Introduction
Precision, consistency and focus on details in day-to-day poultry farm management are crucial requirements for success. Whatever the type of birds kept in a farming operation, be it broilers or layers, the objective should be to minimise early chick mortality and maximise output over the long-term, particularly in layers, which is usually related to the production of eggs. Loss due to poor management practices including feeding, housing, disease control and environmental control are often high and can be avoided by good systems. It is, therefore, imperative that both the small and the large scale poultry farmers should have knowledge about and adopt the modern practical management of poultry if they are to become profitable and healthy birds. Readers interested in industry-proven solutions can get more information about the work of practical poultry management techniques, which offers greater insight into structured systems of poultry management to enhance performance. In this article let’s take a quick look at 10 effective practices that significantly lower mortality and increase egg production levels via improved brooding, feeding, biosecurity, lighting, ventilation and vaccination practices.
- Proper brooder setting
The heart of any good brooder system is a good, solid brooder setup and a solid foundation which helps to provide chickens the best brooder environment in their early weeks during disease, stress and temperature issues – when they are at their most vulnerable. It is the responsibility for farmers to provide the brood with a good environment that requires temperature optimal management starting in the 32–35°C level that will be lowered as the chicks gain strength and develop their own temperature control system. Wood shavings type bedding materials must be dry, free of moisture, clean, and be evenly distributed to ensure that they do not become moist and encourage bacterial growth. Space allocation is also important to ensure that there will be no overcrowding of animals that would cause suffocation, trampling and quick spread of disease. It is important to balance the ventilation so that fresh air can circulate, but not cause the cells to be cold or create a draft. Further, it is essential to have access to clean water and good quality starter feed as soon as the fish are received. The early mortality rate is significantly minimized and chicks are raised to a strong immune system and suitable growth rate, in a properly managed brooder.
- Strict vaccination schedules implementation
One of the most important solutions to combat contagious poultry diseases which can destroy entire flocks if not handled well is vaccination. Farmers need to follow a program of immunization that is suitable for the particular diseases present and is designed for protection from Gumboro’s, Newcastle’s, infectious bronchitis and fowl pox. Vaccines should be kept within recommended storage conditions (usually cold storage), and be given at the right time and dose to achieve an optimal effect. Late or out-of-date vaccines can lead to decrease in immunity and heighten the risk of outbreaks occurring. Additionally, accurate flock records of all vaccinations given should be kept to allow determination of flock vaccination history and possible under-vaccination. The collaboration between the farmer and a veterinary professional will help ensure that vaccination programs are up to date and always suitable to disease threats at the time. A properly managed vaccination program can lower flock mortality rates and enhance flock/orchard sustainability and fortune.
- Proper nutrition
Nutrition is a key component in poultry health that directly affects growth rate, immune function and egg production abilities. The ideal feed formulation for the birds should consist of an appropriate proportion of protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins in accordance with the growth stage of the birds. The feed given to starter birds needs to be higher in protein to encourage their rapid growth, while the feed that can be used for layers needs to have a high level of calcium and phosphorus so that eggshells are formed in a strong manner. Low quality or contaminated sources of feed should not be used as ingredients for the feed by the farmer, if it results in a deficiency of nutrients, decreased growth and loss of life. Essential amino acids and probiotics can also be supplemented to further improve gut health and feed conversion efficiency. There should always be clean, fresh water provided with feeding programmes which can deplete the productivity especially if birds are easily dehydrated. Frequent testing of the regular feed alleviates changes in feed quality, avoiding toxins or mold. Good nutrition will not only decrease mortality, but will also improve egg production and allow for a greater uniformity and quality of production.
- Effective communicable disease management
Biosecurity plays a vital role in controlling poultry diseases and it is important to prevent the spread and introduction of disease within a farm. Biosecurity should start from limiting access to the farm to authorised staff and having disinfecting foot-baths at all entry points. Equipment and vehicles that are brought onto the farm should also be sanitized to prevent contamination. New and/or affected birds should be kept separated from other birds to avoid any cross infection between them and to carry out the correct procedures for quarantinations. In addition there must be rodent and insect control, species that can act as carriers of the disease. Poultry Houses should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to remove species of pathogens that can build up inside a poultry house over time. Other protective precautions which must be observed by the worker are also very important, such as strict hygiene, including protective clothing. Consistently carried out, these measures help to reduce disease pressure, death loss, make a flock healthier, and ensure continual egg production and performance.
- The application of sophisticated light programs
Regarding laying hens, light is a dominant factor to control the reproductive cycle and thus the egg production rate. Well-lighting programs stimulate production of appropriate hormones that initiate (or sustain) laying and also produce regular laying. With typical light levels, layers need 14-16 hours of light a day to produce a good number of eggs. Farmers can make this happen with the help of natural light and artificial lighting systems, ensuring that lights are on for the same periods and that gradual transitions are implemented, as opposed to sudden changes. The intensity of the light should also be controlled – both very bright and weak environments could stress birds and affect productivity. Moreover, uniformity of light distribution throughout the poultry buildings helps to avoid crowding of some chickens and to promote uniform feed seeking and walking habits. Good light management can increase yolk production, while creating a stable and predictable flocks’ environment to help mitigate stress related mortality.
- Ensure good ventilation
Good air quality of the poultry house, control of the temperature and the reduction of harmful gases, even ammonia, require adequate ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, respiratory illness, diminished appetite and loss of life from heat stress or toxic gasses can occur. Poultry houses should have well-designed ventilation systems that permit fresh air to be constantly moved through the house while ensuring temperatures are kept stable inside the house. Natural ventilation is appropriate for smaller farms such as strategically placed window and openings and mechanical ventilation is required for larger farms. Humidity monitoring is also important as high humidity can lead to bacteria and fungi growth. Good litter management can also help to control litter odors and air quality with ventilation. Ventilation that is well managed ensures that the birds become less stressed, they have greater immune response and can be more productive, resulting overall in greater egg production and lower mortality rates.
- Ensure provision of clean water and hygiene
Poultry health management often overlooks one of its most important-and most easily overlooked- elements: clean, fresh water. To maintain digestion, nutrient absorption and egg production processes, birds must always have access to fresh, clean water. Water systems should be cleaned regularly to avoid the proliferation of algae, bacteria and biofilm which can cause the occurrence of diseases. Avoid using contaminated nipples or drinking troughs; ensure they are properly cleaned and disinfected. Water sources are also periodically tested for free from harmful pathogens and chemical pollutants. Water needs are much greater in warm temperatures, so if you think hygiene is important in the first place, it is even more essential when it comes to preventing dehydration, stress and death. Approved water sanitizers can be added for increased safety. Water management is therefore important for the overall achievements of the poultry farm as it affects the feed efficiency, immune status and stability of egg production.
- Regular monitoring of health and early diagnosis of disease
The early detection of disease symptoms will not only stop the disease from spreading, it will minimize mortality losses in a flock. It is important that farmers watch birds closely each day for any symptoms, including decreased appetite, listlessness, abnormal droppings or trouble breathing. If rapid diagnosis is done, they can take immediate action to prevent the spread of the disease to the rest of the flock. Lab tests and routine veterinary examinations should be provided when needed, and performed in addition to periodic health examinations. Maintaining the accurate health records allows an accurate utilization of this information for recurring issues and for making decision in advance in a sustainable manner. It is important to isolate sick birds to avoid cross-contamination. Furthermore, immune boosting supportive measures, e.g., deworming and vitamins, might enhance resistance to infections. A health monitoring system which is pro-active will prevent small health problems turning into major losses and result in a higher rate of survival and stable egg production.
- Appropriate Stocking Density
The number of birds kept per space is known as the stocking density and greatly influences the well-being and productivity of flocks. More animals in an enclosed area leads to greater stress and lower access to water, feed, and higher transmission rates of disease; all of which lead to increased animal deaths. However, adequate space will permit birds to move about freely, to easily reach resources, and to achieve good general health. Farmers need to follow recommended stocking rates according to the type of house, age and type of bird. Space to improve the effectiveness of the ventilation also helps to reduce heat stress, particularly in hot climates. You can use flock observations to ensure that early warning signs are addressed, such as too many birds pecking at the feeder or when too many birds gather together. Optimum stocking density not only contributes to the welfare, but also aids the efficiency of egg production since it minimises disruptions to the laying cycle induced by stress.
- Good record keeping and farm management practice.
Good book-keeping is an essential factor but sometimes neglected in successful poultry farming. Accurate records of feed intake, deaths, vaccinations, egg production, and healings or treatments support efficient management practices. These documents can be useful to see the trends in flock performance and any recurring health problems or inefficiencies. The accuracy and access to record-keeping can be further enhanced through digitisation, so farmers can analyze data more efficiently. Accurate record-keeping also facilitates financial planning and resource management, leading to greater profitability and minimising waste. Also, accurate record keeping is critical when it comes to veterinary and agriculture laws. In addition to good farm management practices, keeping records contributes to continuous improvement in farm operations, which can result in a reduction in farm animals’ mortality rates over time and an increase in egg production.
Conclusion
The combination of proper housing, nutrition, disease prevention, and environmental control are necessary to decrease deaths and increase egg production. By following these 10 best practice tips, poultry producers exhibiting these traits will reap the benefits of better flock performance and profitability.
Every part of poultry management is important, from brooder management to vaccination schedules, biosecurity, and beyond. Farmers can create healthier flocks, minimise losses, and guarantee sustainable egg production success by implementing structured systems and utilising practical poultry management techniques. Poultry farming can be a very productive and profitable livelihood, if done in a disciplined and systematic manner, and if continuous improvement is followed in raising the birds.
