Ridgewood_12-002_PrelimOMP_110913

                                                                  MWA Environmental




     Dead birds are to be stored on-site in a refrigerated environment (below 4
     degrees Celsius). On the morning of pick-up, dead birds may be transferred
     to animal and fly-proof bins for collection at a suitable location on-site. The
     dead bird collection is typically made near the entrance of the site to avoid
     biosecurity issues associated with the collection truck entering the
     production area.

     The frequency of dead bird collections varies and frequent collection is not
     critical if appropriate refrigerated storage is provided on-site. It is estimated
     that dead bird collections will be on an approximate weekly basis but may
     be more frequent towards the end of the batch depending upon storage
     capacity.

     Dead bird collections typically occur during daylight hours.



     3.1.5    BIRD PICK-UP

     Bird pick-ups can occur from approximately day 35 of the batch onwards
     and the timing and number of birds removed at each time is dictated by
     market demand for various poultry products whilst remaining within the total
     bird mass capacity of the sheds (kg per m2). Commonly a significant pick-
     up is made around day 35 and then two or three further pick-ups through
     until the end of the batch at day 55 to 59.

     Pick-up typically occurs at night to reduce bird stress during collection and
     transport.

     Catching of birds is typically done by hand with appropriate sized birds
     being gathered into cages within the sheds. The cages are then transferred
     by forklift to trucks for transport.

     The Hayes Traffic Engineering report indicates that bird removal is expected
     to generate 44 semi-trailer trips for an 8 shed farm. These trips will be
     distributed over two to four catch-out events over the batch.

     The bird pick-up crew typically comprises in the order of 5 to 6 people on-
     site.



     3.1.6    SHED CLEANOUT

     Once the final bird pick-up has been completed the poultry sheds are
     cleaned out to:

         •   Remove spent litter material which is to be replaced;
         •   Clean feed and drinker systems; and
         •   Clean mechanical ventilation system.




Ridgewood 12-002                         9                        11 September 2013