Saliou Farm is Turning Bright Ideas into Better Poultry Farming

The Saliou farm, a third-generation family business based in Brittany, is a well-established player in the poultry industry. The company, which has been in existence since the 1950s, is now run by Nicolas & Sébastien Saliou.

With a strong commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices, Ferme Saliou has grown considerably and currently manages more than 220,000 laying hens. The farm plans to expand its flock to 350,000 hens by the end of the year, distributing around 180 million eggs a year with other partner farmers.

Over the years, the Saliou family have adopted a number of innovations to improve their business, including moving from cage systems to aviary systems in line with new industry standards. The Saliou farm works closely with a network of 45 farmers across Brittany, supplying 90% of their eggs to French retailers and the remainder to restaurateurs and wholesalers, and has a significant 30% market share in their region.

The Visit and Training Session

The visit and training session at Saliou Farm were a collaborative effort between Vencomatic Group, Hyline, Laboratoire Chêne Vert, and other local farmers.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Pierre Saliou and his son Sébastien, Emmanuel Petibon from Hyline, veterinary experts from Laboratoire Chêne Vert, and Arnaud Premel, an installer from Prémel Cabic who works with Vencomatic. Together, they explored innovative poultry farming solutions, focusing on optimizing bird welfare and operational efficiency.

The Decision to Work with Vencomatic and HATO Lighting:

Previously, Saliou Farm had worked with traditional Classic LEDs and light bulbs but found these systems lacked the desired effect on bird health and behavior. During a visit to farms using Vencomatic's aviary systems and after a detailed presentation by Hyline’s Emmanuel Petibon, the Saliou family decided to explore HATO lighting solutions.

The switch to HATO's PULSA with red lighting system marked a key turning point in their approach to poultry farming.

The PULSA system with red colour was installed in January 2025 and the animals arrived in March. A future article will describe the results of this installation.

Challenges and Goals:

The Saliou farm has faced a number of challenges, including anaemia due to lice, pecking and the need for debeaking of the birds. These problems are particularly costly for breeders and detrimental to the welfare of the birds. The farm's aim with the new lighting system is to improve the welfare of the hens by reducing stress and aggressive behaviour such as pecking.

The Saliou family’s investment in HATO Lighting aligns with their broader goal of improving operational efficiency and bird health. As part of the project, they are also focused on continuing to innovate and adapt their facilities, including four new buildings currently under construction.

Equipment:

To optimize lighting conditions, HATO’s lighting solutions were selected. BUBO ensures uniform, high-efficiency in-system illumination, while PULSA serves as the main lighting solution, with the possibility to mix in red to support bird welfare. This combination reduces stress, promotes natural behavior, and enhances both productivity and overall animal well-being.

Key Industry Trends and Future Plans:

The French poultry sector faced challenges in 2023, particularly due to the outbreak of avian flu, which made 2024 a more difficult year for many farmers.

However, the future looks promising.

The Saliou family is anticipating significant investment in the coming years, especially with the upcoming changes in 2025 and 2026, when eggs from caged systems will no longer be sold in retail outlets. In line with industry trends, the Poultry Trade Association has called for the renewal of one building per week over the next five years.

Results and Future Perspective

The Saliou family is optimistic about the results of their new lighting system and plans to conduct a case study in a few months to assess the full impact of the PULSA (with red) lights on bird health and behavior. The early signs are promising, with initial improvements in pecking and lice control. Additionally, the lighting system’s energy efficiency is expected to contribute to long-term cost savings.

Pierre and Sébastien Saliou are excited about the future of their business, particularly in light of the upcoming regulatory changes. The training session and visit allowed them to further solidify their commitment to innovation and sustainability in poultry farming. 

Looking Ahead  

The training session highlighted the importance of innovation in poultry farming. By adopting HATO's PULSA lighting system and focus on animal welfare, Saliou Farm is setting itself up for continued success. As the family looks to the future, they are confident that these investments in modern technology, will ensure their ongoing leadership in the poultry sector.