Amid ongoing challenges in Pakistan's poultry industry—where limited scale and rising operational costs hamper growth—one medium-sized farm dared to rethink its production system. By investing in a customized A-type layer battery cage designed to house 20,000 laying hens, this operation unlocked unprecedented capacity and operational efficiency. The secret lies not only in scaling numbers but also in leveraging automated feeding and manure removal combined with rugged, climate-adaptive materials.
Before adoption of the customized cages, the farm struggled with cramped space, amplified labor costs, and inconsistent egg yields—common pain points in mid-tier poultry operations across Pakistan. With ambient temperatures ranging from sweltering 50°C summers to near-freezing winters at -20°C, traditional cages frequently suffered from corrosion and structural fatigue, limiting longevity and performance. These constraints capped their annual output under 12,000 hens, restricting revenue potential.
Crafted from Q235 hot-dip galvanized steel, the new cages excel in durability and corrosion resistance—critical for environments with drastic temperature swings. This choice ensures structural integrity and surface protection, virtually eliminating rust over a 10+ year expected lifespan. The steel’s flexibility accommodates minute expansions and contractions without compromising cage stability, allowing continuous operation in Pakistan’s extreme climates.
The customized A-type layout optimizes vertical layering, enabling the farm to significantly increase stocking density without compromising hen comfort or health. This flexibility in cage dimensions meets specific farm logistics and biosecurity standards. Integrating adjustable perches and nesting spaces tailored to hen behavior, the cages enhance well-being—a proven factor in sustaining egg production rates above 90% during peak seasons.
A cornerstone of the system is its automated feeding and manure removal mechanisms. Automated feeders accurately dispense nutrients in time-controlled cycles, eliminating human error and feed wastage, which previously accounted for up to 20% loss. Simultaneously, the conveyor-based manure cleaning reduces labor hours by 60%, prevents environmental contamination, and improves hen hygiene—directly impacting egg quality and quantity.
Within the first 6 months post-installation, the farm reported a remarkable 55% increase in hen capacity alongside a 25% improvement in average egg production rate, surging from 70% to over 90% during peak laying periods. Labor costs dropped by approximately 35%, contributing to a 40% reduction in overall operational expenses per egg produced.
“Implementing the customized cages transformed our entire operational model. Not only did we scale up to 20,000 hens seamlessly, but automation cut down daily manual tasks, allowing staff to focus on health monitoring and egg quality — outcomes we didn't expect so soon.” — Farm Manager, Lahore Poultry Co.
This case underscores how mid-sized farms worldwide can embrace tailored technology solutions to overcome local growth barriers. Investing in durable, climate-adapted materials combined with automation for routine tasks can unlock fresh avenues for profitability and sustainability. For farms battling labor shortages or fluctuating yield rates, customized cages offer a pragmatic upgrade path.