Poultry Management ANSCI 105 PDF

ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY Leon, Campus ANSCI 105: POULTRY MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 Poultry Nutrition Learning Objectives At the end of the unit, the students must have: 1. identify the essential nutrients required by poultry, including protei...

ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY Leon, Campus ANSCI 105: POULTRY MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 Poultry Nutrition Learning Objectives At the end of the unit, the students must have: 1. identify the essential nutrients required by poultry, including proteins, energy sources, vitamins, and minerals. 2. identify common feed additives and growth promoters used in commercial poultry production. 3. describe the changing nutritional requirements of poultry across different life stages: starter, grower, finisher, and layer phases. 4. explain the relationship between nutrition and meat yield, including carcass quality and growth rates in broilers. LESSON 1: Nutritional Needs of Poultry: Protein, b. Formulating Diets for Layers, Broilers, and Energy, Vitamins, and Minerals. Breeders Effective poultry nutrition is crucial for Formulating diets for poultry involves ensuring optimizing growth, egg production, feed conversion that the nutrient content aligns with the birds' specific efficiency, and overall health. Nutritional management physiological needs: encompasses the correct balance of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and the use of feed additives, with  Layers: Diets for laying hens emphasize strategies varying based on the type of poultry (layers, sufficient calcium for strong eggshells, along broilers, breeders) and the specific life stage of the with protein for egg formation. Typical layer birds. Below is a detailed overview: diets contain around 16-18% protein, 4% calcium, and moderate energy levels to Poultry requires a balanced diet containing maintain optimal body weight and egg essential nutrients for growth, egg production, and production. general health. These include:  Broilers: Broiler diets are designed to  Protein: Protein is essential for muscle maximize growth and meat yield, with a high development, growth, and egg production. protein content (20-24%) in the early stages The requirement for protein varies with age and a shift to lower protein and higher energy and production phase. For instance, broilers levels as birds near market weight. Amino need high levels of protein (22-24%) during acids like methionine and lysine are carefully the early growth phase, which decreases as balanced to support muscle growth. they mature. Layers require about 16-18% protein for optimum egg production.  Breeders: Breeder diets are formulated to promote fertility and egg production while  Energy: Poultry derive energy primarily from avoiding excessive weight gain, which can carbohydrates and fats. Energy requirements negatively impact reproduction. These diets are typically expressed in kcal per kg of feed are typically lower in energy but higher in and vary based on factors such as age, vitamins and minerals, with an emphasis on production stage, and environmental maintaining proper body condition. conditions. Broilers, for example, require diets with higher energy densities for rapid growth, c. Feed Additives and Growth Promoters while breeders require lower energy levels to Feed additives are used to enhance growth, avoid excessive fat accumulation. improve gut health, and boost immunity in poultry. Common feed additives include:  Vitamins: Essential vitamins include Vitamin A (for growth and immunity), Vitamin D (for  Probiotics and Prebiotics: These helps calcium metabolism and bone health), maintain a healthy gut microbiome, improve Vitamin E (antioxidant), and B-vitamins (for nutrient absorption, and boost immune energy metabolism). Vitamin deficiencies can function. The use of probiotics has become lead to growth retardation, reproductive more prevalent since the reduction of issues, and immune deficiencies. antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in many regions due to regulatory restrictions.  Minerals: Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and sodium are vital. Layers have high  Enzymes: Feed enzymes like phytase are calcium demands (around 4%) for eggshell added to improve the digestibility of nutrients, formation, while phosphorus is crucial for especially phosphorus, allowing for more bone development and energy metabolism. efficient feed utilization. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is particularly critical to prevent metabolic  Acidifiers: Organic acids are used to lower disorders like rickets. the pH in the gut, suppressing harmful bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption.  ANSCI 105: Poultry Management 1  Growth Promoters: In some countries, non- g. Nutritional Disorders and their Management antibiotic growth promoters like essential oils Nutritional imbalances can lead to various or plant extracts (e.g., oregano, thyme) are disorders, including: being used to stimulate growth and improve feed efficiency.  Rickets: A deficiency in calcium, phosphorus, d. Feed Conversion Efficiency and Cost-Effective or Vitamin D3 leads to weak bones, Feeding Strategies deformities, and reduced growth. This condition is common in young birds and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) measures the layers. amount of feed required to produce a unit of meat or eggs. Maximizing FCE is a key goal in commercial  Fatty Liver Syndrome: Overfeeding energy- production to reduce costs and improve profitability. rich diets, particularly in layers, can result in fatty liver syndrome, where fat accumulates in  Broilers: Broilers have high feed efficiency, the liver, leading to reduced egg production typically around 1.6 to 1.8 kg of feed per 1 kg and increased mortality. of weight gain. Feeding strategies include phase feeding, where diets are adjusted at  Ascites: Caused by an imbalance in energy different growth stages to match the birds’ and oxygen supply, leading to fluid changing nutritional needs, minimizing waste accumulation in the abdominal cavity. This is and overfeeding. more prevalent in fast-growing broilers.  Layers: For layers, FCE focuses on Management of nutritional disorders includes maximizing the number of eggs per unit of adjusting the diet to balance nutrients, improving feed feed consumed. Feeding strategies that formulation, and implementing regular monitoring. enhance gut health and optimize nutrient absorption (e.g., using enzymes or balanced amino acid profiles) are important for cost- h. Innovations in Poultry Feed: Alternative effective production. Ingredients and Precision Feeding e. Nutrition for Different Life Stages: Starter, Recent innovations in poultry nutrition have focused Grower, Finisher, and Layer Phases on sustainability and efficiency: Poultry nutritional requirements vary significantly  Alternative Ingredients: With the rising costs across life stages: of traditional feed ingredients like corn and soybean meal, alternative sources such as  Starter Phase: In broilers, the starter phase insect meal, algae, and distillers' grains are (0-3 weeks) requires diets rich in protein (20- being explored as protein and energy 24%) and energy to support rapid growth. In substitutes. These alternatives can reduce layers, the focus is on skeletal development feed costs and reliance on conventional crops. and immune system establishment.  Precision Feeding: Advances in precision  Grower Phase: During the grower phase (3-6 feeding technology allow for real-time weeks), broiler diets reduce protein content monitoring of feed intake and nutrient slightly while maintaining energy levels to requirements. Automated feeding systems support continued growth. Layer pullets can adjust feed composition based on factors require diets that build body reserves and such as age, weight, and environmental prepare them for egg production. conditions, reducing waste and optimizing growth.  Finisher Phase: For broilers, finisher diets are lower in protein but higher in energy, designed to promote muscle deposition without excessive fat accumulation. This phase is critical for meat yield and feed efficiency.  Layer Phase: As hens reach the production stage, their diets emphasize calcium and protein to support consistent egg production and quality. f. Impact of Nutrition on Egg Production and Meat Yield Proper nutrition is directly correlated with egg production and meat yield:  Egg Production: Calcium and phosphorus are critical for eggshell quality, while protein and essential fatty acids are vital for yolk formation. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to poor egg quality, reduced production, and higher rates of eggshell breakage.  Meat Yield: Protein and energy levels, along with balanced amino acids, are crucial for maximizing meat yield in broilers. Diets that provide optimal nutrition during the grower and finisher phases lead to better muscle development and carcass quality.  ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY Leon, Campus ANSCI 105: POULTRY MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 Commercial Poultry Housing and Environment Management Learning Objectives At the end of the unit, the students must have: 1. identify the critical factors that influence the design of poultry housing, including climate, production type, and flock size. 2. understand the importance of environmental control in commercial poultry housing and its impact on bird health and productivity. 3. understand the importance of effective litter management for controlling ammonia levels and maintaining poultry health. 4. explore the role of automation and technology in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of commercial poultry operations. a. LESSON 1: Design and Layout of for the birds (Glatz and Bolla, 2004). Birds’ Commercial Poultry Houses performance in controlled-environment sheds is generally superior to that in naturally ventilated Poultry housing Improvements to poultry houses, as the conditions can be maintained in the housing systems in developing countries have birds’ thermal comfort zone. Achieving the ideal focused on providing an environment that satisfies environment for birds depends on appropriate the birds’ thermal requirements. Newly hatched management of the poultry house. Modern houses birds have a poor ability to control body are fully automated, with fans linked to sensors to temperature, and require some form of maintain the required environment. Some supplementary heating, particularly in the first few commercial operators use computerized systems days after hatch. Many developing countries are for the remote checking and changing of settings located in tropical areas where minimal heating is in houses. Forced-air furnaces and radiant heating required. Indeed, the emphasis in these countries are the main methods of providing heat to young – particularly for meat chickens – is on keeping the chicks. birds cool. Production systems International poultry Medium-scale commercial: In developing breeding and feed companies operate in many countries, most medium-scale commercial layer developing countries and have established large- and chicken meat houses rely on natural airflow scale commercial farms in a significant number of though the shed for ventilation (Daghir, 2001). them. The housing and equipment used make it Where required, meat birds and layers are given possible to exert considerable control over the radiant heating early in their lives, to maintain body climate provided to the birds, but such houses are temperature. Laying hens may be kept in expensive to build and operate, and require a commercial wire cages in open sheds, or in sheds large turnover of birds to make them viable. Owing with wire sides to exclude wild birds, scavenging to the lower construction and running costs, poultry and predators. medium- and small-scale commercial housing is popular in developing countries. By far the most Small-scale commercial (improved prevalent poultry farming system in many genotype stock and supplementary feeding): developing countries is the small-scale Houses of various shapes and dimensions are scavenging system, which usually involves only typically constructed using local building materials very basic (if any) shelter for housing birds. consisting of timber or mud bricks and bamboo. These small-scale commercial facilities may have Large-scale commercial farms: several rooms or compartments where chicks are Commercial houses in developing countries are brooded, pullets are reared and layers are housed clear-span structures with litter on the floor for in a floor based system or in cages. Meat birds are meat birds or cages for laying hens. The often kept in single-age groups of 50 to 100 commercial chicken meat industry in some chickens within the house. The house can be used developing countries is vertically integrated, with as night shelter for birds that forage under free- single companies owning feed mills, breeder range conditions or that are confined to an outdoor farms, hatcheries and processing plants. pen during the day. Arrangements typically involve agreements in Small-scale semi-scavenging system which the farmer or landowner provides the using indigenous birds: When provided, shelters housing, equipment and labour, while the are made from various materials, including wood company provides the chicks, feed, medication, and leaf material from local trees or shrubs. Birds transport and supervision. For controlled- in the household flock are typically housed environment housing of layers, multi-tier cage overnight in the shelter, and are let out in the systems are common. Most large-scale morning to forage during the day (Ahlers et al., commercial farms use controlled-environment 2009). If no special structure is provided, the birds systems to provide the ideal thermal environment sometimes shelter overnight under the farmer’s  ANSCI 105: Poultry Management 1 house or even inside the house with the family. and small) relies on careful management of Where provided, the usually rudimentary house temperature, humidity, ventilation, position and comprises posts, a thatch or scrap iron roof, and egg turning. During incubation, the egg loses thatch or scrap wire netting walls. Feeders, water vapour through its shell. The rate of water perches, drinkers and nest boxes made from local loss depends on both the shell structure and the materials are sometimes provided, and special humidity of the air surrounding the egg. The quality shelters of a wide variety of designs and of the hatch also depends on the age and health constructions are sometimes used to house of the breeder flock, and on the evenness and broody hens with their chicks. cleanliness of the eggs set. b. LESSON 2: Environmental Control Factors involved in poultry management Systems: Temperature, Ventilation, Humidity, Poultry management involves monitoring and Lighting poultry health; ensuring that the poultry house is maintained with appropriate brooding, rearing, growing and laying conditions; and ensuring that Ventilation management recommended vaccinations are given and All poultry houses need some form of appropriate feeding programmes are used. In ventilation to ensure an adequate supply of developing countries, it is often difficult to achieve oxygen, while removing carbon dioxide, other optimum performance from birds, owing to less- waste gases and dust. In commercial operations, than optimal housing conditions and lack of quality minimum ventilation is often practised in colder feed, vaccines and trained staff. climates, but not generally in tropical ones (Glatz and Bolla, 2004). In large-scale automated Breed effects operations, correct air distribution can be achieved Owing to their superior production, using a negative pressure ventilation system. commercial hybrids of high genetic merit are often When chicks are very young, or in colder climates, used in developing countries, but are not well- the air from the inlets should be directed towards suited to tropical environments (see website on the roof, to mix with the warm air there and Poultry genetics and breeding in developing circulate throughout the shed. With older birds and countries). These birds are sensitive to changes in in warmer temperatures, the incoming air is the diet and to high ambient temperature, and directed down towards the birds, and helps to require skilled stockpersons to manage them. keep them cool. Evaporative cooling pads can be Indigenous poultry can cope better with the harsh placed in the air inlets to keep birds cool in hot conditions often prevailing in developing weather. Tunnel ventilation is the most effective countries, and good management will improve ventilation system for large houses in hot weather. their performance. This can be achieved by using Tunnel ventilation: These systems are popular in good housing, protecting the birds from predators, hot climates. Exhaust fans are placed at one end and providing them with the environmental of the house or in the middle of the shed, and air conditions that allow them to achieve maximum is drawn through the length of the house, removing profitability. heat, moisture and dust. Evaporative cooling pads are located at the air inlets. The energy released Temperature effects during evaporation reduces the air temperature, Farmers need to compensate for and the resulting airflow creates a cooling effect, undesirable climatic conditions by manipulating which can reduce the shed temperature by 10 °C control systems or modifying the house to en sure or more, depending on humidity. Maximum that the welfare and environmental needs of the evaporation is achieved when water pumps are birds are satisfied. Environmental extremes (heat set to provide enough pad moisture to ensure and cold stress, excessive or inadequate optimum water evaporation. If too much water is ventilation, poor air quality) can be managed if the added to the pads, it is likely to lead to higher design of the poultry house is appropriate for the relative humidity and temperatures in the shed. conditions. Birds require adequate space, exterior and interior views Fogging sufficient feed to meet their nutritional systems: Fogging systems are sometimes used to requirements, and an adequate supply of good- reduce the shed temperature. Fogging works best quality water. Use of a stringent quarantine in dry climates, and usually involves several rows programme to prevent dis ease is an essential of high-pressure nozzles that release a fine mist element of good management, and farmers must throughout the house. The cooling effect is be able to recognize disease and treat it as soon significantly increased by airflow from the use of as possible. A suitable vaccination and medication fans within the shed. Natural ventilation is programme is essential in commercial operations. common in medium- and small-scale operations and in areas where the climatic conditions are Effects of nutrition similar to the temperatures required by birds. Managers need to ensure that the diets Ventilation is usually provided by prevailing provided to birds in commercial operations meet breezes. Natural ventilation works best in poultry the nutrient requirements of each age group and sheds where the long axis runs east to west, to strain of chickens (see website on Poultry feed avoid heating of the sidewalls by the sun during avail ability and nutrition in developing countries). the morning and afternoon. Smallholder systems in developing countries typically place less emphasis on achieving Poultry management maximum production, and more on maximizing The aim of management is to provide the profitability by using diets comprised mainly of conditions that en sure optimum performance of local feedstuff ingredients, rather than imported the birds (Bell and Weaver, 2001). Given feeds. Key management practices by farmers who reasonable conditions, broody hens are very mix their own feed include ensuring that micro- successful at hatching their chicks, but good ingredients are kept cool, mouldy ingredients are hatchability using artificial incubation (both large  ANSCI 105: Poultry Management 2 not used, and storage facilities are weather- and green and blue lights improve growth, and lower rodent-proof. age at sexual maturity, while red, orange and yellow lights increase age at sexual maturity, and Importance of good hygiene red and orange lights stimulate egg production. An essential management task is to Birds are calmer in blue light, so blue lights are maintain clean sheds, surroundings and recommended for use during depopulation in equipment. A clean shed improves health and commercial operations. limits parasites, dust and microbial contamination, while clean shed surroundings reduce vermin and Lighting programs for broilers: fly loads. This is important not only for litter and Lighting programs for commercial broiler manure management but also for biosecurity. operations vary widely from company to company, Removal of residual feed from feeders is an and depend on the strain of bird used, the housing important practice critical to the health of the flock. type (naturally ventilated versus controlled- Another important management task is to sanitize environment), the geographical loca tion and the sheds to minimize the risk of disease to incoming season. Where light can be excluded from sheds, flocks of birds. Maintaining high flock health status birds are typically reared under low-intensity (5 to is essential, and routine vaccination programs for 10 lux) lighting, to keep them calm and to prevent a number of diseases are typically in place, feather pecking. During early brooding, 25 lux is particularly in larger-scale operations. Some used to stimulate feeding. Lighting programs for vaccinations are carried out at the hatchery, but it layers and breeders: Light is critical for the onset is essential that a proper vaccination schedule be and maintenance of egg production. Increasing established and that vaccination protocols be day length (from winter to summer) during the complied with. rearing period stimulates the onset of sexual maturity, whereas shortening day length (from Litter materials and management summer to winter) has the opposite effect. Early Broiler litter is the material used as onset of lay may not be beneficial as it may bedding in poultry houses to absorb faecal waste predispose to reproductive problems. Where from birds and to make the floor of the house easy artificial lighting is possible, a constant day length to manage. Common litter materials are wood (of between 12 to 16 hours per day) during the shavings, chopped straw, sawdust, shredded rearing period has been shown to result in a paper and rice hulls, and a wide range of other delayed onset of lay, and is the preferred rearing materials are used in different regions around the treatment. Shortening day length or too little light world. Litter should be light, friable, non- will discourage egg production, and must be compressible, absorbent, quick to dry, of low avoided once the birds are in lay. thermal conductivity and – very important – cheap. After use, the litter comprises poultry manure, the Stockpersonship original litter material, feathers and spilled feed. Farmers and their staff play a critical role The litter quality in a shed is determined by the in looking after the birds and maximizing type of diet, the temperature and the humidity. The productivity. They need to empathize with and recommended depth for litter is between 10 and care about their birds, and to avoid exposing them 20 cm. Sawdust can result in high dust levels and to adverse situations that may cause stress (see respiratory problems. Dust particles in the litter website on Poultry welfare in developing capable of causing health problems in the birds countries). The people responsible for the care of are derived from dried faeces, feathers, skin and poultry should be well trained, experienced and litter; their adverse effects arise because they dedicated. The f irst task for poultry staff is to learn carry or incorporate bacteria, fungi and gases. how to carry out routine checks on the birds, so they can identify what is normal in the f lock and Management of lighting what the signs of trouble are. Good stock Poultry have seasonal and daily biological attendants minimize the risks to their animals’ rhythms, both of which are mediated by light, health and welfare. By doing this, they allow particularly day length. For day length to exert its production to reach its potential, while treating the controlling effect, there needs to be a dark phase animals with care (Barnett and Glatz, 2004). This (night) when light levels should be less than 0.5 is sometimes called “stockpersonship”. Staff lux. Day length and light intensity during the should be able to identify quickly 27 Poultry breeder bird’s life have an important role in Development review Poultry housing and development of the reproductive system. The management in developing countries any changes difference in day lengths and light intensities in the flock and in the birds’ environment, and any between the rearing and the laying phases is the physical, chemical or microbiological threats, such principal factor responsible for controlling and as damaged equipment, mouldy feed or infectious stimulating ovarian and testicular development disease, and should prevent problems from (Lewis and Morris, 2006). The response to escalating. The more sophisticated the poultry increases in day length and lighting intensity farming system, the greater the management depends on the body weight profile during rearing, skills required. which in turn depend on the nutritional regime. The effects of light are predominantly on the rate of Records sexual maturation and egg production. The two Record keeping and meeting production types of artificial lighting commonly provided are targets are good management practices that allow incandescent and fluorescent. Incandescent the identification and solution of problems. When globes are cheaper to install, but have lower light a problem is identified, the next step is to at tempt efficiency and a shorter life. Fluorescent lights are to fix it. Identifying the cause of and fixing a three to four times as efficient and last about ten problem is an important part of the farmer’s times as long, but have variable performance in knowledge base, and is likely to assist in cold weather. The colour of the light rays has an preventing a recurrence of the problem (Barnett et effect on chickens’ productivity. For example, al., 2001). Records kept over time can help identify  ANSCI 105: Poultry Management 3 some of the possible causes of problems. One of the most useful record-keeping documents is a diary, which can be used in combination with record-keeping sheets to record major activities, problems identif ied, equipment repairs, deviations from equipment settings, and any staff issues. Records of production, growth, feed, egg weights, mortalities, treatments given, and response to treatments should be main tained to assist investigations of sub-optimal performance. In all production systems, signs of ill health can be detected when poultry reduce their food and water intake; reduce production or growth; undergo a change in appearance, behaviour or activity level; or have abnormal feather condition or droppings.  UNIT V Health Management in Commercial Poultry Flocks Presented by: Nove Ann Cabinalan Rizalde Calawigan Mike John Camince Kyla Camarino CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, Pauloinfographics Mallon & images by Freepik Kristel Ann Terania Table of contents Common Vaccination Diseases in Commercial Poultry – Prevention and Control 01 02 programs for large-scale operations Biosecurity Antibiotic Protocols for Disease Prevention 03 04 Use and Alternatives in Commercial Poultry  01 Common Diseases in Commercial Poultry (Prevention and Control) Commercial poultry operations face a variety of diseases that can significantly impact flock health, productivity, and profitability. Some of the most common diseases include: 1. Common Diseases in Commercial Poultry (Prevention and Control) Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) A highly contagious viral infection, avian influenza can spread rapidly through poultry flocks, causing high mortality. Prevention includes strict biosecurity measures, surveillance, and early detection. Vaccination and culling infected birds are common control methods. Newcastle Disease This viral infection affects the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems of poultry. It is highly contagious and can be prevented through vaccination, proper sanitation, and isolation of infected birds. 1. Common Diseases in Commercial Poultry (Prevention and Control) Marek’s Disease Caused by a herpesvirus, Marek's disease leads to tumor formation and immune suppression. It can be prevented with vaccination of chicks, along with maintaining a clean environment. Coccidiosis A parasitic disease affecting the intestines, coccidiosis leads to poor growth and sometimes death. It is controlled through the use of anticoccidial drugs, proper sanitation, and rotation of litter. 1. Common Diseases in Commercial Poultry (Prevention and Control) Salmonellosis A bacterial infection that can cause gastrointestinal issues in poultry and pose a risk to humans. Preventive measures include vaccination, proper hygiene, and controlling feed and water sources to avoid contamination. Vaccination  2. Vaccination Programs for Large- scale Operations Vaccination is a cornerstone of disease prevention in large-scale poultry farming. It helps protect birds from viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections that can significantly impact productivity. Effective vaccination programs are tailored to the specific needs of broilers, layers, and breeders, considering factors such as local disease prevalence, bird type, and farm conditions. 2. Vaccination Programs for Large-scale Operations Common Vaccines Used in Poultry 1. Marek’s Disease Vaccine Purpose: Prevents Marek’s disease, a viral infection causing tumors and immune suppression. Administration: Subcutaneous injection. Dosage: 0.2 mL per chick at 1 day old. 2. Newcastle Disease (ND) Vaccine Purpose: Protects against Newcastle disease, which affects the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. Administration: Via eye drop, spray, or drinking water. Dosage: 1 dose per bird, following the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Vaccination Programs for Large-scale Operations 3. Bursal Disease (IBD/Gumboro) Vaccine Purpose: Prevents infectious bursal disease, which affects the immune system. Administration: Via drinking water or injection. Dosage: 1 dose per bird. 4. Fowl Pox Vaccine Purpose: Protects against fowl pox, a viral disease, causing lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Administration: Wing-web stab. Dosage: 0.01 mL per bird at 6-8 weeks old. 2. Vaccination Programs for Large-scale Operations 5. Avian Influenza (AI) Vaccine Purpose: Protects against avian influenza (H5/H9 subtypes commonly used in the Philippines). Administration: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Dosage: 0.5 mL per bird. ppression. 6. Salmonella Vaccine Purpose: Protects against Salmonella infections. Administration: Injection or drinking water. Dosage: 1 dose as per manufacturer instructions. 7. Coccidiosis Vaccine Purpose: Protects against coccidiosis, a parasitic disease. Administration: Spray on feed or drinking water. Dosage: 1 dose per chick at hatchery or early in life.  Sample Vaccination Schedule Broilers (Short-Lived Flock) Age (Days) Vaccine Route 1 Marek's Disease Subcutaneous 3-5 ND + IB (Live) Eye drop or spray 7-10 IBD (Intermediate strain) Drinking water 14-16 ND + IB (Booster) Eye drop or spray 18-21 Coccidiosis Drinking water  03 Bisecurity Protocols for Disease Prevention Biosecurity refers to a set of management practices and procedures designed to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases within and between poultry flocks. Strong biosecurity protocols are essential for maintaining healthy flocks, ensuring consistent production, and avoiding significant economic losses in commercial poultry operations.  Key Components of Biosecurity Protocols 1. Farm Perimeter and Access Control Physical Barriers – Secure fencing around the farm prevents unauthorized access and reduces the risk of disease transmission from wild animals, stray birds, or humans. Restricted Entry – Only essential personnel and vehicles should be allowed into the farm. Visitors must be limited, and anyone entering should follow strict biosecurity measures. Footbaths and Vehicle Disinfection – Disinfectant footbaths and wheel dips at entry and exit points help minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the farm. 2. Personnel Hygiene Protective Clothing – Workers must wear dedicated farm clothing, including boots, gloves, and coveralls, that are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Hand Washing and Sanitization – Handwashing stations with disinfectants should be placed at entry points and used frequently by all personnel. Health Monitoring – Workers should be monitored for symptoms of illness, and those exhibiting signs of respiratory or zoonotic diseases should not be allowed to enter poultry areas.  Key Components of Biosecurity Protocols 3. Isolation of New or Sick Birds Quarantine Areas: New birds brought to the farm should be quarantined for at least 2-3 weeks to monitor for any signs of disease before introducing them to the main flock. Isolation of Infected Birds: Birds showing signs of illness must be isolated immediately to prevent the spread of infection. Sick birds should only be handled by designated personnel. 4. Pest and Wildlife Control Rodent Control: Regular use of rodenticides, traps, and structural modifications to prevent entry can control rodents, which are carriers of diseases like salmonella. Wild Bird Exclusion: Netting, wire mesh, or other barriers can keep wild birds out of poultry houses, reducing the risk of avian influenza and other pathogens. Insect Management: Use of insecticides or physical barriers can help reduce the population of flies, mosquitoes, and other insects that may carry diseases.  Key Components of Biosecurity Protocols 5. Cleaning and Disinfection Regular Cleaning: Poultry houses, feeders, and drinkers should be cleaned daily to prevent the buildup of waste and pathogens. Disinfecting Facilities: Disinfect poultry houses between production cycles and ensure equipment is thoroughly sanitized. Proper Litter Management: Remove and replace litter regularly to reduce the risk of coccidiosis and other litter-borne diseases. 6. Water and Feed Hygiene Clean Water Supply: Water should be treated and regularly tested to ensure it is free of contaminants and pathogens. Safe Feed Storage: Store feed in secure, dry locations to prevent contamination by rodents, insects, or mold.  Key Components of Biosecurity Protocols 7. Surveillance and Monitoring Health Checks: Conduct regular inspections of the flock for signs of illness, such as changes in behavior, reduced feed intake, or physical symptoms like coughing or diarrhea. Disease Testing: Use diagnostic testing to detect early signs of infection, especially for diseases with no visible symptoms. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of health status, vaccinations, mortality rates, and production performance. 8. Controlled Movements Animal Transport: Use only clean and disinfected vehicles for transporting birds. Feed Deliveries: Ensure feed trucks follow biosecurity protocols, including disinfection upon arrival and departure. Product Shipping: Clean and disinfect crates or containers used to transport eggs or processed birds.  Key Components of Biosecurity Protocols 9. Vaccination Programs Regular vaccination schedules help protect the flock against common infectious diseases, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks that compromise biosecurity. 10. Response Plans Disease Outbreak Response: Prepare a contingency plan for managing disease outbreaks, including immediate isolation, culling (if necessary), and reporting to authorities. Waste Disposal: Properly dispose of dead birds, manure, and other waste materials to prevent contamination.  Benefits of Effective Biosecurity Reduces the risk of disease outbreaks, which can lead to high mortality rates and financial losses. Minimizes the need for antibiotics and other medical treatments by preventing diseases proactively. Protects public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases, such as avian influenza, from spreading to humans. Enhances the sustainability and reputation of poultry farming operations.  Challenges in Implementing Biosecurity Cost of materials, labor, and infrastructure upgrades. Lack of awareness or training among workers about biosecurity practices. Difficulties in controlling external factors, such as wildlife or neighboring farms with poor biosecurity.  04 Antibiotic Use and Alternatives in Commercial Poultry In commercial poultry production, antibiotics are often used to prevent and treat bacterial infections, support growth, and improve overall health. In the Philippines, as in many other countries, the use of antibiotics in poultry is guided by veterinary prescriptions and regulations to prevent antibiotic resistance, which is a growing concern. Below is an overview of the types of antibiotics commonly used in commercial poultry, as well as their dosages for broiler chicks, layers, and breeders.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 1. Chlortetracycline Uses: Chlortetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections like respiratory diseases, enteritis, and chronic respiratory disease in poultry. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 100–200 mg per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Layers: 100–200 mg per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days during times of stress or disease outbreaks. Breeders: 100–200 mg per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days when necessary, typically used for treating respiratory infections or stress-related issues.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 2. Amoxicillin Uses: A broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against various bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 10-20 mg per kg of body weight in drinking water for 5-7 days. Layers: 10-20 mg per kg of body weight in drinking water for 5-7 days, especially when symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases are observed. Breeders: 10-20 mg per kg of body weight for 5-7 days, often used to treat enteric or respiratory infections.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 3. Neomycin Uses: Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic primarily used to treat gastrointestinal infections, including colibacillosis and other intestinal bacterial infections. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 0.1-0.2 g per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days, typically used to treat colibacillosis and other enteric infections. Layers: 0.1-0.2 g per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days. Breeders: 0.1-0.2 g per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days during periods of intestinal stress or infections.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 4. Tylosin Uses: Tylosin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and infections caused by Mycoplasma. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 200–400 mg per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days. Layers: 200–400 mg per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days when respiratory or Mycoplasma infections are suspected. Breeders: 200–400 mg per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days during respiratory disease outbreaks.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 5. Oxytetracycline Uses: A tetracycline antibiotic used for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, enteritis, and some types of bacterial infections that affect eggs. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 100–200 mg per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days. Layers: 100–200 mg per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days during stress or disease. Breeders: 100–200 mg per liter of drinking water for 3-5 days, especially during periods of stress or infection.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 6. Sulfadimethoxine (Sulfonamides) Uses: Sulfadimethoxine is a sulfonamide antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including coccidiosis (though coccidiostats are typically used for long-term prevention). Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 0.1-0.2 g per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Layers: 0.1-0.2 g per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days for treating bacterial infections or as part of a treatment regimen for coccidiosis. Breeders: 0.1-0.2 g per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days, depending on the type of infection.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 7. Enrofloxacin (Fluoroquinolone) Uses: A fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly respiratory and urinary tract infections. However, its use is often restricted or monitored due to concerns over resistance. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 5-10 mg per kg of body weight in drinking water for 3-5 days. Layers: 5-10 mg per kg of body weight for 3-5 days, especially in case of respiratory infections. Breeders: 5-10 mg per kg of body weight for 3-5 days during bacterial infection treatment.  Common Antibiotics used in Commercial Poultry 8. Colistin (Polymyxin E) Uses: Colistin is effective against Gram- negative bacterial infections, including E. coli and Salmonella, and is often used as a last- resort antibiotic. Dosage: Broiler Chicks: 0.05-0.1 g per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days for gastrointestinal infections. Layers: 0.05-0.1 g per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Breeders: 0.05-0.1 g per liter of drinking water for 5-7 days during periods of stress or infection.  Key Considerations Antibiotic Resistance – Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in poultry can lead to antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant threat to both animal and human health. Therefore, antibiotics should only be used under veterinary guidance, and their use should be minimized when possible. Withdrawal Period – Before poultry products (meat, eggs) are marketed, there must be a withdrawal period after antibiotic treatment to ensure that antibiotic residues do not remain in the food products. The withdrawal period varies depending on the antibiotic used and should always be adhered to as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Combination Products – Some antibiotics are used in combination to enhance their effectiveness, such as sulfonamides with trimethoprim, or tylosin with other antibiotics. These combinations are often used for treating mixed infections. Veterinary Supervision – Dosages and treatments should always be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian, who can tailor the dosage and duration based on the specific health condition, age, and breed of the poultry. Thank you! References Alders, R., & Pym, R. A. E. (2009). Poultry production in the Philippines: An overview of the industry's trends and issues. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Antibiotics and Alternatives in Poultry Health Management", by J. R. Gadde et al. (2017), in the Poultry Science journal. The article discusses the implications of antibiotic use in poultry and explores alternative approaches to maintaining flock health. Biosecurity for the Poultry Industry", by R. L. Graham (2006). This text provides a comprehensive guide on biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of poultry diseases. Gupta, R., & Sood, A. (2019). Antibiotic usage and resistance in poultry in the Philippines: A review. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 126(6), 1689-1701. Poultry Health and Disease Management", by R. S. Singh (2020). This book offers an in-depth look at various diseases in poultry, their prevention, and health management practices. Villar, C. P. (2017). Antibiotic use in poultry production in the Philippines: Current practices and challenges. Veterinary World, 10(5), 523-530.