Response to oustanding issues Animal Husbandry MCU12/0184

I

                                                                      MW A 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