A J Forster Trial - Sterilising Air in a 26,000 Capacity Broiler Shed
TRIAL DESIGN
Two houses on the AJ Forster farm were compared during the trial. House 2 contained the Ilimex Flufence system while House 5 acted as the control. Environmental parameters were monitored using the Hotraco Fortica climate control system.
House 2 Ilimex:
House 5 Control:
SUMMARY OF CROP 2:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Record-level house performance: The Ilimex House produced the best and second-best crops ever recorded for that house, demonstrating a clear step-change in performance.
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Proven environmental control: Monitoring confirmed near-identical conditions between houses, which proves that the improved results are linked to the Ilimex system rather than external factors.
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Improved flock resilience: Crop 2 showed that even weaker flocks stabilised and improved over the cycle, highlighting Ilimex’s ability to support birds under more challenging starting conditions.
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Consistent survival gains: Mortality was consistently reduced by around 0.5%, equating to approximately 110 additional birds surviving per flock, delivering a direct and measurable production benefit.
KEY EMERGING SIGNALS FROM THE TRIAL:
Across the first two crops several consistent patterns are emerging:
1. Improved house performance relative to historical baseline
The Ilimex house has delivered the two best crops ever recorded in history for that house on this farm.
2. Potential stabilisation of weaker flocks
In Crop 2 the Ilimex house started with poorer quality chicks yet still delivered very strong performance relative to its own historical baseline.
3. Mortality reduction
Both crops show approximately a 0.5% reduction in mortality in the Ilimex house.
For a typical flock of ~22,000 birds this equates to roughly 110 additional birds surviving per crop.
CROP COMPARISON:
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS:
Data from the first two crops proves that improved air quality within the poultry house can support stronger flock resilience and overall performance.
The consistent reduction in mortality across both crops is particularly notable and aligns with the intended function of the Ilimex Flufence system. This reduces airborne pathogen’s and strengthens house biosecurity, and creating a more stable environment for bird health and survival.
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS:
The overall improvement compared with the house’s historical performance proves the Ilimex system supports healthier improvements in flock performance.
This includes strengthening biosecurity, better bird survival, improved weight outcomes and stronger flock resilience. Mortality reduction was also consistently observed across both crops.
