Poultry Production and Management P2 PDF

chicks and or feeds at an agreed Broiler Classification Based on Size price Independent or Commercial Large commercial farms: farms that...

chicks and or feeds at an agreed Broiler Classification Based on Size price Independent or Commercial Large commercial farms: farms that breeder farms: farms that buy PS produce 100,000 or more broilers (Parent Stocks) and sell hatching per harvest. eggs and/or day-old chicks to Medium Commercial Farms: farms commercial growers. that produce 21,000–99,000 broilers Independent commercial grower per harvest. farms: farms that buy broiler chicks Small commercial farms: farms that at current market prices and mix produce 1,000–20,000 broilers per their own feeds. They raise and harvest. market their own birds by Small hold/backyard farms: farms themselves. that produce not more than 1,000 Contract breeding farms: farms that broilers per harvest. produce hatching eggs for Broiler Classification in terms of Operation companies that supply the Parent Stocks (PS) and feed and buy back Integrated grower farms: farms that the hatching eggs at pre-arranged breed, hatch, grow, and market their price. own products at their own expense. Contract grower farms: farms that The Broiler Breeding Operation grow chickens for the integrator. It is The success of a broiler breeding a scheme whereby a grower enters operation depends on the quality of into a contract with an integrator to genetic materials used and the grow broilers up to a marketable age flock’s production performance. of about 36 to 42 days. In this case, A key objective for a broiler breeder the integrator provides the grower a farm is to achieve and maintain minimum of 10,000 meat-type uniformity in the birds it produces. chicks, about 35,000 kg feeds, Uniformity includes physical vaccines, diagnostic laboratory characteristics (e.g., plumage color, services, and farm planning, body conformation, and relative particularly to a new applicant at no proportions of body parts) and cost. production performance (e.g., body Contract to buy grower farm: farms weights, growth rates, and feed that have tie ups with integrators or conversion efficiency). cooperatives were the latter sell to Flock uniformity can be achieved by growers a minimum of 10k broiler grading the sizes of birds that will be entered into the breeding flock.  Female birds are best graded for size Starting a Broiler Project at 23–28 days old. Male birds are best graded for size 1. Personal qualifications and after 35 days of age. capabilities A prospective grower should have a Broiler supply chain keen interest and sufficient technical know-how in broiler production. These companies are members of Broiler farming is highly competitive, the philippine association of broiler so the farm should be established in integrators: San Miguel, Swift Foods, a zoning-approved area. Universal Robina, Vitarich and Tyson The grower should have the financial Agri-ventures support to start an economic-sized Main issue of farms: labor issue, operation. they are not willing to spend It is suggested that beginners start Capital issues: if property size is big, with a few thousand broiler chicks to tax is big, so they get smaller farms gain experience and gradually 65-70% goes to the wet market, the expand until an economic-sized rest goes to restaurants operation is achieved. Entrepreneurs with sufficient capital may directly engage in large-scale broiler production with the help of qualified poultry consultants. 2. A regular supply of quality broiler chicks from reliable DOC suppliers necessary to plan the schedules of loading, rearing, and marketing of broilers. 3. Sustained Supply of feeds and other farm inputs The Availability of quality feeds, feed supplements, medicaments, vaccines, water, electricity, and other farm inputs is an important factor to consider before putting up a broiler project.  4. Market assurance: before starting, performs efficiently. For beginners, choose you should have planned and sold to the strain that is popularly raised in the different markets, so you’ll have community as it more or less indicates that clients already (35 days-42 days the strain is satisfactorily performing under marketable chicks; 1.6-2 kg existing farm conditions. The choice for marketable live weight) better strains can be fine- tuned as one gains experience. 5. Proximity to market and source of raw materials Strains should be proven and tested in a Broiler farms should be accessible specific location for easy delivery of raw materials to the farm and broilers for slaughter 3. Reliability of suppliers: Purchase to the market. day-old broiler chicks from a reputable and dependable supplier 6. Community environmental policies or chick dealer. and regulations The farm should be located in a designated livestock production zone and/or at a reasonable distance from other farms and from human settlement areas. Note: The delivery of quality chicks during Selection of Stocks the cooler part of the day (e.g., early The following are some parameters used in morning or evening) is crucial to achieving selecting a strain of broiler to be raised: success in broiler production. 1. Performance: The performance of BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BROILER broilers is determined by their HOUSES genetic make-up as well as the 1. Provide the essential requirements for environmental conditions provided comfort, biosecurity, and protection of the to them. The primary consideration chickens against the elements of nature. in the broiler business is the consistent production of more meat 2. Provide convenience and ease of work for at the least cost possible given the the caretakers. available inputs. 3. Provide strength and durability to allow 2. Adaptability and availability of maximization of investments. stocks: A broiler strain that is adapted to local conditions 4. Use locally available and cheap 2. Litter floor type construction materials without sacrificing Uses rice hull and straw durability and comfort. Tunnel ventilation minimizes coccidiosis risk and controls Materials and Structure environments: bigger chance of ammonia build-up leading 1. Coconut lumber: most commonly to respiratory distress used for the main frame leading to diseases 2. Galvanized iron sheets (roof): most Cement is also used commonly used in luzon locally available litter 3. Asbestos materials such as rice hull 4. Aluminum and rice straw are commonly 5. Nips or cogon: most common on used. visayas and mindanao Types of housing in broiler house 1. Slatted floor house Common material: bamboo, rattan slats Use plastic or fishnets to reduce lameness and breast blisters Elevated floors for ventilation and reduced incidence of Note: The difference between the slatted diseases (2.5cm) floor type and litter floor type is that the Spaces between slats: litter floor type has litter (bedding) on it. 2.5-3.8cm or 1.1.5 inches It is important to have slats Local broiler raisers commonly use slatted with at least 2.5 cm width. floor-type of housing because of the better ventilation and the more convenient waste handling it offers. Bamboo, wood, or rattan slats are the most common flooring materials used in local broiler houses. The posts should be made of concrete with at least 20.3 cm (8 in) diameter. For walls and dividers, plastic net, fishnet, The rising cost of fuel and power raises or bamboo is recommended. concerns about the economic feasibility of tunnel ventilation. Dimensions and orientation Housing practices Long and narrow houses, east to west orientation so sunlight is not Local broiler raisers often brood and directed grow chickens in the same house to Width: 73-90m or 24-30ft avoid transfer stress Space between houses: at least 13.7m (45ft) Brooding Floor and ceiling height Brooding involves providing supplemental heat to maintain the Slatted floor height: at least 1.8m or brooder temperature at 31.1–33.3°C 5.9ft - for collection convenience for 24 hours from hatching until Roof to ceiling: at least 2.4m or 8ft: chicks have grown enough feathers to allow better airflow/ ventilation to regulate their own body Concrete posts: diameter at least temperature. 20.3cm or 8 inches During brooding, it's crucial to provide optimal heat to prevent Ventilation and cooling chicks from chilling, which can lead to disease and death. Sprinklers In the Philippines, the brooding Foggers period lasts about 2–3 weeks, Ventilation fans: tunnel vents depending on the season. Tunnel vents The first 24 hours of a chick’s life is the most important, requiring Crosswise cooling systems optimal brooder temperature, a Lengthways cooling system: cheaper warm, dry, clean space, and plenty of clean, fresh water upon delivery In the Philippines, high summer heat and to the farm. humidity can reduce broiler chicken survival and growth. The process of providing supplemental heat to keep the brooder temperature at Large farms use cool cell or tunnel 31.1-33.3 degrees Celsius for 24 hours from ventilation to control temperature, which hatching up to the time that the chicks have may reduce stress and improve production, grown sufficient feathers to control their though its effectiveness needs more study. own body temperature Elements of successful brooding Extremely high temperatures can result in death due to heat stroke. 1.good quality chicks active The presence of a draft in the dry and fluffy feathers brooder is indicated by chicks bright eyes forming a wedge-like pattern. well healed navels: prone to cannibalism if not fully healed size uniformity is preferred 2. Proper temperature thermometer could be used to measure actual temperature inside the brooder compartment When chicks are evenly distributed in the brooder and engaged in varied activities like feeding, 3. Adequate space allowance drinking, sleeping, and playing, it a. Brooding stage indicates that the brooding Under the heat source temperature is adequate. provide 1m2 or 10.8 ft2 for every 75-150 chicks If the brooder temperature is too within the chick guard low, chicks will huddle together provide at least 1m2 per near the heat source and produce 25-50 chicks unusual chirping sounds. b. Growing stage feeding space: 10.16cm; linear space Critically low temperatures can per bird cause chicks to huddle and pile on watering space: 2.03cm linear space top of each other, leading to high per bird mortality due to suffocation. automatic water systems often used If the brooder temperature is too in large flocks high, chicks will move away from the heat source, spread their wings, pant, and drink more water. 4. Proper ventilation heaters. In some cases, thermostats are provided to automatically ensure good air movement without regulate the temperature inside the draft inside the brooder house brooder compartment. use burlap curtains along the walls 2. Liquefied Petroleum Gas: used in to prevent drafts large scale poultry farms; a 50kg LPG The chicks need a fresh supply of cylinder heats 1000 chicks for 18 oxygen, while carbon dioxide, days ammonia, and excess moisture that have accumulated inside the How many days before the broiler is ready brooder compartment have to be to be sold? removed. Broiler chickens are specially bred for fast 5. Adequate lighting facilities growth and slaughtered when they weigh approximately four pounds, usually if incandescent bulbs for heat, between seven and nine weeks of age. lighting is provided simultaneously Birds between 12 and 20 weeks of age, if using other heat sources, use a 5 typically weighing between five and ten to 10 watts bulb for visibility pounds, are called ROASTERS. 6. Proper sanitation BROODER MANAGEMENT brooding pens need to be kept clean Preparation of the Brooder House and dry at all times to minimize if not prevent contamination and clean repair and disinfect before the growth of parasites and other chicks arrive: 2 weeks before disease- causing organism Turn on the heater 4 hours before te chicks arrive 7. Protection from predators adjust the heater to 15 cm above the back initially, 15-30 cm after 4 days provide protection from rats, dogs, use circular brooder guards to cats, snakes and other animals confine the chicks near heat and use sturdy materials to enclose the prevent trapping brooder house and prevent predator aluminum sheets, lavanits, entry plywoods, hards cardboards, or Sources of Heat for Brooding similar materials could be used as brooder guards 1. Electricity: usually for backyard operations; includes incandescent bulbs, infrared lamps, hovertype Brooder guards are used to confine the Regulate the brooder temperature broiler chicks near the source of heat. These as the broiler chicks grow. Reduce should be circular to eliminate corners that the brooder temperature by 3°C per can possibly trap the chicks and make them week until the chicks are 3 weeks liable to trampling, particularly when they old. During warm months, provide are agitated or scared of predators or other intermittent heating during the unusual figures in the brooding area. daytime and continuous heating at night. Some farms install ‘false ceiling’, which is made of burlap curtain to better control the As the broilers grow, provide temperature inside the brooder house. additional larger feeders and waterers. Position waterers about 1 Handling of Broiler Chicks meter away from the nearest feeder. Choose the proper feeder place the boxes containing the design and follow proper feeding broiler chicks on the floor of the management to minimize feed brooder, spreading them out to wastage. ensure adequate air supply and prevent suffocation. Vaccinate the broilers against Open the chick boxes, separating common poultry diseases (e.g., weak chicks from active ones, and NewCastle Disease [NCD], Infectious remove and properly dispose of any Bronchitis [IB], Infectious Bursal dead chicks. Immediately release Disease [IBD]). the chicks into the brooder Cull and properly dispose of all compartment and dispose of the weak, deformed, and sickly chicks. empty boxes properly. Immediately burn or bury dead initial monitoring: check the birds. condition of newly arrived during Consult a veterinarian if mortality the first 48 hrs and morbidity of the flock goes Provide the broiler chicks with a 5% higher than the acceptable level. sugar solution for drinking within 3 hours of arrival. Afterward, give them fresh feed and water. Vitamin-mineral supplements with antibiotics may be added to the drinking water for the first 3–5 days to enhance the chicks’ vigor. Prevention and Control of Cannibalism broilers, particularly on the breast portion, is easily bruised. The Possible Causes of Cannibalism Do not overcrowd broilers inside the crate. overcrowding Handle filled crates with care. poor ventilation inadequate feeders and drinkers Management During Stress imbalance of diet Stress is a state where the normal How to Prevent Cannibalism physiological condition of an organism is adversely affected. adequate floor space proper ventilation Stress comes in many forms and can balanced diet negatively impact the performance sufficient feeding and drinking of broilers. spaces Factors causing stress include Control of Cannibalism sudden changes in weather, fear due to predators, frequent changes in Isolate immediately injured broilers diet, frequent handling, and Treat wounds of injured broilers vaccination. with pine tar or anti-peck solution as soon as possible. Proper housing and management If cannibalism persists, beak can help minimize stress in broilers. trimming is recommended Housing: A long and narrow house will Proper Catching and Hauling of Broilers allow better ventilation than a square house; a width of 10–12 m should be Catch the broilers at night. Broilers considered maximum. It is important that are less active during the night. broiler houses should be maintained in Remove feeders and waterers from good condition. the pens before catching the birds. Divide the broiler flock into small Water groups by using portable panels or frames. if nipple drinkers are used, ,adjust Hold the broilers on the body or on the pressure regulations to supply both legs. Place them inside the optimum volume of water to birds crate with care. Avoid rough hot drinking water causes adverse handling of broilers. The skin of effects on broilers performance Water pipes and waterers should be kept away from direct sunlight  Broilers perform better if provided Feed Types and Forms with cold drinking water. broilers are fed ad libitum from start to market. Feed Management and Nutrition during Warm Weather: The three types of feeds commonly offered to broiler chickens are the following: pellets and crumbles are recommended to improve feed Prestarter or chick booster: given to consumption and minimize dusts chicks from day- old to 2 weeks. full fat soya is an excellent ingredient containing 18% fat Broiler starter: given to chicks from stabilized forms of vitamin C 2 weeks old to 4 weeks old. 200-600 mg/kg Vitamin E at levels higher than 80 Broiler finisher: given to chicks from ppm has also been observed to be 4 weeks old until desired market beneficial, particularly during weight and age are achieved. stressful conditions. During summer months, extra The three forms of broiler feeds are: calcium at a rate of 1 g/bird should be provided in the form of oyster 1. Mash: a mixture of ground and shell grit or limestone. powdered form of feedstuffs Supplementing The diet with 0.5% 2. Pellets: compressed mash feed. sodium bicarbonate or 0.3– 1% Feeds are compressed through ammonium chloride or sodium pelleting machine. Pellets vary in zeolite minimizes alkalosis related to size. heat stress. 3. Crumbles: coarsely ground pellets Other Causes of Stress Mash feed is recommended only Some of the most often ignored causes of during the first 2 weeks as an stress in broiler chickens include slamming alternative to crumbles, but under of doors, honking of horns, and children or local conditions, it is commonly used dogs running around. for the entire growing period. These forms of unnecessary stress must be Mash feed is easier to prepare and avoided. Other causes of stress include the cheaper than crumbles or pellets. presence of parasites like coccidia, worms, When available, pellets and lice, and mites. A regular program to crumbles are preferred over mash. eliminate these pests is therefore necessary.  Broilers may be fed with crumbles otherwise unacceptable to chickens throughout the entire growing when they are not pelleted period. Less feed wastage from feeders At 2–3 weeks of age, broilers prefer starter pellets to mash or crumbles. Disadvantages of Pelleting At about 4 weeks of age, broiler Added cost of pelleting finisher pellets, which are larger in Wasting of fine particles when particle size, are commonly pellets break into crumble recommended. Increased water consumption of Based on total feed consumption broiler chicken that often results to pre-starter feed: 15% wet droppings Starter feed: 35% finisher feed: 50% Increased incidence and severity of cannibalism Observe responses of broiler to pelleting or crumbling feeds: Pelleting of high-fiber feeds shows more improvement in feed consumption than pelleting Advantages of Pelleting low-fiber feed. Pelleting reduces the feeding time Less feed loss due to wind of chickens. Reduces feed dustiness Pelleting per se does not increase Keeps all ingredients bound in pellet the growth rate of broilers. Pelleting form during handling increases feed consumption, which is often translated into fast growth Destroys bacteria in feeds (e.g., rate. salmonella) From day-old to 2 weeks, chicks eat Increases feed density, allowing more feeds in mash form than chicken to consume more low crumbles or very small pellets, but energy (high- fiber) feeds thereafter, pellet feeds are Markedly increases consumption of preferred. certain feed ingredients that are  When a mixture of three-fourth 5. Vitamin D: retarded growth, leg pellets and one-fourth mash is weakness, soft and pliable beak and given, some broilers show claws, squatting on their hocks, poor preference for mash and some for calcification of tibia and femur pellets. This practice results in 6. Vitamin E: encephalomalacia, greater average body weight than exudative diathesis, muscular when pellets alone are fed. dystrophy If pellets are too large, acceptance 7. Vitamin K: Subcutaneous and will be reduced. Broilers under 4 internal hemorrhages, delayed blood weeks of age should be given clotting pelleted feed with a diameter of 2.3 mm, while broilers over 4 weeks of 8. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Anorexia, age should be given pellets of 4.7 polyneuritis, and paralysis mm. 9. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Slow Feeder height growth, curled toe paralysis; walk with hocks with the aid of their hang tube feeders so the pen’s brim is level wings with the chicken’s backs 10. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Retarded feeder space requirement: 2.54cm growth, dermatitis, convulsion, and anemia NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY 11. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): 1. Energy: weight loss Reduced weight gain and feed intake 2. Protein/ essential acid: decreased along with poor feathering and feed intake, decreased growth in nervous disorder proportion to degree of deficiency, 12. Niacin (Nicotinic acid): Loss of decreased fat deposition appetite, retarded growth, general 3. Essential fatty acid (Linoleic Acid): weakness and diarrhea, reduced growth, progresses to fatty enlargement of the tibiotarsal joint, liver, susceptibility to respiratory bowing of the legs, poor feathering, diseases and dermatitis on the head and feet 4. Vitamin A: Anorexia, growth 13. Pantothenic acid: Reduced growth retardation, drowsiness, and feed consumption, poor incoordination, emaciation, ruffled feathering, encrustations around feathers beak and eyes, dermatitis of the feet 14. Biotin: Crusty dermatitis of foot pod, exhibit convulsions and go on to eyes, and mouth; perosis, poor comatose state when disturbed feathering 23. Manganese: Perosis characterized 15. Folacin (Folic acid): Poor feathering, by enlargement and malformation of slow growth, perosis, macrocytic the tibio-metatarsal joint, twisting anemia, and reduced white blood and bending of the distal end of the cell tibia and proximal end of the tarsometatarsus, thickening and 16. Choline: Poor growth, perosis shortening of the gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon from its condyles 17. Calcium: Growth retardation and reduced feed intake, rickets, reduced 24. Zinc: Retarded growth, shortening activity and sensitivity, abnormal and thickening of leg bones, posture and gait, increased urine enlargement of the hock joints, value scaling of the skin, very poor feathering, reduced feed utilization, 18. Phosphorus: Rickets and poor loss of appetite, and in severe cases, growth mortality 19. Sodium: Growth retardation, soft 25. Iron: Severe anemia with reduction bones, corneal keratinization, in packed cell volume, impaired impaired feed utilization, and feather pigmentation decrease in plasma volume 26. Copper: Anemia, increased fragility 20. Potassium: Muscle weakness of bone, thickened epiphyseal characterized by weak extremities, cartilage, reduced vascular poor intestinal tone with intestinal penetration of the thick cartilage distention, cardiac and respiratory muscle weakness 27. Selenium: Exudative diathesis, muscular dystrophy 21. Chlorine: Extremely poor growth rate, high mortality, 28. Iodine: Enlarged thyroid hemoconcentration, dehydration and reduced blood chloride level, nervous reaction reduced by sudden noise or fright 22. Magnesium: Retarded growth, lethargic and often pant and gasp, Feeding Systems should have a guard or lid to avoid the feed from being beaked out. Unless otherwise recommended by the supplier, feed must be available 3. Keep the brim of the feeder's level with to the chickens at all times. the back of the chickens to reduce wastage from beaking out feeds and make eating When open trough feeders are easier for the chickens. used, refill the troughs as frequently as possible. Fresh feed 4. Give pellet or crumbled feed instead of must be mixed with the remaining mash feed if the cost is reasonable. These feed in the trough during feeding kinds of feed are less likely to be blown out time. from feeders. These forms of feeds are preferred by broilers. These stimulate them In most commercial broiler to eat more feeds than the feed in mash farms,tube feeders are commonly form. used to ensure continuous supply of feeds to the chickens and make Feed Additives feeding convenient to the caretaker. Antifungal agents: Prevent fungal To avoid overcrowding during feeding, allow (mold) growth in stored ingredients the following: and mixed feeds, which reduces palatability and may produce First two weeks: 2.54cm or 1 inch mycotoxins. Mold inhibitors are Up to four weeks: 5.08c, or 1 inches recommended when moisture Slaughter age (6 weeks): 10.16cm or content exceeds 13–14%, relative 4 inches humidity exceeds 80–85%, For every 100 chicks, use three tube temperature rises above 12.8°C, or feeders. the grain is damaged, broken, or insect-infested. Management Practices to Avoid Feed Losses in Feeders Antioxidants: Preservatives that prevent the oxidation (rancidity) of 1. Avoid filling beyond one-third of the fats, which can produce undesirable capacity of the trough feeders. This will products with offensive odors, toxic require frequent feeding, but less feed will properties, and destroy nutrients be wasted through beaking out. Also, the like fat-soluble vitamins. feed will remain fresh and more palatable. Anticoccidial agents: Substances 2. Use the right size of feeder for a used to prevent coccidiosis in particular age of chickens. Each feeder poultry.  Antitoxins: Substances that bind mycotoxins present in feeds. DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL Vaccination Vaccination is an effective and economical way to prevent infectious poultry diseases, using biological products made from disease-causing organisms. Live vaccines, containing living attenuated organisms, are commonly used for viral diseases, but bacterins for bacterial infections are limited. Protective antibodies typically develop 10–14 days after the initial vaccination, so chickens are not immediately immunized. Vaccination Failure High levels of maternal antibodies in 1. Administration of vaccines that do not chicks can interfere with vaccine contain the appropriate strain or serotypes effectiveness, often necessitating of the pathogen causing the disease revaccination when chicks are older. 2. Decreased vaccine potency due to Post-vaccination reactions, such as improper storage and/or handling, or use of decreased feed consumption and expired vaccines mild respiratory symptoms, can occur, especially under poor 3. Improper method of administering the conditions; only healthy chickens vaccine or giving of inadequate dosage should be vaccinated with proper 4. Presence of high levels of maternal procedures. antibody that interferes with the immunization process, particularly in very young chicks 5. Stress, incomplete development of 8. Administer live vaccines within 1 hour immuno-competence, poor nutrition, after reconstitution. Keep vaccines cool mycotoxin, presence of concurrent during vaccination time. immunosuppressive infections (e.g., IBD, CRD, coccidiosis) that tend to cause less 9. Avoid unnecessary stress during effective or incomplete immune vaccination. Anti-stress supplement may be responsiveness to vaccines given via the drinking water at least 2 days before and 3 days after vaccination that Vaccination Tips requires individual handling of chickens (e.g, intraocular or intranasal route of 1. Purchase recommended strain/type of administration). vaccine from reliable sources. 10. Destroy unused reconstituted live 2. Keep vaccines cool at all times. They are vaccines. Burn or bury empty vials/bottles best stored in the refrigerator at 4°C where and leftover live reconstituted vaccines. they are kept cold, but not subjected to freezing and thawing. 11. Check or monitor the immune response to NCD or IBD live vaccines by using the 3. Put vaccines in an icebox during hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test of transport. ELISA, 10–14 days after each NCD or IBD vaccination. These tests are conducted in 4. Take note of the expiry date, which is most diagnostic laboratories. Revaccinate stamped on each packet of vaccine. flock if the protection or antibody titer is Vaccines lose potency slowly even when low. stored under ideal conditions. Vaccines should be purchased as required, stored To compute the amount of oxytetracycline properly, and used within the expiry period. required for 1000 birds: 5. Follow a strict vaccination schedule and Daily consumption per bird: 0.5 liters proper use of vaccines as indicated by the manufacturer. Total daily consumption for 1000 birds: 0.5 liters/bird × 1000 birds = 500 liters 6. Administer the correct dose. Dosages should not be decreased or increased 0.5liters/bird×1000 birds=500 liters unnecessarily. Desired concentration: 100 ppm (parts per 7. Vaccinate healthy chickens only. Do not million), which is equivalent to 100 mg/L. vaccinate the flock when there is an outbreak of disease in the farm (e.g., Total amount of oxytetracycline needed per infectious coryza, coccidiosis, CRD, etc). day: 100 mg/L × 500 liters = 50,000 mg is needed for bacterial diseases, with possible additional treatment if the 100 mg/L×500 liters=50,000mg disease recurs. Convert mg to grams: To avoid risks to human health, medications must be withdrawn 50,000 mg= 50 grams from feed or water at least 5 days 50,000mg=50 grams before slaughter to ensure no drug residues remain in animal tissues So, you would need 50 grams of oxytetracycline to prepare 500 liters of The following are common medications drinking water at a concentration of 100 given to broiler chickens. ppm for 1000 birds. 1. Anti-stress preparations (e.g., Medication antibiotic-vitamin-electrolyte supplements) may be given via the drinking water during Vaccination and management the first 3– 5 days of age, and 2 days before procedures can prevent most viral and 3 days after each vaccination with live poultry diseases, but virus vaccine that requires individual chemotherapeutic agents may be handling of the chickens for its needed for bacterial or parasitic administration. diseases without vaccines. 2. Coccidiostat preparations should be given Mass medication in poultry is continuously through the feed from the 1st commonly done through feed or day to 28th day of age. Observe proper drinking water, with medication via withdrawal period. water preferred when chickens are sick as they may continue to drink 3.Anti-malarial preparations (e.g., even if they lose their appetite. pyrimethamine- sulfamonomethoxine/ sulfadimethoxine plus vitamins) may be The dosage of chemotherapeutic given in the feed or drinking water, starting agents is based on the at 10–14 days old for 2 consecutive days concentration of the active drug each week for 5 weeks if the disease is ingredient, average daily intake, and prevalent. Observe proper withdrawal the body weight of the chickens. period. Prolonged use of low-level anti-microbial agents can lead to resistance in microorganisms; typically, about 5 days of medication Sanitation Disinfectants for Poultry Farms Cleaning and disinfection 1. Phenolic compounds (e.g., cresol, orthophenyl-phenol, and orthobenzyl- 1. Cleaning must precede disinfection since parachlophenol) the potency of most disinfectants may be greatly reduced by organic matter (e.g., Indications: dropping, feed dust accumulation). Foot dips 2. Cleaning is best accomplished by the use Routine disinfection of poultry of a pressure hose with or without a houses, premises, and equipment detergent. before restocking or after outbreak of disease. 3. Disinfectants do not act Instantly, thus time must be allowed for their germicidal 2. Organic iodine combinations/iodophores effect. (e.g., povidone-iodine) 4. Most disinfectants act more effectively Indications: when applied in solution, because solutions Final disinfection of poultry houses penetrate a greater depth, thus killing more and equipment. These compounds organisms. are most effective on clean surfaces. 5. A disinfectant intended for 3. Quaternary ammonium decontamination of buildings should work compounds/quats (e.g., benzalkonium well in the presence of a moderate amount chloride, benzathonium chloride, of organic matter. It should be compatible cetylpyridinium chloride) with soap or detergents, safe for building materials, and relatively non-toxic to man Indications: and animals. Final disinfection of feeders, waterers, and other equipment. 6. A disinfectant must be readily soluble Effective on clean surfaces. even in hard water, effective against a wide Water sanitizer variety of infectious agents (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa), free from 4. Hypochlorite (e.g., chlorine) objectionable or lingering odor, readily Indications: available, and inexpensive. Final disinfection of feeders, waterers, other equipment. Effective on clean surfaces. Water sanitizer 5. Combinations of organic acids, organic 6. Avoid overcrowding by providing biocides, and surfactants adequate floor space and enough feeding and watering spaces. Indications: Final/terminal disinfection of poultry 7. Fence the production area to provide houses and equipment before ample protection against scavengers and restocking. stray animals, which may be vectors of disease. 6. Glutaraldehyde-dimethyl ammonium 8. Practice an all-in-all-out method of chloride complex operation if possible. Clean and disinfect poultry houses after depopulation and Indications: allow cleaned and disinfected buildings at Routine disinfection of poultry least 2 weeks rest period before restocking. houses, premises, and equipment before restocking and after a disease 9. Only flock men should be allowed into outbreak. the broiler houses. Visitors and other Wheel/foot dips unauthorized persons should stay off the production area. Health Management tips 10. Control flies and blood-sucking insects 1. Raise only healthy and vigorous stocks. by applying suitable insecticide. Provide good drainage and remove piles of trash, 2. Feed chicken with nutritionally balanced unused equipment, and unnecessary junks, rations and provide fresh drinking water at which could serve as breeding places for all times. insects and rodents. 3. Implement a vaccination program for 11. Provide foot dips at the entrance of prevalent diseases. Follow strictly the poultry houses to keep disease out of any vaccination schedule. house and to prevent the spread of infections within the farm through the 4. Provide comfortable housing with good movement of farm personnel. ventilation and maintain clean surroundings. 12. Dispose sick and dead chickens by burning or burying. Sick chickens could 5. Construct poultry houses in such a way contaminate feed, water, and equipment that wild birds and rodents, which may with their excrements. serve as carriers of diseases, cannot enter. 13. Minimize activities that will cause unnecessary stress to the chickens. 14. Keep honest and accurate health and production records. Health records should include vaccination, medication, and all health problems encountered in the farm. Production records usually include daily feed consumption, weight gains, and mortality. Daily evaluation of these records is recommended. 15. Consult a veterinarian at the first sign of disease in the flock. A veterinarian is in a better position to make a diagnosis, advise on medication and other biosecurity measures to prevent spread of the infection. Do chickens lay eggs 24 hours around the clock? No, they rest but If you trick a hen into thinking a day is 28 hours by using certain lighting, she will lay bigger and stronger eggs. Do chickens communicate? Yes, in fact Mother hens talk to their chicks while they’re still in the eggs, and the chicks can chirp back while in the shell. How fast is the chicken heart beat? A chicken’s heart beats from 220 to 360 times per minute.