Manual egg collection takes time, creates stress for hens, and increases broken eggs—hurting farm productivity and profitability. As poultry flocks grow, labor-intensive methods can no longer keep up. A smarter approach is moving toward an egg collection system designed to protect eggs, reduce breakage, and automate workflows.
A sistema manual de recolha de ovos relies on staff removing freshly laid eggs from nest boxes by hand—simple, low cost, but labor-heavy. An sistema automático de recolha de ovos uses belts in nests that move eggs safely to a central point, reducing breakage and labor costs. Poultry farms compare manual egg collection vs automatic collection based on flock size, egg quality goals, and long-term efficiency needs.

Um sistema de coleta de ovos is the equipment a poultry farm uses to collect eggs from hens. In the most basic setup, workers collect eggs from each nest box using trays. In more advanced farms, an automatic egg collection system uses conveyor belts to collect eggs across multiple rows, tiers or nest rows.
Modern egg collection systems protect the egg from the moment it leaves the nest box until it reaches grading or packing. For breeder, broiler breeder, and commercial laying farms, this is critical to maintain egg quality, hatchability, and profit.
Internal link:
👉 See Big Herdsman’s Egg Collection System options
Most farms begin with recolha manual de ovos, especially in small or developing poultry operations. A worker walks through the poultry house and removes freshly laid eggs from each nest. These eggs are placed into plastic egg trays or portable baskets.
Manual collection allows farm management to see egg trends up close:
However, recolha manual de ovos also slows down when:
It’s a reliable recolha manual method, but demands consistent labor and daily attention.

Um sistema automático de recolha de ovos uses gentle belt conveyors to transport eggs from nest boxes to a central egg room. Instead of hand-carrying eggs, a conveyor system moves eggs automatically at a controlled speed.
Features include:
Some automatic egg collector systems include:
Internal link:
👉 Explore Big Herdsman’s Group Auto Nest

Here’s a direct compare manual vs automated egg collection breakdown so farms can choose the right farming equipment.
| Factor | Manual Egg Collection | Sistema automático de recolha de ovos |
|---|---|---|
| Labor needs | Elevado | Low |
| Breakage | Mais alto | Inferior |
| Flock size supported | Small flocks | Medium to large |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Cleanliness | Variable | Consistent |
| Human contact | Frequent | Minimal |
| Egg quality | Less predictable | Better preserved |
| Investment cost | Low upfront | Higher but recovers fast |
Small flocks under 2,000 hens can still use manual methods, especially in early farm growth.
Medium and large-scale poultry farms see the greatest benefit:
Large-scale operations often require multiple conveyor belts working simultaneously to keep up with peak laying.
Is manual egg collection still useful today?
Yes—manual methods are common for small poultry farms or early stages of production where flocks are small and labor is available.
Why should a farm automate egg collection?
To cut labor costs, improve efficiency, reduce breakage, and improve qualidade dos ovos—especially for breeding eggs.
How many hens justify automation?
Most farms automate once flock size reaches 5,000+ hens, or when peak laying times overwhelm staff.
Will automated egg collection systems damage eggs?
Actually, they reduce damage. Belts transport eggs gently and consistently, avoiding contact and crushing.
Does automation replace workers?
Not completely. Workers shift from hand collection to monitoring belts, trays, and grading.
Can egg collection systems work in cage facilities?
Yes. Cage farms can integrate cross belts and egg elevators to central egg rooms.