Big Innovations: Award-winning, Future-ready Equipment Steals the Show

Modernity reigned at the EuroTier 2024 show in Hanover, Germany where Big Dutchman bagged 3 Silver Awards for Innovation. The awards went to 3 products that raised the bar for future-ready solutions – these were Sharky 430 Cleaning Robot, MultiVacc Vaccinator and BioTag+ Sensor Ear Tag. 

CEO Bernd Meerpohl, who was pleased with the outcome of the trade show said, “these awards reflect our drive towards creating innovative and future-ready solutions for the challenges of modern agriculture.” All the winning equipment were also lauded for their role in enhancing animal welfare, which is an aspect that Big Dutchman has been focused on for the last decade.

Now let’s take a closer look at these innovations and how it meets the challenges of modern livestock production: 

Sharky 430: Revolutionary Cleaning Robot for Aviary Systems

Big Dutchman, in collaboration with Sweden’s Envirologic AB, has introduced the Sharky 430—a groundbreaking automated cleaning robot for rearing and laying aviaries. This innovative solution is designed to reduce farmers’ workloads and enhance hygiene in poultry houses. With its ability to clean larger aviaries and work independently, Sharky 430 sets a new standard for innovation in the poultry industry, making it an essential investment for farmers seeking operational efficiency. Key Features of Sharky 430 include: 

1. Slim and Agile Design

• The Sharky 430 is compact, making it ideal for navigating the confined spaces of aviaries
• Equipped with a well-designed cleaning arm featuring a nozzle, it can easily access hard-to-reach areas, including:
  • Nests
  • Troughs
  • Other challenging spots

2. Flexible Cleaning Programs

• Cleaning programs can be tailored to match specific aviary types, ensuring optimal performance
• For Big Dutchman aviaries, pre-programmed cleaning sequences are already included
• It is effective in cleaning large systems, handling dimensions up to:
  • 3.6 metres wide
  • 4.3 metres high

3. Advanced Automation

• Operates without guide rails, offering seamless, contact-free cleaning
• Functions without the need for human supervision, even during the night
• Provides real-time updates via automatic status messages sent to the farmer’s smartphone

4. Long-Distance Flexibility

• A supply line of up to 130 metres is laid automatically, enhancing the robot’s operational range and flexibility

MultiVacc: Effective and Welfare-Friendly Poultry Vaccinator 

MultiVacc is a revolutionary innovation for vaccinating pullets and laying hens. This semi-automatic, mobile device redefines the vaccination process by administering five precise injections in a single operation—four breast injections and one wing injection. MultiVacc represents a significant improvement over existing vaccinators, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, precision, and bird welfare. Its combination of advanced technology, ease of use, and welfare-friendly design makes it a major step forward in poultry vaccination practices. Key features of MultiVacc include: 

1. Simultaneous Five-Injection Capability

• Four breast injectors and one wing injector work simultaneously, optimising the vaccination process
• This unique feature significantly reduces vaccination time compared to traditional methods, which typically allow only two breast injections at a time

2. Ergonomic and User-Friendly Design

• Designed with ergonomics in mind, MultiVacc ensures ease of use for operators, reducing strain during long vaccination sessions
• Settings can be conveniently configured on a tablet or smartphone and transferred to the device, simplifying operation and minimising errors

3. Central Control Unit

• A built-in control unit monitors the vaccination process, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Key functionalities include:
  • Correct dosing of the vaccine for every bird
  • Tracking the number of vaccinated birds
  • Logging vaccine bottle changes
  • Documenting any errors during the process
     

BioTag+: Smart Sow Management with Sensor Ear Tags 

Big Dutchman, in collaboration with BioCV GmbH, has introduced BioTag+, a cutting-edge sensor ear tag for sows. This innovative device sets a new benchmark in modern sow management, offering real-time monitoring and analysis of movement and temperature data using a self-learning algorithm. BioTag+ combines advanced technology with practical usability, transforming the way sows are managed. By providing real-time data on health, reproduction, and farrowing, it empowers farmers to make informed decisions while enhancing animal welfare and operational efficiency. Key features of BioTag+ include: 

1. Continuous Data Monitoring

• Movement and Temperature Tracking: BioTag+ continuously records the sows’ activity and body temperature
• Self-Learning Algorithm: Advanced AI analyzes the data to detect crucial parameters, such as:
  • Oestrus cycles
  • Imminent farrowing
  • Signs of lameness or disease
• Real-Time Alerts: Data is transmitted instantly to the cloud via an IoT gateway, ensuring timely actions

2. IoT Integration

• The cloud-based system enables automatic and individual control of housing equipment
• Efficient data communication is powered by the Bluetooth 5.2 standard, offering improved connectivity and accuracy

3. User-Friendly Technology

• The intuitive design allows even less experienced staff to work confidently and effectively.
• Cloud-based analyses simplify herd monitoring and decision-making.

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