Some critical points for improving poultry performance
Biosecurity
Well-defined biosecurity practices throughout broiler production (pre-, during and post-placement) are crucial to successful poultry production
Effective biosecurity can aid hygiene, vermin and insect control on-farm and help to limit disease transmission within and between barns
Downtime between flocks
Adequate downtime of at least 14 days with appropriate cleaning and disinfection measures between flock placements helps to reduce transmission of disease between flocks and allows time to prepare for the next flock
Pre-placement preparation
Pre-placement preparation is needed before the new flock arrives to help prevent losses during brooding and the rest of grow out
Checkpoints to keep in mind: heaters, floor temperature, temperature and relative humidity probes, ventilation, drinkers, feeders, etc
Coccidiosis prevention
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by a microscopic intestinal parasite. This parasite can have an impact on intestinal integrity and may predispose birds to other intestinal problems. Maintaining intestinal integrity during this time through innovative technologies provided in the Alltech® Gut Health Management program is critical in allowing birds to perform to their maximum levels despite gut health challenges
Brooding management
With today’s improved genetic capabilities and the fast growth of birds, more time is being spent during the critical brooding phase. As a result, ensuring a good start in poultry production can have a significant impact on the future health and performance of the birds
The brooding period is an important time for intestinal growth and the development of a balanced microflora
Litter management
The litter in a poultry house acts as bedding for the birds. In addition to standing and resting on the bedding, birds will naturally peck at the litter. Litter condition and quality have an impact on broiler intestinal health and profitability, starting from when the chicks are placed all the way through production
Wet litter presents a vicious cycle for intestinal health. Without proper management, even in patches, wet litter can serve as a breeding ground for potential pathogens and may be a starting point for intestinal stress that develops and leads to disease. As wet litter problems increase, ammonia levels in the barn rise, which can be potentially detrimental to bird health. It is much easier to prevent and manage litter moisture conditions before they start
Some factors to consider which may help prevent the development of wet litter: type of material, quality of litter, litter depth, water quality, drinker line management, lighting management, ventilation and temperature
Litter that is too dry and dusty can be one of many indications that the birds may not be drinking enough. Too much dusty material may lead to respiratory problems
Water management
Drinking water accounts for 70–80 percent of the bird’s daily drinking needs. Poultry will generally consume more water than feed. As a result, water is the most critical nutrient for poultry. An abundance of clean water will reduce challenges and maximize performance
Factors to consider when thinking about water management include
Quality, height, pressure, mineral content and accessibility
Cleanliness of drinker lines/regulators prior to flock placement and during production
Flushing water lines between flocks and during production
Elimination of biofilms and mineral buildup
Drinker equipment maintenance
Feed management
Birds must have easy access to feed. Proper feeder line height corresponding to the height of the birds helps to reduce feed wastage and mixing feed with litter, and it ensures that all birds have access to feed. Adequate feed access is also achieved by following the feed line manufacturer’s recommendations for the number of birds per feed pan or line of trough feeder
Birds will naturally peck at litter but avoiding “out-of-feed” events helps to reduce the potential for birds to peck excessively at the litter. Simple measures like activating trigger feed pans and monitoring feed bin levels during barn checks can help to prevent such events
Good feed quality that avoids contaminants like mycotoxins is important to ensure performance
Stocking density
A higher stocking density of poultry in addition to crowded housing conditions has been shown to have a negative impact on performance, causing stress to both the birds and intestinal microbiota
Lowering stocking density throughout the overall production of the birds may help to reduce challenges
Environmental management
General environmental management of the barn includes many components, such as temperature, relative humidity, ventilation and lighting
Understanding that these components work both separately and together can help to guide your management practices
Monitoring during times of transition
Increasing the frequency at which barns are walked and examining the activity of the flock can help with early disease detection
Daily monitoring of temperature, humidity and ventilation inside the barn as well as outside temperature is recommended
Monitoring transition times can help with understanding what is happening in the barn (e.g., from day to night, when birds are placed, during half-house brooding, feed changes, etc.)
Monitoring feed and water consumption helps to monitor the flocks’ progress
Keeping an eye on equipment
Walking the barns routinely will also help to ensure equipment remains in working order
Mortality checks
Cull diseased birds as early as possible
Flock health management
Work with your veterinarian to design a program customized for your flock’s health
Communication and teamwork
Ensuring strong communication and coordination between all those involved in helping your farm run smoothly will ensure a stronger and more successful gut health management program for your birds
Reference
.Reference Guide for Solving Poultry Processing Problems , Poultry Oxford Reference