Bell &amp; Evans to build 1st humane animal welfare focused chick hatchery in U.S.

Bell & Evans to build 1st humane animal welfare focused chick hatchery in U.S.

Bell & Evans, Fredericksburg, Pa., HatchTech, Veenendaal, the Netherlands, and Viscon, Gravendeel, the Netherlands, have signed an agreement for the construction of the first Humane Animal Welfare Focused Chick Hatchery in the United States. The hatchery utilizes HatchTech’s advanced technology using MicroClimer Setters, HatchCare units, along with a complete ventilation system, cooling and heating distributors, and hatchery management systems. This system will provide immediate access of fresh food, water, air and light for the newly hatched chicks, something currently unheard of in the US poultry industry. Viscon will supply the new hatchery with state-of-the-art Live Embryo Detection, transferring only the living embryos into incubation, as well as an effective in-ovo vaccination machine and stress-free chick transfer line to contribute to the humane handling of the chicks.

“I’ve made many trips to Europe in search of our next hatchery system,” said Scott Sechler, Sr., President, Owner and Founder of Bell & Evans. “HatchTech and Viscon are the perfect fit for Bell & Evans, not only because of the advanced technology they offer, but because they are passionate and forward-thinking in what they do. Their focus on humane animal welfare is directly in line with my philosophy to continually reduce stress and improve the welfare and comfort of our chickens. It is a well-designed and thought-out system. We at Bell & Evans are very excited and proud to partner with them to build the first Humane Animal Welfare Focused Chick Hatcheryin the United States.”

HatchTech’s International Sales Manager in the USA, Gilber Klumpenaar, said, “Introducing HatchCare to the USA market together with Bell & Evans is a perfect move for both of our companies. Bell & Evans is producing antibiotic-free and organic chicken, with a strong focus on animal welfare. The HatchCare system will contribute to everything they stand for.”

Bas Smaal, General Manager for Viscon added, “We are excited to partner with Bell & Evans and support their humane animal welfare focus. Our Viscon systems, coupled with HatchCare, make this the most advanced hatchery system in the United States.”

The hatchery will be located in Fredericksburg, Pa. Initial construction is slated for the Spring 2016, with full operation by the end of the year.

Source: Bell & Evans

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