Germany hatches over 250 million day-old chicks per year in HatchCare  

What has inspired German poultry farmers to switch, in only two years, from fully traditional hatching to hatching in HatchCare, the hatcher with feed, water and light? 

The answer is twofold. First, they have been looking for a hatchery system that not only meets the growing interests of their stakeholders, but is also more animal-friendly and above all transparent. Second, they need stronger, healthier day-old chicks that perform better in the broiler house and fit into an antibiotic-free (ABF) production chain.

Since the introduction of HatchCare, the German poultry industry has fully recognised the benefits of early feeding and has taken the lead in Europe. The first HatchCare systems were installed by Germany’s largest day-old chick producer in 2014. Currently, over 35 machines are in use, and that number continues to grow. And today, we are on the eve of the launch of the new Optibrut HatchCare Centre.

The Optibrut HatchCare Centre is unique in being transparent in all respects. Visitors walk along glass corridors, technical and social areas are fully transparent, and at the heart of the system is the modern, transparent, early-feeding system, HatchCare. This patented concept results in superior chick quality, and therefore also stronger and healthier birds that fit well in an ABF production chain.

We are incredibly proud that 40% of the German poultry industry has already switched to HatchCare. It shows that the system is sound and meets customers’ needs. With the new Optibrut HatchCare Centre about to go operational in November and large-scale HatchCare projects in the UK, Poland and France to be announced soon, we feel very confident about the future. In that context, we invite you to contact us. We will be pleased to tell you more about the HatchCare story and explore with you how your company can benefit of these exciting developments.  

Joost ter Heerdt 
Commercial Director