Introduction
Today almost every sector is reaping the benefits of advanced technologies. One such sector is the poultry business. The poultry sector is leading its way towards the adoption of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, AI, cloud computing, big data, etc.
Technology solutions can bring the best out of the poultry business. But one technology solution that can take any poultry business to the next level is remote monitoring and control. This technology has a major role in the creation of smart poultry farms by the application of the Internet of Things.
So, let us discuss IoT-based remote monitoring and control and how it can take a poultry business to the next level.
What is Remote Monitoring?
Remote monitoring and control automates the large and complex processes and controls IT systems. They comprise a combination of digital and mechanical components that can jointly capture, analyze and take action based on a higher volume of information.
The remote monitoring system comprises a combination of sensors, central computer systems, network connections, and actuators.
The monitoring systems observe and record data about any condition, such as temperature, through the sensors and control system maintain or change the state of the conditions through the use of actuators. The users can monitor the temperature through a connected device from a different location and make any changes on the device.
How Remote Monitoring and Control Works in Poultry Farms?
Remote condition monitoring is most commonly applied in broiler and egg production. Environmental factors play a significant role in the development of birds and their quality.
With the help of remote sensing technology, the farmers can be in contact with the farms remotely and get visibility in real-time environmental conditions.
The two factors that play can impact the quality and health of birds is temperature and humidity. Most poultry farms face issues related to the disease and death of birds due to improper control and management of these conditions.
With remote monitoring and control system, the farmers can manage various poultry farm parameters and control them with the mobile or web application. The monitoring and control of conditions help in brooding and hatching.
For instance, the ideal temperature for brooding is between 87 – 92° F. Now, the farmer has to make sure the temperature stays within the threshold limit. If the temperature in the brooding area the temperature goes beyond the threshold limit, which means it either increases from 92° F or decreases from 87° F, then it will affect the brooding. It will result in poor feed conversion, poor growth, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Without an IoT-based remote condition monitoring system, then a concerned person has to keep a regular check on the temperature and manually monitor and control the temperature. It is not possible to keep a regular check on the conditions manually, and it is apparent that manual operations are prone to errors.
A remote condition monitoring system automates the process of brooding so the farmer can monitor and control the temperature automatically. The system monitors the temperature at regular intervals and records the temperature. In case the temperature reaches the threshold limit, the system alerts the concerned user on a connected mobile device to take immediate action. The user can control the temperature using the same device.
So the farmer does not need to stay in the brooding area to keep a regular check on the temperature. That’s how remote monitoring eases the work of poultry farmers.
How IoT based Remote Monitoring benefits Poultry Farms?
Improves bird health
One issue that is pertinent in poultry farms is the health of birds. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and pollution can cause diseases among birds, especially chicks. It hampers the growth of birds and increases the rate of respiration, diarrhea, and mortality. Remote monitoring and control solution reduces this rate to a great level and improve birds’ health by monitoring and maintaining the environmental conditions and making it suitable for bird health.
Accurate and Reliable Data Collection
The farmers need to collect data on various parameters such as bird weight, temperature, humidity, etc. But manually monitoring and recording the data can be a hassle. Also, manual operations performed by humans are error-prone. The pricing of farm produce depends on the data that farmer collects, and any error in that data can affect farm profits.
But with a sophisticated monitoring system, the farmers don’t need to go through the hassles as the system automatically monitors and records the data. IT systems work with zero errors, and hence it increases the reliability and accuracy of the data collection process.
Improves Performance and Productivity
The IoT-based remote monitoring system records data and performs operations faster than humans. It automates the farm processes, which requires less and improves overall efficiency and supply chain traceability.
Also, the farmers can monitor the performance remotely, which saves the extra time and effort of farmers because inputting manual data is not required.
Remote monitoring and control allow farmers to track the products regularly and take action in case of any anomalies in any operation. It makes the farmers proactive as they can respond to detect any issue before it occurs and respond faster.
Enhances the Quality of production
One major issue that poultry farmers face is maintaining the quality of production. Due to various environmental factors, the quality of production gets affected.
But, the automation of hatchery and brooding improves the processes and results in increased resistance to disease, reduced feed conversion rates, and a better yield of meat and eggs. Better processes mean better quality of production.
Wrapping Up
The IoT-based remote monitoring and control is a technology solution that can take any poultry farm’s business to the next level. It improves the health, performance, and welfare of poultry farms.
Poultry farmers can reach their highest potential if they can free themselves from manual, error-prone, and time-consuming processes. Now that you know the benefits of this revolutionary solution, it’s time to take the lead and adopt these solutions.