area. Preferably, the rear side of the second nest assembly faces and / or is adjacent to the first habitation area.

[0025] Thus, preferably, the poultry can enter the first nest assembly from the first living area and / or can enter the second nest assembly from the second living area.

[0026] The rear side of each nest assembly preferably faces the entrance side of each nest assembly.

[0027] Preferably, each covered section of the two egg paths extends along one of the dorsal sides of each nest assembly.

[0028] Further preferably, the first living area comprises one or more feeding devices and / or one or more waterers and / or one or more perches. Preferably, the second living area comprises one or more feeding devices and / or one or more waterers and / or one or more perches.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, in the longitudinal direction of the nest row, the first and second nest assemblies are arranged one after the other and / or are preferably separated from one another by an aisle. The aisle preferably comprises an aisle cover, in particular an aisle cover for an aisle section of the first egg path and / or for an aisle section of the second egg path. The aisle cover is preferably configured to serve as an area usable by the poultry.

[0030] The passageway section of the egg path preferably extends between the two nest assemblies and is preferably covered by a passageway cover. Preferably, poultry from the first living area can travel to the second living area via the passageway, and vice versa. More preferably, humans can also travel from the first living area to the second living area via the passageway, and vice versa.

[0031] More preferably, the first habitat is inclined towards the row of nests. More preferably, the second habitat is inclined towards the row of nests. This is advantageous as eggs laid in the habitat can roll down towards the row of nests and the egg tracks arranged in the row of nests.

[0032] The egg path having the aisle section also preferably extends continuously through the aisle.

[0033] It is particularly preferred that the first egg pathway is arranged to receive eggs from the first nest assembly and / or the second living area. It is particularly preferred that the first egg pathway is arranged to receive eggs via an egg receiving gap. Furthermore, it is preferred that the first egg pathway is arranged below a lower end of the first living area and / or a lower end of the second living area.

[0034] More preferably, the second egg pathway is arranged to receive eggs from the second nest assembly and / or the first living area. More preferably, the second egg pathway is arranged to receive eggs through an egg receiving gap. Furthermore, it is preferred that the second egg pathway is arranged below a lower end of the first living area and / or a lower end of the second living area.

[0035] These embodiments have the advantage that eggs that are not laid in the nest but in the area in front of the nest entrance or in other areas of the habitation area (also known as "system eggs") can roll directly from the habitation area onto the egg belt adjacent to the habitation area, without having to pass through the nest to roll onto the egg belt. Obtaining system eggs in this manner (almost undamaged system eggs) increases the overall productivity of the coop. Even in the case of embodiments with closed nests, the system eggs can roll onto the egg belt regardless of whether the nest is configured with a discharge system, such as a sloping floor or a discharge flap.

[0036] It is further preferred that the first egg path comprises a first conveying device for conveying the eggs in the longitudinal direction of the nest row. The first conveying device is preferably a belt conveyor. It is particularly preferred that the second egg path comprises a second conveying device for conveying the eggs in the longitudinal direction of the nest row. The second conveying device is preferably a belt conveyor.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the first habitat is configured as a planked floor and / or has a slope, preferably a uniform slope. The slope is preferably downwards towards the nest row. Further preferred, the second habitat is configured as a planked floor and / or has a slope, preferably a uniform slope. The slope is preferably downwards towards the nest row.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the first nest assembly comprises one or more individual and / or family nesting nests and / or the second nest assembly comprises one or more individual and / or family nesting nests. It is preferred that one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the first nest assembly and / or one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the second nest assembly are configured as nests with a sloping floor and / or as nests with or without a drainage device. It is further preferred that one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the first nest assembly and / or one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the second nest assembly have a nest entrance that is elevated relative to the first or second living area.

[0039] A high nest entrance has the advantage that the nests become more attractive to poultry and / or have a positive effect on the health of the poultry. It is further advantageous to locate the lower section of the egg path below each nest assembly, in particular in the area below the entry side of each nest assembly, as well as to elevate the nest entrance located at the entry side to create space for the lower section of the egg path below the nest assemblies.

[0040] In a further preferred refinement, the first nest assemblies and the second nest assemblies are alternately arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction of the nest row and / or are separated from each other, so that the size of the storage system can be easily expanded.

[0041] Further advantageous variations of the embodiments of the containment system described above arise from combining one, several or all of the preferred features described herein.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a poultry house for rearing poultry, comprising a containment system as previously described, in particular a poultry house for laying hens.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a method for rearing poultry, in particular layer hens, comprising providing in a poultry house, in particular a layer hens house, a containment system as described above and collecting eggs in a first egg path and / or a second egg path.

[0044] In particular, the above-described methods and possible improvements thereof have features or method steps that are particularly suitable for use with the above-described containment systems and further improvements thereof.

[0045] According to further aspects of the present invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by the use of the aforementioned containment system for rearing poultry, in particular layer hens, in a poultry shed, preferably as described above, and / or by the use of the aforementioned containment system in a method for rearing poultry, in particular layer hens, preferably as described above.

[0046] For advantages, preferred embodiments, and details of the individual aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference should also be made to the advantages, preferred embodiments, and details described for each of the other aspects.

[0047] Further advantageous embodiments result from a combination of any, some or all of the preferred features described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] Preferred and exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a poultry housing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the storage system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the containment system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a further side view of the containment system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] In the figures, identical elements or elements having substantially identical functions are provided with the same reference numerals. In principle, the general description applies to all embodiments, unless differences are specifically stated.

[0051] The figure shows a housing system 100 for poultry, in particular for laying hens, in particular for poultry farming. The housing system 100 comprises an animal habitat 110. The animal habitat 110 is divided into a first habitat part 111 and a second habitat part 112 by a centrally located nest row 120. The two habitat parts 111, 112 are inclined towards the nest row 120. Furthermore, both habitat parts 111, 112 have a downward slope towards the nest row 120. In the present example, the slope is identical.

[0052] Furthermore, both living areas 111, 112 are configured as a slatted floor 8. In the living areas 111, 112, a number of feeding devices 3 in the form of a food bowl and a number of perches 9 are arranged.

[0053] The nest row 120 includes a first nest assembly 200 and a second nest assembly 300. The first nest assembly 200 and the second nest assembly 300 are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the nest row 120 and are separated from each other by an aisle 130. The aisle 130 includes an aisle cover 131 configured as an area available for use by poultry.

[0054] The passageway 130 between the two nest assemblies 200, 300 is particularly useful for improving accessibility to the nest assemblies 200, 300 and the living areas 111, 112 for both poultry and humans. A cover for the passageway 130 is advantageous since it makes it less likely that eggs transported along the egg paths 210, 310 will become soiled and damaged in the passageway area. Furthermore, the passageway cover 131 is preferably configured as an area usable by the poultry. Even more advantageously, the passageway cover 131 is configured to also function as an area usable by humans.

[0055] The first nest assembly 200 and the second nest assembly 300 each preferably comprise one, two or more individual and / or family nesting nests. One, more or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests may be configured as nests with sloping floors and / or with a drainage system such as a drainage flap or may for example be configured with no drainage system at all.

[0056] The first nest assembly 200 and the second nest assembly 300 are accessible to the poultry from different access sides 231, 331. In this example, the access sides 231, 331 are opposite each other. The first access side 231 of the first nest assembly 200 faces the first living area 111. The second access side 331 of the second nest assembly 300 faces the second living area 112. This allows the poultry to find one of the nest assemblies 200, 300 from both the first living area 111 and the second living area 112 at any time.

[0057] Furthermore, one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests in the first nest assembly 200 and the second nest assembly 300 are preferably elevated relative to the first living area portion 111 or the second living area portion 112, in particular at the nest entrances of each of these nests, which entrances are preferably located at the respective entrance sides 231, 331 of the nest assemblies. This is particularly beneficial for the health of the animals, has a positive effect on egg quality and also increases the attractiveness of the nests.

[0058] Furthermore, the floors of the first nest assembly 200 and the second nest assembly 300 slope downwardly, preferably uniformly, from the respective entry side 231, 331 to the respective opposite rear side, thereby allowing eggs laid in the nest assemblies 200, 300 to roll toward the rear, i.e., away from the respective entry side 231, 331, to reach the respective egg path 210, 310.

[0059] The first nest assembly 200 has a first egg path 210 arranged between the first nest assembly 200 and the second living area 112. Therefore, the first egg path 210 faces away from the entrance side 231 of the first nest assembly 200 and is arranged at the edge of the nest row 120 adjacent to the second living area 112, in the area of ​​the rear side of the first nest assembly 200.

[0060] The second nest assembly 300 has a second egg path 310 arranged between the second nest assembly 300 and the first living area 111. Therefore, the second egg path 310 faces away from the entrance side 331 of the second nest assembly 300 and is arranged at the edge of the nest row 120 adjacent to the first living area 111, in the area of ​​the rear side of the second nest assembly 300.

[0061] Furthermore, the first egg path 210 and the second egg path 310 extend parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the nest row 120 .

[0062] The configuration of the first egg path will be described in more detail below. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the configuration of the second egg path.

[0063] The first egg pathway 210 preferably extends the entire length of the containment system 100 and has different sections.

[0064] The first egg path 210 is preferably positioned below and slightly inwardly in a covered section that extends along the extent of the first nest assembly 200. This results in the covered section being partially covered by the first nest assembly 200 and partially covered by the covered floor 321.

[0065] The first egg path 210 extends continuously through a passage section between the first nest assembly 200 and the second nest assembly 300. The passage section is preferably covered by a passage cover.

[0066] The first egg path 210 extends in a lower section below the second nest assembly 300. The lower section is preferably below the entrance side 331 or below the nest entrance to the second nest assembly 300, and below the second nest assembly 300. In this embodiment, since the first egg path 210 extends below the second nest assembly 300, a separate cover for the first egg path 210 can be omitted in the lower section. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the available area has two functions: the nest above and the egg path below it.

[0067] In the lower section, it is preferable that the first egg path 210 is inaccessible to eggs from the nest assembly. Furthermore, it is preferable that an egg receiving gap 150 is provided between the first egg path 210 and the second nest assembly 300, particularly between the first egg path 210 and the nest entrance of the second nest assembly 300. Here, eggs (also called system eggs) laid in the second living area 112 can reach the first egg path 210 by passing through the egg receiving gap 150, particularly by rolling down.

[0068] The first nest assembly 200 is preferably configured such that eggs laid in the first nest assembly 200, preferably in the dorsal region adjacent to the dorsal part, can reach the first egg path 210. For this purpose, the first egg path 210 may be entirely or partially below the first nest assembly 200 and / or adjacent to the first nest assembly 200 and / or adjacent to the first nest assembly 200. However, the first egg path 210 may be partially or completely covered by a cover, in particular a cover in the form of a covering floor 140. The covering floor 140 is preferably attached to the dorsal part of the first nest assembly 200. In this manner, soiling and / or damage to the eggs is prevented or at least reduced in this section.

[0069] The housing system 100 for poultry, in particular for laying hens, in particular for poultry farming, provides a particularly simple and space-saving solution with two centrally located nest assemblies 200, 300 and two different egg paths for the nest assemblies, which run entirely or partly in one or more sections below the nest assemblies 200, 300.

Claims

1. An animal habitat (110) divided into a first habitat portion (111) and a second habitat portion (112) by a centrally located row of nests (120), The nest row (120) includes a first nest assembly (200) having a first egg path (210) and a second nest assembly (300) having a second egg path (310); A poultry containment system (100).

2. the first egg path is located between the first nest assembly (200) and the second habitat area; and / or the second egg path is located between the second nest assembly (300) and the first habitat area; and / or the first egg path and the second egg path extend along each other and / or along the length of the nest row (120); The containment system (100) of claim 1.

3. the covered section of the first egg path is provided with a first cover formed in part by a covered floor (140) configured to serve as an area usable by the poultry; and / or The covered section of the second egg path is provided with a second cover partially formed by a covered floor configured to function as an area usable by poultry. The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the lower section (212) of the first egg path extends entirely or partially below the second nest assembly (300); and / or The whole or part of the lower section of the second egg path extends below the first nest assembly (200). The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first nest assembly (200) and the second nest assembly (300) are accessible to poultry from different entrance and exit sides; The entrance side (231) of the first nest assembly (200) faces the first living area, and / or the entrance side (331) of the second nest assembly (300) faces the second living area. The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

6. In the longitudinal direction of the row of nests (120), The first nest assembly (200) and the second nest assembly (300) are arranged in series, and / or The first nest assembly (200) and the second nest assembly (300) are separated from each other by a passageway (130); The passage has a passage cover (131), The passageway cover is configured to function as a poultry usable area. The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the first habitation area (111) is inclined towards the nest row (120), and / or the first habitat (111) comprises one or more feeding devices (3) and / or one or more waterers and / or one or more perches (9); and / or the second habitation area (112) is inclined towards the nest row (120), and / or The second living area (112) has one or more feeding devices (3) and / or one or more waterers and / or one or more perches (9). The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the first egg pathway is positioned to receive eggs from the first nest assembly (200) and / or the second habitat section (112); and / or the first egg passage is located below a lower end of the first habitat (111) and / or a lower end of the second habitat (112); and / or the first egg path comprises a first conveying device for conveying eggs in the longitudinal direction of the row of nests (120); and / or the second egg passage is arranged to receive eggs from the second nest assembly (300) and / or the first habitat section (111); and / or the second egg passage is located below a lower end of the first habitat (111) and / or a lower end of the second habitat (112); and / or the second egg path includes a second conveying device that conveys eggs in the longitudinal direction of the nest row (120); The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the first habitat (111) is configured as a planked floor (8) and / or has a downward slope towards the nest row (120); and / or the second habitation area (112) is configured as a planked floor (8) and / or has a downward slope towards the nest row (120); The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the first nest assembly (200) comprises one or more individual and / or family nesting sites; and / or said second nest assembly (300) comprising one or more individual and / or family nesting sites; and / or one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the first nest assembly (200) and / or one, several or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the second nest assembly (300) are configured as nests with sloping floors and / or as nests with or without drainage devices; and / or One, more, or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the first nest assembly (200) and / or one, more, or all of the individual and / or family nesting nests of the second nest assembly (300) have nest entrances that are elevated relative to the first habitat area (111) or the second habitat area (112). The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The plurality of first nest assemblies (200) and the plurality of second nest assemblies (300) are alternately and consecutively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nest row (120) and / or are separated from each other. The containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A poultry shed for raising poultry, comprising a housing system (100) as described in claim 1 or 2.

13. - providing a poultry house with a containment system (100) according to claim 1 or 2; collecting eggs in the first egg pathway and / or the second egg pathway; Including, How to raise poultry.

Images