Poultry Euthanasia Device Using Conveyor and CO2 Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for on-farm poultry euthanasia are inefficient, labor-intensive, and raise animal welfare concerns due to the use of archaic and inconsistent Modified Atmospheric Killing (MAK) carts and dump trucks, which require excessive CO2 and are not humane, leading to issues with brittle bones and disease control.
Innovation Solution
A poultry euthanasia device, referred to as the 'hen sleeper,' that gradually increases CO2 concentration, using high-pressure liquid CO2 injection to ensure efficient and humane euthanasia, with a conveyor system for controlled CO2 exposure and efficient CO2 management, allowing for high-volume processing and discreet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MAK carts are used for on-farm poultry euthanasia, then the process can be performed on-farm, but the method is slow, labor-intensive, and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual MAK cart operations with an automated conveyor system that mechanically transports birds through controlled CO2 environments. The conveyor belt system automatically moves birds through different CO2 concentration zones, eliminating manual handling and significantly increasing processing speed while maintaining on-farm capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-zone CO2 concentration system where different sections of the conveyor path have progressively increasing CO2 concentrations. This parameter gradient allows birds to gradually acclimate to higher CO2 levels, improving euthanasia consistency and effectiveness while maintaining high throughput
2Reliability
If CO2 gas bottles are used in MAK carts, then euthanasia can be performed, but excessive CO2 is required (34 bottles for 40,000 birds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of CO2 from gas to liquid and back to gas. Liquid CO2 is stored in pressurized tanks, then vaporized and introduced into the conveyor chambers. This phase transition approach allows for more efficient CO2 storage and delivery, reducing overall consumption while maintaining effective euthanasia concentrations throughout the processing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous CO2 delivery through the conveyor system rather than discrete dosing. CO2 is continuously introduced along the conveyor path, maintaining effective concentrations throughout the bird population simultaneously. This continuous action approach improves CO2 utilization efficiency compared to batch processing with separate bottles
3Ease of operation
If barn doors are opened for MAK cart operation, then birds can be accessed, but increased light makes animals more nervous and difficult to catch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the euthanasia process from the traditional barn interior to an external conveyor-based system. Birds are conveyed through enclosed chambers on the MAK device exterior, allowing barn doors to remain closed while still providing access to birds through the conveyor entry point. This dimensional shift eliminates the need to open barn doors, reducing animal stress from increased light
4Productivity
If covered dump trucks are used for euthanasia, then large volumes can be processed, but birds are tossed about causing bone breakage and CO2 waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tossing and dumping action with a gentle conveyor belt transport system. Birds are conveyed through enclosed chambers on the MAK device, eliminating the violent motion that causes bone breakage in traditional dump truck methods. The conveyor system maintains bird integrity throughout the euthanasia process while still handling large volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates enclosed inert atmosphere chambers along the conveyor path where CO2 is introduced. This contained environment ensures CO2 remains concentrated around the birds throughout the euthanasia process, preventing waste from CO2 escaping during transport or handling. The inert atmosphere approach maintains both high productivity and CO2 efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hen sleeper provides a humane, efficient, and cost-effective solution for euthanizing large numbers of birds quickly, reducing labor and CO2 usage, while ensuring animal welfare and compliance with AVMA guidelines, with the ability to handle whole birds or grind them for composting, and can be easily integrated into existing farm operations.
Implementation Method 1
gradually increases CO2 concentration
Implementation Method 2
using high-pressure liquid CO2 injection
Data Source
AI summary
A poultry euthanasia device in which hens pass on belts though a gas proof enclosure with increasing concentration levels of toxic gas for more humane euthanasia, and exit the machine deceased. The device has an entry chute which is connectable to a hen house located to either side of the unit, or behind the unit. A number of belts carry the hens through the machine, and they painlessly go to sleep and die due to a high CO2 atmosphere.