The Difference Between Open and Closed Poultry Farms: Which is Better and Why?
Poultry farms are among the most sensitive agricultural projects in terms of management and environmental control. With the advancement of farming technologies, two main types of farming systems have emerged: open and closed systems. In this article, we will explain the differences between them in terms of design, efficiency, cost, and production, to help you choose the most appropriate system for your farm.
First: Open Farms (Open System)
These are traditional farms that rely on natural ventilation through windows and side openings, allowing air and sunlight to enter the barn directly.
✅ Advantages:
• Lower construction costs compared to closed systems.
• Easy maintenance and operation.
• Suitable for moderate climates where temperatures and humidity do not rise significantly.
• Does not require complex cooling systems or advanced electronic controls.
⚠️ Disadvantages:
• Difficulty controlling temperature and humidity.
• Directly affected by weather factors (heat, dust, wind, rain).
• Decreased growth and production rates during periods of extreme summer or cold weather.
• Difficulty achieving complete biosecurity against diseases.
Second: Closed System Farms
These are modern farms that rely on complete control of the internal environment through automatic ventilation, cooling, heating, and lighting systems. They do not rely directly on outside air.
✅ Advantages:
• Complete control of temperature, humidity, and lighting.
• Higher production and faster poultry growth thanks to stable environmental conditions.
• Reduced mortality rates and improved feed conversion ratio.
• High biosecurity reduces the possibility of disease transmission.
• Able to operate year-round without being affected by seasons.
Conclusion
If you are looking for stable, high-quality production with the ability to operate year-round, a closed system is the best option, despite its initial cost.
However, if you have limited resources and operate in a temperate climate, an open system can be a good starting point for your project.