Transition in Broiler Production: The Technological Breakthrough of Environment Controlled Rearing in Kolar District

Environmental Controlled (EC) poultry production is an advanced farming methodology designed to enhance productivity and sustainability by optimizing critical environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation. This study investigates the transition of a poultry farm from conventional practices to EC systems, with data collected through expert consultations and discussions with poultry integrators. The analysis focuses on key performance indicators, including Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), profitability, mortality rates, energy consumption, and flocking density. Preliminary findings demonstrate notable improvements in efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The FCR improved from 1.8-2.0 to 1.5-1.6, indicating better feed efficiency. Average mortality rates declined significantly from 10-12% to 4-5%, contributing to increased productivity. Flocking density showed a substantial increase, raising from 7–9 birds per square meter to 13–15 birds per square meter. Additionally, total water usage and labour were reduced, reflecting enhanced resource efficiency. The adoption of EC systems also enabled shorter broiler growth cycles, ranging from 32 to 35 days, and facilitated a higher number of production cycles annually. These systems are particularly favored by integrators due to their streamlined supervision and improved supply chain management logistics. This research highlights the benefits of EC poultry production for farmers offering actionable insights and emphasizing the potential of these systems to transform the poultry industry. Future studies need to explore broader applications and long-term impacts of EC techniques in diverse agricultural settings.