Overview

This case study explores the application of Pulcap at a prominent organic egg farm in Italy, highlighting the efficacy and operational intricacies of using this innovative solution in a challenging farm setup. The farm, which operates under strict organic standards, required a solution that adheres to its commitment to sustainability without compromising the health and productivity of its hens.

Farm Profile

• Location: Italy
• Type of Farm: Organic egg production
• Housing System: Voliere system
• Capacity: Two facilities with a total capacity of 68,000 hens

Challenge

The farm’s operations include two separate facilities, each designed to house a significant number of laying hens under a voliere system. The complexity of this system, especially in an organic farming context, poses significant challenges for maintenance and mite management. The farm staff had to handle the application process manually due to the intricate setup of the equipment, adding to the labor intensity of the process.

Solution Implementation

– Initial Application:

• Date: August 22, 2023
• Facility: First building with 40,000 hens
• Process: Manual application
• Duration: 8 hours of labor

– Follow-Up Application:

• Date: September 20, 2024
• Facility: Second building with 28,000 hens
• Process: Adapted application based on previous experience

Results

The implementation of Pulcap provided effective mite management for a prolonged period of eight months, demonstrating its efficacy in an organic farming environment. The manual application, although labor-intensive, ensured that the product was applied thoroughly, accounting for the unique setup of each facility. The follow-up application on the smaller facility was carried out with adjustments made from insights gained during the initial process, optimizing both time and coverage.

Conclusion

The use of Pulcap in an organic egg production facility in Italy showcases the product’s adaptability and effectiveness in complex and labor-intensive environments. Despite the initial challenges associated with manual application, the outcomes highlight significant benefits in maintaining hen health and productivity while adhering to organic farming standards. This case underlines the importance of tailored application strategies to maximize both efficacy and operational efficiency in sustainable agriculture.