If you’re trying to decide between cage vs slatted floor poultry systems, this article will help you get started.
As you are already aware, deciding between poultry systems can be a daunting task. In addition to your personal preferences, there are other factors that you need to take into consideration.
Moreover, you may find yourself at the mercy of factors beyond your control. For instance, market perception and demand, and applicable poultry farming regulations.
Cage vs slatted floor poultry systems defined
Caged / battery system
Briefly, in a cage or battery housing system, birds are kept in small compartments or cages. These are usually fixed to stands, and have feed and water delivery systems attached to them.
Slatted floor / wired floor system
In a slatted floor or wired floor housing system, birds are kept on meshed floors that are placed above the ground. Since the slatted or wired mesh serves as the living space, no bedding material is required. Slatted floors allow litter to drop through thereby maintaining a clean living surface for the birds.
Cage vs slatted floor poultry systems compared
The following comparison is not comprehensive. Nonetheless it is enough to give you a good grasp of the difference between caged and slatted floor poultry systems.
| Caged / Battery system | Slated floor system | |
|---|---|---|
| System classification | Intensive | Intensive |
| Capital requirements | Very high | High |
| Land requirements | Low | Low |
| Living surface / space | Cages | Slatted floor |
| Feed conversion ratio (FCR) | Applicable | Applicable |
| Scientific method effectiveness | High | High |
| Biosecurity effectiveness | High | High |
| Disease risk | Cage paralysis, Layer fatigue Breast blisters | |
| Labor needs | Very high / Automate-able | High |
| Animal welfare perception | Low | Medium |
| Produce perception | Conventional | Conventional |
Since we intend to update this comparison in the future, let us know what you think in the comments section below.