Airlocks for poultry collection

Breeders Nadège and Hervé Giraud in Vendée have created separate reception airlocks in each of their two buildings to welcome collection teams under good conditions. These airlocks are designed to ensure that workers can enter the facilities in a hygienic and organized manner, which is especially important in poultry farming where disease control is critical.

New facilities with updated design

The pair, who raise chickens and turkeys for Bellavol in Mouillerons-Saint-Germain, constructed these airlocks during the building of their new facilities in 2020 and 2026. They replaced older structures from the 1970s, which were not as functional or modern in design.

Airlock features and layout

Each airlock is located on the gable, opposite the technical airlock, and offers about 30 square meters of space, tiled and isolated. The airlock built in 2026 is larger, as it also houses a generator. Each airlock is equipped with a shower, toilet, two sinks, a table, and chairs for teams to sit and drink coffee or water. The showers are currently reserved for the breeders.

Workforce and operational needs

The breeders noted that the collection and unloading of poultry involves six people for collection, six for unloading, and three for the end of unloading, which is done by machine. They emphasized the importance of welcoming teams with respect and ensuring their continued availability for future tasks.

Educational and observational window

On the advice of Bellavol, each airlock also includes a window overlooking the inside of the building, with a shutter that can be closed. This allows the breeders to show visitors, such as schools or neighbors, how poultry breeding takes place without allowing them to enter the building.

Compliance with potential regulations

Suzelle Vannier, aviculture mission officer at the agricultural chamber of the Pays de la Loire, noted that the separate airlocks would allow the breeders to comply with potential future regulations requiring separate changing rooms for men and women. This proactive approach helps ensure their operations remain adaptable to evolving industry standards.