Poultry International - February 2012 - 24
24 Dr Brajen Singh Kshetrimayum The management of juvenile broiler breeders Giving proper care and attention to chicks from the day of arrival will lead to healthier, better performing birds. In reality, 90% weight uniformity is achievable with grading and feeding management. Broiler breeder management is complicated, and without due attention, one cannot expect consistent flock performance. Rearing broiler breeders should be considered a long term process, and which does not end with the transfer to laying facilities. The first 10 days after placement is the most critical time for the flock, as there is a direct relationship with how birds perform during lay. Continued selection has produced a breeder pullet that grows faster and deposits breast meat more readily on less feed. However, the basics of pullet rearing have not changed. The best start A major requirement for successful early chick development is that there be only a minimal environmental challenge. Buildings must be washed and disinfected following clean out of litter, and be fumigated. The water line must be flushed, disinfected and sanitized, followed by a final flushing with clean water. Brooding remains critical to developing a good, uniform flock. The development of the immune system, the skeleton and feathers are highly dependent on body weight development and, because they are important for future performance, the aim of brooding is, therefore, to attain optimum growth. While temperature is a major factor for management over the first 10 days, adequate air movement is also needed to maintain the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and moisture. It is important that incoming air is well mixed with the ambient air. The first 10 days after placement is the most critical time for the flock Litter temperatures of 90F (32C) at day 1 and stepping down to 75F by 4 weeks is adequate. Make sure that floor material is comfortable for chicks. With their body temperature of 105F, chicks will be chilled if litter is too cold, and cold chicks do not go to feed and water. When chicks first arrive, their immediate need is usually water, rather than feed. Clean water, ideally at 20C with, or without, electrolytes and antibiotics, should be provided for 3-4 hours before introducing feed. Early growth If full feeding during the first 2-3 weeks is considered, the length of time that starter feed is used will vary according to chick weight. The period will need to be longer if underweight and shorter if overweight. The same applies for the lighting. Light intensity of 60 lux during the first three days will allow chicks to become familiar with their surroundings. Stocking density at placement should allow all birds to access feed and water at the same time - place only 25 chicks per square meter. Management during brooding must result in the best possible uniformity before feed restriction starts. Males The first 4 weeks of the breeder male's life will dictate its frame size at maturity. Without adequate size, the male will have difficulty in carrying necessary body weight and mating. Male breeder chicks need more light www.WATTAgNet.com | February 2012
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.