Chain net, commonly known as poultry netting or chicken wire, is a type of mesh fencing widely used in poultry farming, especially for free-range or semi-free-range systems. It helps in creating secure enclosures to protect chickens from predators while allowing ventilation and movement.

Feature	Details
Mesh Size (Hole Size)	1/2 inch (12.7mm), 1 inch (25.4mm), or 2 inches (50.8mm)
Roll Width	3ft (0.9m), 4ft (1.2m), 5ft (1.5m), or 6ft (1.8m)
Roll Length	50ft (15m), 100ft (30m), or custom lengths
Wire Gauge	19G (1mm), 20G (0.9mm), 22G (0.7mm)

Uses in Poultry Farming

• Free-Range Chicken Coops: Enclosing outdoor areas for safe foraging.
• Broiler & Layer Pens: Temporary fencing for rotational grazing.
• Predator Protection: Keeps out foxes, dogs, rats, and birds of prey.
• Dividers in Sheds: Separating different age groups of chickens.

Layer chicken cages, also known as poultry battery cages, are specialized housing systems designed for egg-laying hens. These cages optimize space, improve hygiene, and enhance egg production efficiency.

Cage Dimensions & Capacity

• Single Bird Space: 450–600 cm² per hen (varies by regulations).
• Common Cage Sizes: Small Cage: 40 cm (W) × 45 cm (D) – Holds 3–4 hens.
  Large Cage: 60 cm (W) × 50 cm (D) – Holds 5–6 hens.
• Tier Height: 3–8 tiers (depends on automation level).

Domestic layer chicken cages are designed to optimize egg production, ensure bird health, and maximize space efficiency. Here are the key details about these cages:
Types of Layer Chicken Cages

• A-Type (Step Cage): Most common for small to medium-scale farms.
  Sloped design allows eggs to roll to the collection tray.
  Usually 3-4 tiers high.
  
• H-Type (Battery Cage): Used in large commercial poultry farms.
  Multiple tiers (4-8 levels) with automatic feeding and watering.
  High-density housing.
  
• Manual vs. Automatic Cages:
  Manual: Cheaper, requires labor for feeding, egg collection, and cleaning.
  Automatic: Includes conveyor belts for eggs, nipple drinkers, and automated feeders.
  

Dairy and cattle farming typically use housing systems rather than cages (like poultry), as cattle require more space for movement, feeding, and resting. However, there are confined housing systems, stalls, and pens designed for efficient management. Below are the key details:
Types of Cattle Housing Systems

• Design:
  Individual resting stalls with bedding (sand, straw, or rubber mats).
  Open walking area for feeding and movement.
  
• Features:
  Dividers between cows to reduce competition.
  Automatic scrapers or manual cleaning for manure.
  Feed alleys with TMR (Total Mixed Ration) feeding systems.
  
• Advantages:
  Cows can lie down comfortably, improving milk yield.
  Better hygiene and reduced lameness.
  

Space Requirements per Animal

Cattle Type	Space Needed
Milking Cow (Stall)	4 ft x 8 ft
Dry Cow / Heifer	3 ft x 7 ft
Beef Cattle (Pen)	20–30 sq ft
Calf (Hutch)	4 ft x 4 ft

Fabrication and metalworks are essential for building, repairing, and customizing farm structures, machinery, and tools. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of materials, techniques, and applications in agricultural metal fabrication.

Common Metals Used in Farm Fabrication

Metal Type	Properties	Agricultural Uses
Mild Steel (A36)	Affordable, weldable, strong	Cattle gates, trailers, feed troughs
Galvanized Steel	Rust-resistant, durable	Poultry cages, silos, roofing
Stainless Steel	Corrosion-resistant, hygienic	Milking equipment, milk tanks
Aluminum	Lightweight, rust-proof	Irrigation pipes, lightweight gates
Wrought Iron	Decorative, strong	Fencing, ornamental gates

Proper piping and plumbing are critical for water distribution, waste management, milking systems, and irrigation in farms. Below is a detailed breakdown of materials, systems, and best practices for agricultural plumbing.

Types of Pipes Used in Farming

Pipe Material	Pros	Cons	Best Applications
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	Lightweight, cheap, corrosion-resistant	Brittle in cold weather, UV-sensitive	Irrigation, drainage, drinking water
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	Flexible, durable, UV-resistant	Higher initial cost	Buried water lines, slurry transport
Galvanized Steel	Strong, rigid	Rusts over time	High-pressure water lines, older systems
Stainless Steel	Corrosion-proof, hygienic	Expensive	Milking parlors, dairy processing
PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)	Flexible, freeze-resistant	Not UV-resistant	Indoor water supply, livestock watering
Concrete/Clay	Long lifespan, heavy-duty	Difficult to repair	Sewage, large drainage systems

Modern agriculture relies on efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for operations like irrigation, milking, lighting, and machinery. Below is a detailed breakdown of power systems, renewable energy options, and cost-saving strategies for farms.

Primary Power Sources for Farms

• Grid Electricity:
  Pros: Reliable, high power output.
  Cons: High costs, outages in rural areas.
  Best for: Large dairy farms, automated systems.
  
• Diesel/Petrol Generators:
  Pros: Backup during outages, portable.
  Cons: Fuel costs, pollution, noise.
  Best for: Remote farms, emergency power.
  
• Solar Power (Photovoltaic Systems):
  Pros: Renewable, low operating costs.
  Cons: High upfront cost, weather-dependent.
  Best for: Irrigation, lighting, small-medium farms.
  
• Wind Turbines:
  Pros: Good for windy areas, sustainable.
  Cons: Intermittent, maintenance needed.
  Best for: Large farms with consistent wind.
  
• Biogas (From Manure/Waste):
  Pros: Free fuel, waste management.
  Cons: Setup cost, methane handling.
  Best for: Dairy farms, manure-rich operations.