DK178825B1

DK178825B1 - Broiler Transport Unit

Info

Publication number: DK178825B1
Application number: DKPA201470063A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Uffe Thrane
Original assignee: Linco Food Systems As
Priority date: 2014-02-05
Filing date: 2014-02-05
Publication date: 2017-02-27
Also published as: DK201470063A1

Abstract

A broiler transport unit has side walls and at least three floors defining at least three inner volumes. The inner volumes can each accommodate at least five live broilers during transportation to a slaughterhouse. At least one ventilation column extends into the broiler transport unit and has at least one ventilation opening inside each inner volume.

Description

The present invention relates to a broiler transport unit having side walls and at least three floors defining at least three inner volumes, which inner volumes can each accommodate at least five live broilers during transportation to a slaughterhouse.

Transport units of this type are known for example from EP 1 330 952 B1 and EP 0 384 530 A1 and have found very wide use in the transportation of poultry from farms to slaughterhouses and provide a very high transport capacity. Transport units with several floors are filled by filling one floor at the time, beginning from the bottom floor. An example of this is described in EP 0 384 530 A1 where part of the upper floors is shifted aside in order to provide access to the bottom floor. When the bottom floor has been loaded, the floor above is closed, and loading proceeds on this floor, and so forth until the loading of the transport unit is completed. The shifting of floor areas to open and close access is simple and can be quickly operated in a safe manner. This is believed to be factors explaining the extensive use of transport units for broiler transportation. Broiler catching and feedings systems are in widespread use, as they provide mechanical catching of the broilers. A broiler catcher is described in US 4,508,062 and such systems currently deliver broilers at rates from 50 per minute to more than 200 per minute. The loading of broilers into the transport units thus occurs quickly, and easy and safe operation of the transport unit during loading is a factor to take into account.

Broilers are slaughter-ready chickens or hens or turkeys grown to be ready for being slaughtered for meat to consumers, and they have a fully developed feathering and a considerable weight of at least 1.6 kg per broiler.

An overview of current practices is given by the European Food Safety Authority in the scientific report Overview on current practices of poultry slaughtering and poultry meat inspection", by Dr Ulrich Lohren, Supporting Publications 2012: EN-298. In the report the broiler transport units are called container systems, which are transport units having several floors in a fixed frame, and they are to be distinguished from liners, which are cages fixed on the truck, and also to be distinguished from crates, as described in for example GB 2 129 672 A. According to the report 30% of current (year 2012) broiler transport takes place in crates, and 70% takes place in container sys- terns like the broiler transport unit relevant to the present invention.

Even though the side walls and floors in the transport units are of a design with many openings, practice have shown that it is often difficult to achieve sufficient ventilation in these transport units. Insufficient ventilation not only leads to an increased number of broilers dying during the transport, but also to reduced meat quality due to increased stress levels in the live broilers. The number of broilers, which are dead on arrival (DOA) at the slaughterhouse, and the frequency of the so-called PSE meat (pale, soft, exudative meat), which is a sign of stress, are widely used parameters in the evaluation of broiler transportation efficiency.

Openings in the floors of the broiler transport unit on the other hand involve the risk of broilers becoming stuck, in particular during longer transports, where for example a toe projecting into an opening may swell and lock the toe to the floor.

Even with broiler transport units with a very large number of openings both in the floors and in the side walls, it has proven difficult to ascertain sufficient ventilation, especially during warm weather conditions, even if the transportation is carried out during night time or early morning hours. If a trailer or truck is not driving, such as when the truck transporting the broiler transport units comes to a hold, for example in case of traffic jams, natural ventilation becomes less, because the speed wind caused by driving disappears. In order to provide more reliable ventilation, trailers or trucks have been provided with mechanical ventilation by placing ventilators at the end of the vehicle and ventilate into an aisle or by placing ventilators in the side of the vehicle and ventilate across the vehicle. Despite these efforts, the percentage of meat downgraded due to stress-related imperfections, such as PSE, is still considerable, and the welfare of the broilers during transportation is a concern.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a broiler transport unit, which allows broilers to be transported with less stress, both during transportation and also at standstill, thus improving both the broiler welfare and the resulting quality of the meat.

With a view to this the broiler transport unit according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one ventilation column extends into the broiler transport unit and has at least one ventilation opening inside each inner volume, and that at least one ventilation opening on the ventilation column is located at a distance of at least 0.17 m from all side walls.

The provision of at least one ventilation opening on the at least one ventilation column inside the individual inner volume means that adequate ventilation is provided also to the broilers standing inside the inner volume behind at least one outer line of other broilers. In the prior art units with many ventilation openings in the side walls and in the bottom, the ventilation to broilers inside the unit is believed to be insufficient or not sufficiently effective under all transport conditions, and this is now believed to be caused by the fully developed feathering of the broilers.

During transportation the outermost line or row of broilers may block or hinder ventilation from outside into the broiler transport unit through the side walls, and the ventilation rate passing up through the floor may also be insufficient because the feathering of the broilers presents a barrier for ventilation in the vertical direction inside the inner volume of the broiler transport unit. The broiler transport unit according to the present invention has at least one ventilation column extending into the inner volume, and the ventilation column improves to a considerable degree the ventilation conditions for broilers located behind other broilers.

The distance of at least 0.17 m between at least one ventilation opening on the ventilation column and all of the side walls ensures that a ventilation opening is inside the inner volume for delivering ventilation to broilers behind broilers placed along the side walls. If transporting turkey broilers it may be expedient to increase the distance of the at least one ventilation opening from the side walls. Further ventilation openings inside the inner volume of the broiler transport unit may be provided at larger distances from the side walls, in particular when the broiler transport unit is sized to transport many broilers.

In an embodiment the at least one ventilation column extends downwards through the uppermost inner volumes. In this manner also the lower most inner volume can be supplied with ventilation air, even if the at least one ventilation column is terminated with an end opening located in the lowermost inner volume at the ceiling. However, it is preferred that the at least one ventilation column extends through all the inner volumes to a downwards facing end opening at the lower side of the broiler transport unit, because this allows broiler transport units to be stacked with the ventilation columns in extension of one another. In a further embodiment one ventilation column extends into some of the inner volumes, and another ventilation column extends into other of the inner volumes. A ventilation device may be arranged above the transport unit, or the ventilation device may be located in the bottom support structure of the transport unit, so that the ventilation device provides for ventilation air to the at least one ventilation column. A ventilation device in a ventilation arrangement is preferably provided on the trailer used for transport, and following loading onto the trailer, the at least one ventilation column is connected to the associated ventilation device, which may be a ventilation channel forming part of a common ventilation system, or a local ventilator positioned on the ventilation column. More than one ventilation column can be present in the transport unit, and a ventilation device may be provided for each ventilation column in the unit.

It is an advantage if the at least one column is shaped in a manner suitable for contact with the broilers, since the risk of injuries, such as bruises and broken wings caused from bumping into a column during filling of broilers into the transport unit, should preferably be minimized. If the support column has an outer diameter in the range from 7 cm to 30 cm, such as in the range from 10 cm to 24 cm, preferably in the range from 12 cm to 21 cm the risk of the broiler being hurt will be low. If the diameter is well below 7 cm a wing may be subjected to too high a local load when the broilers arrive in the transport unit at high speed. If the diameter is well above 30 cm too much floor area is consumed by the column. It is presently considered particularly advantageous that the column is both rounded, possibly even having a circular in cross-section, and has a diameter within the intervals given above. In general, a larger surface area of the individual ventilation columns reduces the risk of injuries, but the shape of the columns and particularly the absence of sharp edges are also of importance. A large surface area (e.g. by a large diameter) of the individual column also provides a larger area to distribute the ventilation openings on the column over a larger portion of the inner volumes and thus ensure a more even distribution of ventilation air to broilers present in the inner areas of the inner volumes.

The size and shape of the individual ventilation openings may vary greatly, depending for example on the size and shape and the locations of the ventilation columns, but in a preferred embodiment the opening area of the ventilation openings on the at least one ventilation column inside the individual inner volume have a total area in the range of 0.5% to 10% of the area of the floor of the inner volume in the broiler transport unit. These opening areas are for supply of ventilation air into the inner volume, and there may in addition be other ventilation openings for transporting air out of the inner volume. The opening areas must be of a certain size for providing a good distribution of air to all broilers held in the inner volume of the broiler transport unit, and the total opening area also influences the velocity of the air flowing through the ventilation openings for a given ventilation rate. If the total area is larger than said 10% the air velocity may become too low for the air to penetrate a sufficient distance from the opening or openings into the inner volume. On the other hand, if the total area is less than said 0.5% the velocity of the air becomes so high that broilers standing close to the ventilation opening may be stressed by the inflow of air.

When the ventilation openings in the ventilation column or columns located inside an individual inner volume have a total area in the range of 1.5% to 7% of the area of the floor of the inner volume, then it is possible to provide all broilers with a sufficient amount of ventilation air to keep them at a level of comfort that allows broilers to sleep without any heavy breathing for relief of heat, and at the same time the ventilation air velocities are within comfort levels.

When the ventilation openings in the ventilation columns have a total area in the range of 2% to 4% of the area of the floor, the majority of broilers have excellent conditions. Some of the broilers located at the largest distances from ventilation openings may have less optimum conditions, but yet conditions that are not expected to cause concern with respect to welfare and occurrence of PSE in the meat.

With respect to the area of the ventilation openings in the ventilation columns it is noted that the openings are located within the inner volume of the broiler transport unit, and the ventilation opening area is as such not comparable with ventilation opening areas for openings in the side wall or in the bottom of the transport unit.

It is also noted that it is possible to apply either an overpressure in the ventilation columns to ventilate air into the inner volumes via the ventilation openings, or an underpressure in the ventilation columns to draw air out of the inner volumes via the ventilation openings, but in any case the inner volumes are ventilated from within the inner volumes, and not only ventilated via air pressed in from outside the outer side walls or the bottom wall or top wall of the broiler transport unit. It is possible to have an overpressure in one ventilation column of a broiler transport unit and an underpressure in another so that air flows from the one to the other via the inner volumes, but it may be expedient to have the same type of pressure in all columns and to provide ventilation openings in the side walls or floor of the unit, so that air flows between the columns and these openings.

In order to further facilitate an even distribution of the ventilation air, an embodiment has, in addition to at least one ventilation column located at a distance from all side walls, at least one outer side wall joined with at least a section of a ventilation column wall having ventilation openings. This is particularly advantageous in broiler transport units having side walls with no or only a limited number of ventilation openings in them. Such ventilation column sections or localized ventilation openings in the side walls are suitable to control the flow of ventilation air out of the inner volumes of the broiler transport units, and this may provide several advantages, such as controlled receipt of spent ventilation air, and partial recirculation thereof in order to obtain a sufficiently warm ventilation air mix when the ambient climate is cold. Another advantage is that the complete control of both inflow and outflow of ventilation air in channels defined by the ventilation columns and by the ventilation channels defined by the side walls allow the ventilation system to be largely independent of pressure variations along the length of the trailer or truck caused by driving the truck or trailer on the road and caused by variations in the driving speed due to road and traffic conditions.

When two transport units are arranged side by side with their side walls close to each other, such sections of a ventilation column in the side walls of the two units may together form one joint ventilation column providing ventilation for both units, such as outflow of ventilation air from both units, if the at least one ventilation column inside the inner volume of either unit is supplied with inflow of ventilation air.

In an embodiment the at least one ventilation column extends from one side wall and into the inner volume in direction of another side wall in the broiler transport unit. This can be useful if the trailer is provided with ventilation devices in a side wall of the trailer so that the ventilation devices deliver ventilation air to the horizontally arranged ventilation columns in the broiler transport units. With respect to providing ventilation to the inner volumes in the unit for obtaining ventilating inside out, it is perfectly possible to arrange the ventilation columns in the horizontal direction or mainly in the horizontal direction, just as they may also be arranged in the vertical direction or mainly in the vertical direction. The individual ventilation column may be provided with a series of ventilation openings along its length so as to provide a plurality of separate ventilation openings across the width of the relevant inner volume of the unit or with at least one elongate opening providing a uniform air flow along a section of the ventilation column length. The ventilation column may be arranged in connection with the floor of the broiler transport unit, the floor possibly forming one wall or section of the ventilation column. The ventilation column can also preferably be arranged at a distance above the floor, preferably at a height corresponding to the level of the necks of the broilers, or even at a larger height for allowing broilers to pass underneath the column, possibly by ducking their heads. A further embodiment has both at least one mainly vertically extending ventilation column extending into the inner volumes, and at least one mainly horizontally extending ventilation column extending into the inner volume.

In an embodiment, the at least one ventilation column has a hollow distribution channel, preferably a hollow center, extending along the length of the column. The ventilation column may be internally divided into several distribution channels, such as providing the inside of the column with a center partition or with crossing partitioning walls dividing the volume inside the column in for example four distribution channels, said center partition or mutually crossing partitioning walls extending along the length of the column. However, it is preferred that the ventilation column has a hollow center without internal subdivisions, except at the upper end opening where a broiler barrier may be present. The hollow distribution channel may have a substantially constant cross-sectional size and shape over it length, which will lead to a very energy efficient air flow, but sections of reduced size or tapering channels may on the other hand contribute to controlling the air flow. It is even possible to make the at least one ventilation column from a soft material, like fabric or thin plast, so that it collapses when not in use and is inflated by the ventilation air flow when in use.

In an embodiment at least two broiler transport units in stacked configuration constitute a transport stack, where at least one ventilation column extending from the floor and upwards in the individual broiler transport unit join with a corresponding ventilation column in another broiler transport unit in the transport stack to form a common ventilation column. This allows a ventilation air flow to travel through two or more broiler transport units arranged on top of each other. The at least one ventilation column is thus located in extension of a corresponding at least one ventilation column in a further broiler transport unit stacked on top of the broiler transport unit. An advantage of this is the ability to commonly ventilate the ventilation columns in several units by a common ventilation device or a single connection of the column to a ventila tion supply channel, such as a supply channel provided on a transport trailer. The design of the ventilation arrangement on the trailer is thus simplified, because a common ventilation column in two or more stacked units is connected to the ventilation arrangement at a single place.

There may be one individual ventilation air supply channel for each common ventilation column in the transport unit. The broiler transport unit may have at least two ventilation columns, and in this case there is at least two common ventilation columns providing ventilation to every inner volume in broiler transport units, and by using at least two ventilation units, or two independent ventilation air supply channels the reliability of the ventilation air supply to every inner volume is increased.

In an embodiment, the at least one ventilation column is made in sections, and at least one of the floors is movable and is joined with a section of the ventilation column. An advantage of this is that a portion of the floor can be movable or slidable with respect to another portion of the floor, and the column section may then be located on the movable portion of the floor and be moved together with this portion. It is thus possible to provide the inner column in sections on the associated floor sections, and to move the column sections during loading of the broiler. In this manner a large loading opening can be achieved despite the placement of the at least one ventilation column inside the inner volume. As an alternative, a movable portion of the floor can have an open recess that is located at the position of the ventilation column, which may then be affixed to the immovable portion of the floor. As a further alternative, the at least one ventilation column extends from a side wall, which leaves the functioning of the floor unhindered by the presence of the at least one ventilation column.

The ventilation air flow to the at least one ventilation column may be provided by natural ventilation or by forced ventilation or by a combination of both. It is preferred that each broiler transport unit of each stack of such units is provided with forced ventilation to the ventilation columns when transported on a transport vehicle carrying loaded transport units. Such forced ventilation may be either in the form of air being supplied to or ventilated out of the venti- lation columns. If the air is ventilated into the columns, i.e. by a ventilation device supplying air at overpressure to the ventilation columns, it possible to condition the air being injected into broiler transport units, for example by controlling the temperature and/or the humidity of the ventilation air. In cold climates part of the ventilation air may be recirculated ventilation air. In this manner the heat from the broilers is utilized and the energy consumption for air conditioning is minimized.

Ventilation equipment, such as fans or compressors, may be provided on the individual stack or individual transport unit, such as by locating a ventilation device on top of the stack, or at the bottom of a stack, or such as by integrating at least one ventilation device in the transport unit. Preferably, the ventilation equipment forms part of the transport vehicle, where the ventilation equipment can be provided at the ceiling and/or at the floor of the transport vehicle and be used for ventilation of an entire stack via the ventilation columns, which provides for an optimal exploitation of the room available on the vehicle and hence, in combination with the improved ventilation, allows more broilers to be transported on the vehicle without increasing the stress levels.

In an embodiment, the ventilation columns may have elongate ventilation openings, having each a longer axis and oriented with the longer axis in the length direction of the ventilation column. This provides a uniform air flow and a low risk of the openings being blocked by broilers or dirt, but it is also possible to provide a series of ventilation openings along the length of the ventilation column so as to provide a plurality of separate ventilation points. This applies regardless whether these ventilation columns are horizontal or vertical and/or are coupled with columns in other units to form a common ventilation column.

In an embodiment each floor in the broiler transport unit has a floor loading capacity of at least 45 kg/m2. If the floor loading capacity is less than 45 kg/m2 it is not possible to have at least 28 broilers per square metre, and that would leave room for broilers becoming upset during transportation because they can move around. Broilers are flock animals and they feel com- fortable when being rather close. This behaviour may be observed in the breeding area where the floor typically has a very large area. In the beginning when the birds are small, they tend to flock on a small area, and as they grow they take up a larger part of the floor area. When they have grown to broiler size ready for slaughtering, they typically fill the entire floor and have done so for some time. The transportation is a new experience to the broilers, and it is considered an advantage if they can be kept rather close together. The best would be if they could be so close that they may also support each other sideways when the trailer drives in curves. However, the more close they are standing, the more difficult it is to provide proper ventilation to broilers in the inner portions of the inner volume.

The design of the side walls and floors of the broiler transport unit may also be used to influence how the ventilation air flows in the inner volumes. One or more of the side walls, and also the floors may be completely closed, apart from local areas where the side wall locally is made as part of a ventilation column in order to ventilate air out of the inner volumes. The side walls can alternatively be plate shaped and provided with ventilation openings, such as a single row of ventilation openings located in the upper half of the inner volume. Provision of ventilation openings at the upper end of the inner volume may allow control of the air flow in the upper half of the inner volume, where the broilers have their heads.

In an embodiment the floors are without openings except for the at least one ventilation column. This facilitates an even distribution of the ventilation air, and the welfare of broilers is increased because their feet or toes do not get stuck in small openings. The side walls can also be plate shaped and closed surfaces except for ventilation openings at a local ventilation column.

During loading and emptying of the broiler transport unit it will of course have to be open. In an embodiment the broiler transport unit has closed side walls and end walls, except at the locations for ventilation openings and columns. This not only ensures efficient ventilation of the transport unit, but may also make the inner volumes dark in the closed state, so that the broilers will tend to sleep during the transport. This applies independent of the design of the ventilation columns and ventilation openings.

In the following examples of embodiments of the invention will described in further detail with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a transport unit according to the present invention in a perspective view seen from below,

Fig. 2 illustrates four transport units of the embodiment of Fig. 1 arranged with two transport units in a stack and two such stacks placed next to each other,

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view like in Fig. 1 of another embodiment of the transport unit,

Figs. 4 and 5 perspective views seen from above of a third and a fourth embodiment of the transport unit,

Fig. 6 a truck loaded with transport units corresponding to the embodiment of Fig. 4, and

Figs. 7 and 8 are illustrations of ventilation systems on a trailer for ventilating the transport units of the present invention.

In a first embodiment (Fig. 1) a broiler transport unit 3 has outer side walls 12,13 and seven full length floors, each subdivided in two floors 11 by a vertical inner side wall 34 at the middle between side walls 12 and 13. Fourteen inner volumes are located above the floors, with one inner volume above each floor. Each inner volume can accommodate at least five live broilers during transportation to a slaughterhouse. A ventilation column 14 extends vertically through the inner volumes and through the floors at the middle of each floor. The broiler transport unit in the first embodiment has two such ventilation columns 14. Each ventilation column 14 is provided with ventilation openings 15 opening into the respective inner volume so that it is possible at the same time to ventilate all of the inner volumes by applying an air pressure on channels 16 inside the ventilation columns 14. In this way it is possible to provide fresh air to broilers sitting at a distance from the side walls 12,13.

Ventilation openings 15 are elongate and extending over almost the entire height of the column. The openings in the first embodiment have a total opening area per inner volume corresponding to approximately 40% of the total surface area of the column in the volume, corresponding to approximately 9% of the area of the floor of the broiler transport unit, but if a smaller opening area is desired, the openings may be shorter and/or narrower. The ventilation columns 14 are cylindrical with a constant diameter.

One side wall 13 is provided with a recess corresponding in size and shape to half a ventilation column 14 and with a section of a ventilation column wall provided with ventilation openings 20 to form a semi-circular continuous hollow ventilation column 36 joined with the side wall 13. Air ventilated via ventilation openings 15 in the columns 14 may exit the inner volumes via openings 20. Ventilation air may also be flowing in the opposite direction from ventilation columns 36 via openings 20 to the ventilation columns 14 if an underpressure is provided in the ventilation channel 16. It is also possible to provide different pressures in different ventilation columns 16 so as to induce a flow of air from one ventilation channel to another, thereby allowing ventilation even if there are no openings in the side walls, but openings in the inner side wall.

If transport units 3 of the invention are arranged close to each other as illustrated in Fig. 2 the two semi-circular ventilation columns 36 are aligned and form one common ventilation channel with a circular cross-section resembling that of the channel 16 formed by the ventilation column 14. Two transport units are placed in stacked configuration, and the ventilation columns 14 are located in extension of one another to form a common ventilation column. The same applies to the ventilation columns 36.

The rounded surfaces and the relatively large diameter of ventilation columns 14 and ventilation columns 36 help protect the broilers during transport and when they are loaded into the transport unit. If a broiler hits the side of a column or recess there are no sharp edges, which might otherwise cause bruising.

In the following description of further embodiments, for the sake of ease, the same reference numerals are used as in the description of the first embodiment for details have the same function.

The embodiment in Figs. 1 and 2 have closed side walls, and an open inner wall formed of vertical rods. It is also possible to form the outer walls 12, 13 with openings or form the walls of rods, like in the second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3. The second embodiment only has a single ventilation column 14 extending centrally across the floors 11.

In the third embodiment of Fig. 4 the broiler transport unit 3 includes five parallel floors 11 extending across the complete width of the broiler transport unit. In this embodiment the broiler transport unit has three ventilation columns 14 with ventilation openings 15 in the inner volumes above each floor. The three ventilation columns extend through the broiler transport unit 3 across the entire height thereof and have open lower ends. Each ventilation column ends at an annular collar, which has slightly larger diameter than column 14 and is mounted in the bottom of the broiler transport unit so that it may receive the slightly upwards protruding upper end of column 14 when two broiler transport units are placed in stacked configuration.

In a fourth embodiment of Fig. 5 the broiler transport unit has one ventilation column extending in the horizontal direction through each inner volume from one side wall 12 to the opposite side wall 12.

Fig. 6 illustrates broiler transport units loaded onto a transportation vehicle like a trailer or a truck 6, where one broiler transport unit having five floors is located in a bottom row, and another broiler transport unit having four floors is located in a top row stacked on top of the units in the bottom row. The broiler transport units illustrated have a bottom structure 2 with holes 28 for a forklift used when lifting the unit or a stack of two units.

Each broiler transport unit 3 has a width corresponding to the width of the floor 61 of the truck or trailer so that it is only necessary to load one row of broiler transport units, but it is also possible to use broiler transport units of a smaller size width and then arrange them in two or more rows extending in the length direction of the floor.

In Fig. 7 the roof section 62 of the truck or trailer is provided with a ventilation system where one ventilation device 63 is located on top of each ventilation column 14 in the broiler transport units. The ventilation system of the truck or trailer may in an embodiment include several sections that are individually adjustable in relation to a broiler transport unit or to a group of broiler transport units, so that ventilation can be established and activated for one transport unit or for a group of transport units, while additional transport units are loaded onto the truck or trailer.

The individual ventilation device can also be a separate device, which independently of the truck or trailer is provided on the ventilation column on the broiler transport unit and is capable of ventilating inner volumes connected to the ventilation column while the broiler transport unit is awaiting transport or is awaiting further handling. Such a separate ventilation device, or a set of such separate ventilation devices, can be supplied with power from a battery or an accumulator, or a power supply device, such as a solar cell device. Alternatively, the ventilation device can be connected to a power supply, such as via a plug to a stationary power socket provided at the area of holding the broiler transport unit, such as at the farm after loading broilers, or at the slaughterhouse after unloading from the transport vehicle.

The ventilation system can alternatively be arranged as illustrated in Fig. 8, where a ventilation pipe 64 extends along the length of the truck or trailer 6 and has an outlet 65 branched off from the ventilation pipe 64 at each ventilation column 16 located below the ventilation pipe. A ventilation device 63 provides ventilation air to the ventilation pipe 64. The broiler transport units 3 illustrated in Fig. 8 each have four ventilation columns 16 and ten floors. The side walls 12, 13 have a row of ventilation openings 20 located in the upper portion of each inner volume.

The roof section 62 can be lifted to provide space for loading and unloading of broiler transport units. After loading the roof section can be lowered into position on top of the broiler transport units and the forced mechanical ventilation can be initiated. Ventilation air flows from the ventilation pipes 64 into the ventilation columns 16 and from there into every inner volume of the broiler transport units as indicated by the arrows. In this manner each transport unit or each stack of units is provided with forced ventilation. A section of the transport unit 3 sitting on the outermost end of the truck or trailer has been cut away to better view the ventilation columns 16 inside and the flows of air. Air may flow out of the broiler transport units via the ventilation openings 20 in the side walls.

In Fig. 7 the transport units in the second and third row from the driver's cabin are not illustrated with transverse side walls in order to better view the inner volumes and ventilation columns 16. In this embodiment the roof section 62 includes an inner volume 67 in which an overpressure or an underpressure can be created using a ventilation device 63 arranged over the driver's cabin. When an overpressure is created in inner volume 67 (Fig. 7), air is forced into the ventilation columns 16 as indicated by the arrows and from there into the inner volumes of the broiler transport units 3 and out through the ventilation openings (not visible) in the side walls 13 into ventilation passages 19' between the broiler transport units. When openings 68 in the floor 61 of the trailer 6 are left open, a constant flow of fresh ventilation air through the transport units may occur, possibly aided by the underpressure usually occurring on the underside of a truck when in motion. Air may be taken directly from the ambient or be conditioned with regards to temperature and/or humidity or by recirculation etc., in the ventilation system.

If the weather is very cold, there may be a need for heating the ventilation air to the transport units. This may be achieved by closing at least some of the openings 68 in the floor 61 using dampers 69, and potentially also closing the inlet from the ventilation device 63 using damper 70, and recirculating the air as indicated by the arrows on the third row of transport units. In this manner the body heat of the broilers is used for heating the air, however a certain amount of fresh air is typically admixed to ensure sufficient oxygen levels. An additional ventilation device may for example be a local fan 66 arranged on top of each ventilation column 16.

It is also possible to admix additives such as anaesthetics to the air in order to keep the broilers calm during transport. In one embodiment, this is achieved by including tanks with for example C02 on the truck or trailer and leading this gas into the transport units via the ventilation columns, but it is also possible to collect exhaust gasses from the truck engine and clean these gasses by passing the exhaust gas through filters, like adsorption filters, zeolit filters, filters with active carbon, or particle filters, removing volatile organic compounds, NOx and/or SOx from the gasses, which gasses are then added to the air ventilated to the broiler transport units via the ventilation system. Stunning of the birds while still on the truck is also possible, but will require a very speedy unloading of the transport units in order to have the broilers slaughtered in time. If stunned, the broilers transport units have to be emptied rather quickly to prevent the hearts of the broilers to stop before they are slaughtered. To facilitate the emptying the broiler transport units may be provided with gates or doors 35.

When broiler transport units of the embodiment in Fig. 5 with horizontal ventilation columns are arranged next to each other, the column sections 14 of neighbouring units form common ventilation columns 16 extending horizontally through the units. There may also be at least two, such as from two to six, horizontal ventilation columns for every inner volume. The higher numbers of ventilation columns are most relevant when the broiler transport unit has a width corresponding to the width of the loading space 61 and the ventilation columns are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the loading space, extending between the opposed side walls 13 of the unit. If applying an overpressure on every other ventilation column 16, air will enter through the ventilation openings 15 in one column and exit via openings in the intermediate column. In this way even broiler transport units with no ventilation openings of the type 20 in the floor or side walls can be ventilated, but it is of course also possible to provide such openings in these containers.

In a further embodiment a broiler transport unit includes a ventilation column 14 extending from one side wall 12 to the other in horizontal direction and a ventilation column extending in the vertical direction.

All broiler transport units used in the transport units described above have been shown and described as having a plane floors without openings. Details of particular embodiments may be combined into further embodiments within the scope of the patent claims. The broiler transport units can be made with a triangular base shape with three side walls, or with more than four side walls in a polygonal base shape.

The individual ventilation column may extend all the way through the floors or the ventilation column may be made up by sections, where the individual section is joined to a movable portion of the floor. Each floor 11 may be moveable in relation to the frame 33 or side walls 12, 13. Using moveable floors or movable floor sections may facilitate the loading of broilers into the broiler transport unit.

The floors, the side walls, the upper wall, and doors 35 can be plate shaped without ventilation openings, apart from at the ventilation columns. This provides a high degree of calm and shelter for the broilers, and may also shield the broilers from intense light, such as sunlight.

The number and position of the ventilation columns both in relation to the side walls and to the other ventilation columns may vary and so may the size, shape, position and number of ventilation openings in the side walls, including the possibility that ventilation openings are provided only in the ventilation columns. It is also noted that the different broiler transport units need not be identical, and the ventilation columns need not extend continuously through the transport unit. As an example, the lowermost floor of a transport unit may be without a ventilation column section, the inner volume above this floor being ventilated via a hollow ventilation section in the floor above opening into the lowermost inner volume.

Details of the above described embodiments may be combined into further embodiments within the scope of the patent claims.

Claims

A broiler transport unit (3) with side walls (12, 13, 34) and at least three floors (11) defining at least three internal volumes, each of which can accommodate at least five live broilers during transport to a slaughterhouse, characterized in that: at least one ventilation column (14,16,36) extends into the broiler transport unit (3) and has at least one ventilation opening (15,20) within each internal volume and at least one ventilation opening on the ventilation column is at a distance of at least 0; 17 m from all side walls.

The broiler transport unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one ventilation column (14, 16, 36) extends downward through the upper internal volumes, and preferably through all the internal volumes.

The broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the ventilation column (14,16,36) is located at a distance of at least 0.17 m from the side walls (12,13,34).

The broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ventilation column (14,16,36) has an outside diameter in the range of 7 cm to 30 cm, preferably from 10 cm to 24 cm, preferably ranging from 12 cm to 21 cm.

Broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening areas of the ventilation openings (15, 20) in the at least one ventilation column (14, 16, 36) within the individual internal volume have a total area. in the range of 0.5% to 10% of the area of the floor (11) of the interior volume, preferably in the range of 1.5% to 7% of the area of the floor, and suitably in the range of 2% to 4% of the area of the floor.

Broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in addition to at least one ventilation column (14, 16) located at a distance from all side walls (12, 13, 34), there is at least one side wall. , which is connected to at least one section of a ventilation column wall (36) with ventilation openings (15,20).

Broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one ventilation column (14,16,36) extends from a side wall (12,13,34) and into the internal volume in the direction against another side wall of the broiler transport unit.

Broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one ventilation column (14, 16, 36) has a hollow distribution channel, preferably a hollow center extending along the length of the column.

The broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one ventilation column (14, 16, 36) is located in extension of at least one corresponding ventilation column in an additional broiler transport unit stacked on top of broiler transport unit.

Broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one ventilation column (14, 16, 36) is formed in sections and at least one of the floors (11) is movable and connected. with a section of the ventilation column.

A broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in a means of transport (6) carrying filled transport units, each unit or stack of units is provided with forced ventilation.

The broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the ventilation columns (14,16,36) have elongated ventilation openings (15,20), each having a longest axis and facing the longest axis in the longitudinal direction of the ventilation column.

The broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each floor (11) of the broiler transport unit has a floor loading capacity of at least 45 kg / m2.

The broiler transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the side walls (12, 13, 34) are plate-shaped and with closed surfaces except at ventilation openings (15, 20) at a local ventilation column (14, 16.36).

15th

Slaughter chicken transport unit (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, after filling with broiler, the broiler transport unit has closed side walls and end walls (12,13,34), except at the locations for ventilation openings (15,20) and columns. (14,16,36).