The transportation of day-old chicks requires an extraordinary level of care and precision as these tiny, fragile creatures embark on journeys that can span thousands of miles across the globe. 

From maintaining optimal environmental conditions to navigating unexpected crises, all while coordinating with a web of international stakeholders, there is a range of complexities that cargo handlers and carriers must navigate.

On 27th March, Aviagen successfully transported 22,000 Grandparent chicks from London Heathrow to Myanmar, a journey that spanned nearly 8,000 miles and required the collaboration of multiple teams and stakeholders. 

The chicks, hatched at Aviagen’s Stratford Hatchery in the UK, were delivered to two Myanmar producers just 17 hours later, eventually providing over 248 metric tonnes of chicken to the people of Myanmar.

“Transporting such a large number of chicks demanded meticulous planning.  A wide-bodied passenger plane was necessary to provide the appropriate space and environmental conditions,” Diane Hartjes, Global Director Export, Logistics & Trade Compliance at Aviagen, explained. 

“The success of this mission was no small achievement.  It required the dedication and expertise of our Logistics team, led by Sheila Barcsansky, our International Logistics and Export Manager, and their collaboration with Singapore Airlines.  This cooperation was crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of the chicks over nearly 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometres) to their destination.

“Our mission goes beyond delivering chicks. It’s about ensuring their wellbeing throughout their journey, from the moment they are hatched to the time they are delivered to customer farms across the world. 

“The logistics were complex… After a 13-hour 20-minute flight from Heathrow, the chicks were transferred to their connecting flight within 45 minutes, avoiding a prolonged wait in a holding area.  This mission to feed the people of Myanmar succeeded thanks to the dedication, passion, and commitment of Sheila, the Aviagen Logistics team and our transportation associates”. 

Perfect environment

These young chickens are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and any lapse in care during transit can have severe consequences for their health and wellbeing.  The process can involve coordinating with multiple countries, airlines, and stakeholders, each with its own set of regulations and cultural practices.  Understanding and adapting to these differences is crucial for a smooth export process. 

Beyond the physical care of the chicks, companies must navigate various logistical hurdles, particularly during crises such as Avian Influenza outbreaks or geopolitical conflicts. 

“An avian disease outbreak, for example, can shut down a transit route, making it necessary to quickly create an alternate route with the necessary equipment and trained staff,” Hartjes explained.

To safeguard the welfare of the chicks during transport, it is key to employ a combination of advanced technology and expert training, using state-of-the-art temperature loggers and 5G precision sensors to continuously monitor and record the temperature inside the pallet and cargo area, providing near real-time data that allows for immediate adjustments if necessary.  This ensures that the chicks remain within a safe temperature range throughout their journey.

Temperature-controlled holding rooms at key airports play a critical role in maintaining animal welfare during transit, requiring collaboration with several facilities worldwide, such as JAS Worldwide’s London Heathrow Warehouse Holding Facility and Omni Export Services in Miami, to create environments that offer the perfect balance of temperature, humidity, and ventilation.  These holding rooms are designed with input from veterinary teams, ensuring optimal biosecurity and chick comfort.

Aviagen has implemented virtual reality (VR) goggles with live-streaming capabilities, enabling the company to verify in real-time the welfare of the young chickens and the proper configuration of pallets at ports of exit. 

However, technology alone is not enough.  Aviagen places great emphasis on the expertise and dedication of its team. 

“Our welfare experts train airline staff and other personnel involved in handling the chicks, ensuring everyone understands how to care for them properly,” Hartjes added. 

“We extend this commitment to major transportation hubs and remote locations alike, ensuring that our chicks arrive safely at our customers around the world,” said Hartjes.

The post Chick express appeared first on Air Cargo Week.