Automatic Feeding Tray Cleaning Precautions And Professional Maintenance Guide

In large-scale poultry farming, the feeding tray is a core feeding device, and its cleanliness and integrity directly affect poultry feeding safety and farming efficiency. Automatic feeding trays have become standard equipment in farms due to their high-efficiency feeding advantages. However, long-term contact with feed, feces, and other contaminants can easily lead to bacterial growth and pipe blockage if not cleaned and maintained properly. This not only shortens the lifespan of the feeding tray but may also induce poultry diseases. Below is a detailed breakdown of the scientific cleaning process and key maintenance points for automatic feeding trays.

1. Key Precautions for Feeding Tray Cleaning

1.1 Regular Cleaning Frequency: It is recommended to perform a basic cleaning of the feeding tray after each feeding day and a deep cleaning once a week. Increase the cleaning frequency during hot and humid seasons to prevent feed residue from fermenting and spoiling inside the feeding tray.

1.2 Cleaning Tool Selection: Prioritize the use of soft-bristled brushes, sponges, and other flexible tools to avoid scratching the inner coating of the feeding tray with hard steel wool, which can lead to rust or contaminant residue. When cleaning, use a neutral detergent. Do not use strong acid or alkali cleaners to prevent corrosion of the feeding tray material.

1.3 Disassembly and Cleaning Points: Handle the feeding tray gently when disassembling to avoid damaging the feed outlet, sensors, and other precision components. Focus on cleaning areas prone to dirt accumulation, such as the bottom grooves and feed slits, ensuring no feed residue or feces buildup.

1.4 Rinsing and Drying: After cleaning, rinse the feeding tray repeatedly with clean water until no detergent residue remains. Then, place it in a well-ventilated and dry place to air dry, preventing mold growth in a damp environment. Never install or use a feeding tray that is not completely dry.

2. Professional Maintenance Techniques for Feeding Trays

2.1 Daily Inspection and Maintenance: Before starting the machine each day, check if the rotating parts of the feeding tray are flexible and free from jamming or abnormal noises. Add lubricating oil as needed to ensure smooth operation. Also, check the outer casing of the feeding tray for damage or leakage; repair or replace any damaged parts immediately.

2.2 Regular Calibration and Adjustment: The feed rate and uniformity of the feeding trays should be calibrated monthly. Parameters should be adjusted according to the poultry's growth stage to ensure each bird receives sufficient feed. During calibration, care must be taken to protect the sensors of the feeding trays from impacts or water ingress.

2.3 Replacement of Vulnerable Parts: Pay attention to vulnerable parts such as the sealing rings and bearings of the feeding trays. Regularly check for wear and tear, and replace any aging or deformed parts promptly to prevent feed leakage and dripping. It is recommended that farms keep a sufficient supply of vulnerable parts for quick repair and replacement.

2.4 Winter and Summer Maintenance: In winter, take measures to prevent the feeding trays from freezing and clogging the pipes. Drain any residual moisture from the feeding trays after shutdown. In hot summer weather, strengthen the heat dissipation maintenance of the feeding trays to prevent the motor from overheating and affecting its lifespan.

Cleaning and maintaining the fully automatic feeding trays is a crucial aspect of ensuring healthy poultry farming. Scientific and standardized operation can not only extend the service life of the feeding trays and reduce equipment replacement costs, but also improve farming efficiency and product quality. Farms need to establish a complete feeding tray maintenance log, clarify the division of responsibilities, and implement cleaning and maintenance work in a practical manner so that the fully automatic feeding trays can continue to empower large-scale farming.