Broiler Production
• During the first 10 days of life, the chicks’ environment changes from that of the hatcher to that of the broiler house, and there are significant changes in how and from where the chick receives its nutrients.
• If a good quality chick is provided with proper nutrition and brooding management during the first 7 days, mortality should be less than 0.7% and target live weight at an age should be achieved uniformly.
House Preparation
• Chicks cannot regulate their own body temperature until they are around 12-14 days of age.
• Houses should be preheated for a minimum of 24 hours prior to chick arrival.
• Prior to chick arrival, litter material should be spread evenly to a depth of 5 to 10 cm.
• Adequate fresh, clean water must be available at all times to all birds with access points at an appropriate height.
• At placement, chicks must be placed quickly, gently, and evenly onto paper within the brooding area.
• If chicks are grouped together, under heaters or within the brooding area, this indicates they are too cold
• If chicks are crowded near the house walls or brooding surrounds, away from heating sources and/or they are panting, this indicates they are too hot
• Crop fill should be assessed at key times after placement to check that all chicks have found feed and water.
Litter Quality
• Litter quality directly affects bird health, welfare, and performance.
• Poor quality litter, with high moisture content, may result in increased ammonia levels within the broiler house.
• This has the potential to produce increased respiratory stress and increased levels of carcass damage.
• Poor quality litter also increases the risk of footpad dermatitis (FPD) and hock burn.
Good litter should provide:
• Good moisture absorption.
• Biodegradability.
• Bird comfort.
• Low dust level.
• Freedom from contaminants.
• Consistent availability from a biosecure source.
• Concrete floors are washable and allow for more effective biosecurity and litter management.
Troubleshooting common issues in the 0-7 day brooding phase
Poor Chick Quality Small Chicks Days 1-4
Small birds, as early as 4-7 days
Troubleshooting common issues after 7 days of age
Observations by Farm Personnel
• Daily assessment of bird behavior
• Bird appearance
• Environmental changes
• Clinical signs of illness
• Flock uniformity
Ventilation systems
Natural Ventilation
Power Ventilation
Lighting for broilers
There are four important components to a lighting program. These are:
Photoperiod length – the number of hours of light and dark given in a 24 hour period.
• Photoperiod distribution – how the hours of light and dark are distributed throughout a 24 hour period.
• Wavelength - color of the light.
• Light Intensity – how bright the light provided is.
Stocking Density
• Stocking density is ultimately a decision based on economics and local welfare legislation.
• Stocking density influences bird welfare, broiler performance, uniformity, and product quality.
The floor area needed for each broiler will depend on:
- - -
