On-farm
research
benefiting
producers
Birds are reared in
modern houses,
under strictly
commercial
conditions.
Cobb’s commercially-
run farm, near
Ipswich, UK, is offering
extra insight into
broiler growing.
The saying “knowledge is power” may
date back to the late 16th century, but
it holds as true today as it ever did.
In the modern world, where poultry
farmers have to comply with ever
increasing demands from consumers
and a heavier regulatory burden,
every additional insight can make a
big di;erence.
Close to the UK town of Ipswich,
Cobb Europe is growing that
knowledge base. A short drive
away, the company operates
poultry houses where broilers are
reared under strictly commercial
conditions but where many factors
including live weight and feed intake
are carefully measured, allowing
the company to understand how
di;erent management regimes
influence performance.
Real life
The research unit operates across
seven houses, divided into two sites,
one with three houses the other with
four. At any one time it may house
some 52,000 birds.
Many of the houses are some
seven or eight years old and follow
a modern design, although are not
large compared to some modern
broiler houses. The ventilation system
is roof-based, with wall-mounted
fans for use in warmer weather.
Birds run free within the houses
with access to feeding and drinking
lines. The feeding pan height is
adjusted once or twice a week
while water nipples are adjusted
every other day. Bedding comprises
shavings.
Real world
The advantage of the approach
taken at the site is that, unlike a
research trial site, birds are grown in
large, whole-house groups rather
than in the 20-bird pens used
for standard scientific tests. Bird
behaviour, particularly feeding,
therefore, is as it would be in any
other commercial practice, giving
farmers information that is easily
understandable and applicable to
their own situation.
