Revolutionizing Incubation Systems

by Poultry Business News 🐔🔔

Coopermaq – officially known as Cooperativa de Máquinas e Equipamentos – is a Brazilian company with over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art incubation equipment. Discover the key market-leader in Brazil, the true powerhouse behind Brazil’s astonishing success in the poultry sector. As the number one exporter in the world. We can safely conclude that Coopermaq functions as part of the core of Brazil’s poultry industry. The company operates as a co-operative with an engaging management model and dedicated team. With strong presence in the domestic market and operations in more than 10 countries worldwide, Coopermaq has established itself as a leader in modern poultry incubation and hatching technology, and chosen Isotek, 1994, a true pioneer in the sector for more than 25 years, as their official representatives to carry that message in the Middle East and Africa.

Innovative Product Line and Technological Features

Coopermaq’s product portfolio caters to a diverse range of poultry production needs—from large-scale operations to small niche hatcheries for research purposes. Their machines are built with a strong emphasis on durability, performance, and precision. Key technological features include:

• Embriotherm Sensor:
  
  Integrated into single-stage incubators, the Embriotherm sensor continuously monitors the embryo’s temperature during incubation. This real-time feedback enables the Argus control system to self-calibrate, ensuring that the optimal thermal conditions are maintained throughout the incubation process.

• CO₂ Control System:
  
  Recognizing that different stages of embryonic development require precise oxygenation, Coopermaq’s equipment automatically adjusts ventilation to maintain ideal CO₂ and oxygen levels. This sophisticated control minimizes the risks of improper gas exchange, which is critical for healthy embryo development.

• Weight Scale and Humidity Management:
  
  By monitoring the weight loss of eggs over a 19-day incubation period, the system provides operators with real-time data on the internal humidity and gas exchange processes. This information is crucial for optimizing hatchability and reducing post-hatch mortality.

• Argus Control and Supervisory Systems:
  
  The Argus control system features an intuitive 7-inch color touchscreen that simplifies human-machine interaction. Complementing this are the Vector control system, Cronos Supervisory, and Vector net supervisory systems, which together offer remote monitoring, data logging, and process optimization across the entire incubation plant.

• Power Saver Technology:
  
  Designed to reduce energy consumption without compromising performance, the Power Saver function adjusts air movement and other parameters, leading to both cost savings and a more environmentally friendly operation.

These innovations underscore Coopermaq’s commitment to integrating advanced, proprietary technology into its products, ensuring that hatcheries can achieve high efficiency with low operating costs.

Global Reach and Market Impact

While Coopermaq is deeply rooted in the Brazilian poultry industry, its international reach extends to countries across Latin-America, North America and in the Middle East & Africa. Through strategic partnerships and local agents, such as Isotek Egypt, Coopermaq’s systems are deployed globally, meeting diverse market requirements and regulatory standards. Their ability to continuously upgrade and adapt their technology has been a key factor in maintaining a competitive edge in the international market.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features Tailored for Extreme Environments

Robust Climate and Process Control

In Brazil and many other South American countries, hatcheries must operate under conditions that can include intense heat, high humidity, and sudden extreme shifts in weather. Coopermaq’s technology is engineered to thrive under such conditions:

• Embriotherm Sensor & Argus Control System: These systems continuously monitor embryo temperature throughout incubation. In extreme climates, where temperatures can rapidly fluctuate, the sensor‐based self-calibration of the Argus system ensures that eggs consistently receive the ideal thermal conditions—minimizing heat stress and maximizing hatchability.
• CO₂ and Humidity Management: Automated CO₂ control and online weight monitoring help maintain a balanced internal environment. In tropical or arid regions, these features compensate for external conditions that might otherwise lead to suboptimal oxygen levels or excessive water loss from eggs.
• Energy Efficiency: Coopermaq’s Power Saver technology is especially important in regions with high ambient temperatures. By optimizing air movement without sacrificing the precise conditions needed for embryo development, it helps reduce operating costs even when external energy demands are high.

Durability and Adaptability in Extreme Climates

South American hatchery equipment is built to withstand harsher conditions. The use of high-quality, insulated panels (such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic with EPS core) and robust construction methods ensures that Coopermaq’s equipment continues to perform reliably—even under extreme heat or sudden temperature drops. This durability is vital not only in Brazil but also in the Middle East, where similar climatic extremes prevail.

South American vs. European Hatchery Equipment: A Comparative Analysis

Climate-Driven Design Philosophy

South American Systems (e.g., Coopermaq):

• Engineered for Extremes: Hatchery equipment from South America is designed from the ground up to handle extreme heat, humidity, and rapid weather changes. In countries like Brazil, where the environment can swing from tropical heat to sudden downpours, robust thermal regulation and adaptive ventilation are non-negotiable.

• Proven Field Performance: Decades of operating in such climates have driven continuous improvements. South American manufacturers have refined their technology to cope with not only heat stress but also the challenges posed by highly variable local weather conditions.

European Systems:

• Designed for Moderate Climates: European hatchery equipment is often developed in regions where the climate is generally more temperate and stable. As a result, while these systems may excel in consistency and precision under controlled conditions, they might not always incorporate the same level of robustness against extreme environmental variations.

• Adapting to Change: With growing awareness of climate change, some European manufacturers are beginning to enhance their systems with additional safeguards. However, the historical focus has been on stability rather than the resilience needed in harsher climates.

Why South American Equipment Excels in Extreme Climates (and the Middle East)

• Proven Resilience: South American equipment like Coopermaq’s incubators has been field-tested in environments where conditions can be unpredictable and extreme. This experience translates into systems that are more forgiving of external climatic challenges—making them an ideal choice for regions like the Middle East.
• Adaptive Control Systems: The integration of automated sensors and self-calibrating controls ensures that even when external temperatures soar, the internal conditions remain optimal for embryo development.
• Energy and Cost Efficiency: The Power Saver and advanced ventilation technologies help maintain low operating costs even when external conditions push energy demands higher—a critical factor in regions with extreme climates.

Interesting Facts and Future Outlook

• Global Expansion: Coopermaq’s rapid international expansion is a testament to the effectiveness of its technology. With official representation in over 10 countries, the company is set to influence global standards in hatchery technology.
• Tailored Solutions for Local Challenges: Coopermaq’s solutions are not one-size-fits-all; they are customizable for various species and operational scales. This flexibility allows hatcheries in both tropical and arid regions to adjust their processes to the specific climatic challenges they face.
• Focus on Sustainability: Beyond immediate productivity gains, the energy-efficient design and reduced operational costs contribute to a more sustainable operation, aligning with global trends toward eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Coopermaq’s heritage and design philosophy have resulted in hatchery equipment that excels under extreme climatic conditions—offering a robust, adaptive, and energy-efficient solution. These systems have a proven track record in environments where temperature and humidity can vary dramatically, giving them a distinct advantage over equipment designed primarily for moderate European climates. As the Middle East and other regions face increasingly severe weather patterns, the resilience and adaptability of South American systems like those from Coopermaq make them an excellent choice for modern, global hatchery operations. Me personally, I will keep my car German, but for incubation equipment? I’m willing to cross the ocean, and settle only for Crème de la crème.