Executive Summary: Located in Bulgaria, Djeni Farm is an extensive egg production enterprise with a capacity exceeding 500,000 hens, spread across seven specialized buildings. This case study explores the challenges and successful mitigation of severe red poultry mite infestations that significantly impacted the farm’s operations and poultry health.

Problem Statement: Djeni Farm was grappling with an alarming level of red poultry mite infestation, rated at the highest severity of 4+. This severe infestation led to substantial clusters of mites throughout the facilities, undermining the health of the hens and reducing overall productivity.

Solution Implementation: The farm adopted the Pulcap treatment, a targeted two-step process utilizing an innovative sprayer designed to administer the treatment effectively across various surfaces, particularly the plastic components prevalent in the farm’s Zukami equipment. Initiated on March 4, 2020, while the hens were present, the treatment promised a non-toxic, safe, and long-lasting solution to the pest problem.

Outcomes: The immediate application of Pulcap produced visible results almost instantaneously, with a dramatic decrease in mite infestation observed within days. Continuous treatment and regular maintenance up to the last recorded treatment on July 12, 2024, have maintained low infestation levels, currently assessed at 1+, indicating minimal impact on the hens’ health and farm productivity.

Analysis: The implementation of Pulcap showcased the effectiveness of a methodical pest control strategy in large-scale agricultural settings. Regular application and adherence to the treatment protocol have not only controlled the existing infestation but also prevented potential future outbreaks.

Conclusion: Djeni Farm’s experience illustrates the critical importance of adopting innovative, effective, and sustainable pest control measures in maintaining the health and productivity of large-scale poultry operations. Pulcap has proven to be a cornerstone in the farm’s operational strategy, ensuring ongoing success and stability.

Ramuta Farm, located in Slovenia, specializes in egg production with an aviary system. The farm consists of four facilities, each with a capacity of 50,000 laying hens. Faced with a significant problem of red poultry mites affecting hen health and production efficiency, it was decided to implement treatment with Pulcap.

Problem

Before the treatment, the infestation level of red mites was marked as 3+ on a scale from 1+ to 4+, indicating a high degree of infestation adversely affecting production and hen health.

Solution

The Pulcap product was chosen for its effectiveness in eliminating red poultry mites. The product was prepared by mixing with water at a 10% Pulcap ratio, forming an emulsion that was applied to all surfaces within the facilities. Equipment was prepared and treated with the emulsion, applied using systemically connected hoses to a wall-mounted frame, allowing thorough soaking of all surfaces and preventing the movement and nesting of mites. Additionally, technical surfaces were sprayed by hand.

Results

One month after the chickens were moved in, there were absolutely no traces of red poultry mites. The infestation level was reduced to 1+, which does not impact production or hen health. Since the first treatment on September 21, 2020, the facilities are only prepared before the introduction of new flocks. The hens are healthy and productive, and egg production proceeds smoothly according to company plans.

Discussion

The application of Pulcap showed remarkable results in eliminating red poultry mites, contributing significantly to the improvement of hen health and production efficiency. This case can serve as a model for other farms facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

The case study at Ramuta Farm demonstrates the effectiveness of Pulcap in combating red poultry mites, affirming its potential as a solution for enhancing production conditions and health in poultry operations.

Introduction: In the competitive arena of egg production, poultry red mite infestations represent a significant threat to productivity and animal welfare. This case study explores how Pulcap’s innovative approach to mite control helped a Hungarian farm overcome extreme infestation challenges, drastically reducing mortality rates and stabilizing production.

Background: A large egg production farm in Hungary faced severe challenges due to poultry red mite infestations. The infestation was so acute that the cost attributed to mite-related issues reached up to €2.5 per hen, significantly impacting the farm’s profitability. Initial assessments showed alarmingly high mortality rates among the hens due to the mites’ impact.

Challenge: The farm’s initial data revealed a mortality rate of 16.34% by the 41st week in facility number three, vastly exceeding the Lohmann production technology standard of 1.9%. Similarly, facility number four reported a mortality rate of 25.07% by the 53rd week, where the expected rate should have been only 3.1%. These figures highlighted the urgent need for an effective solution.

Solution Implemented: Pulcap’s treatment was introduced as a crucial intervention. The product, known for its non-toxic and highly effective formulation, was applied alongside additional vitamins to support the exhausted hens. Pulcap’s approach focuses on creating a hostile environment for mites, suffocating them by blocking their respiratory systems without harming the hens.

Results: Two to three months post-treatment, the results were significant:

In facility three, mortality decreased to 1.65%, aligning with the Lohmann Management Guide’s expectation of a 0.9% increase during this period.
In facility four, mortality was reduced to 2.14%, close to the Lohmann expectation of 1.4%.
The successful implementation of Pulcap led to a new annual contract for pre-inhabitation treatment of empty farm facilities, demonstrating confidence in the continuous efficacy of Pulcap’s solution.

Extended Impact: In the following year, the mortality rate in the 75th week was reduced to 4.23%, compared to a potential of 5.30% as per Lohmann standards. Previously, mortality had spiked to 30% around the same time. The reduction in mortality saved approximately 6,000 hens, equating to savings of around €18,000 for the farm.

Conclusion: This case in Hungary is a testament to Pulcap’s effectiveness not only in addressing immediate mite infestations but also in establishing a sustainable, healthy environment for egg production over the long term. Pulcap has proven its value as a cost-effective, efficient solution that aligns with the economic goals and health standards of modern egg production facilities.