Namib Poultry introduces automated sorting for broiler breeders

A new chapter in African poultry farming has begun. For the first time, an automated sorting machine for broiler breeder flocks has been successfully implemented in Namibia. Developed by Agri Advanced Technologies GmbH (AAT), a subsidiary of the EW Group, the system enables efficient and precise grading of birds by weight, enhancing flock uniformity and significantly improving overall productivity.“It’s incredible how GRADY helps us obtain the correct data and accurate counts. We can achieve greater precision in the process, resulting in more uniform flocks. And best of all, it will mean more eggs and chicks per hen,” said Johan Boonzaaier, Breeder Production Manager at Namib Poultry.Founded in 2011, Namib Poultry is the largest poultry company in Namibia and now the first in Africa to implement this automated sorting and vaccination system. The fully integrated company operates rearing sites, breeder farms, a hatchery, a feed mill, and a slaughterhouse near Windhoek. With nine rearing houses hosting 10 000 Ross 308FF breeders each, Namib Poultry manages a broiler capacity of 2.4 million birds and slaughters 350 000 birds per week.As an innovation-driven poultry producer, Namib Poultry consistently integrates new technologies to optimise flock management and health. Traditionally, sorting birds by weight – known as grading – is labour-intensive and time-consuming. The automated GRADY system replaces manual sorting, enabling faster, more consistent handling of large breeder groups. GRADY classifies birds into defined weight categories, facilitating tailored feed distribution, synchronised onset of laying, and improved flock performance.Flock management transformedGrading at Namib Poultry occurs at 3 and 8 weeks, with an additional 12-week grading for males if necessary, along with transfer selection. During grading, birds are also vaccinated (wing, eye-drop, breast) from 9 weeks, reducing handling frequency, improving welfare, and ensuring staff safety.“We are impressed by the commitment of the Namib Poultry team, especially during the rearing phase. It clearly shows that location is no limitation when innovation and care come together,” said Jörg Hurlin, managing director at AAT.The GRADY machine sorts more than 3 500 birds per hour at full speed while maintaining excellent flock uniformity, with a coefficient of variation (CV%) between 4.5 and 6.5 per group. This precision delivers outstanding production results: some flocks produce over 200 eggs per hen house, with an average of 161 chicks hatched per hen house.Future expansionWith its successful rollout in Namibia, AAT continues its global growth strategy. GRADY is already in use worldwide, helping poultry producers improve efficiency, welfare and flock performance.Namib Poultry is preparing to adopt the Vaccybot once production-ready, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation.“Namib Poultry thrives on innovation and continuously tests new technologies. We are grateful to the entire team, particularly in rearing, which proves that high-quality poultry production is possible anywhere,” concluded Boonzaaier.

Namib Poultry introduces automated sorting for broiler breeders

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Republikein 2026-02-03

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Namib Poultry introduces automated sorting for broiler breeders

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