How to enhance birds’ performance and production in poultry farming?

by Anika Dixit Blogger

Commercial poultry farming is a lucrative business with the least amount of capital investment needed. A combination of high-quality poultry feed, veterinary assistance, and biosecurity in farm and careful bird management will aid to guarantee that the birds perform at their full potential.

The abbreviation FLAWS has frequently functioned as a reminder to monitor feed, light, litter, air, water, (bio)security, sanitation, space, and staff. FLAWS essentially serve as a comprehensive approach to best management practices, not only during brooding but all through the life span of the flock.

Pre-placement preparation

Advance preparation and planning are required before the new flock lands to avert fatalities during brooding and the rest of grow out. Checklist - heaters, floor temperature, temperature, ventilation, drinkers, feeders, and others should be taken care of beforehand.

Brooding management

Brooding is a phase straight away after the hatching. It is a time when exceptional care and responsiveness are required for the chicks to support their health and survival. Since newly hatched chicks do not develop the body mechanism to control its body temperature, it is incapable of maintaining its body temperature appropriately for the first few weeks. Hence the room temperature needs to be fine-tuned to 35°C (95F) at the edge of the brooder 2 inches (5cm) above the litter throughout the first few weeks. The temperature should be lowered by 2.85°C (5F) every week until it touches 70°F.

Litter management

The litter in a poultry house usually acts as bedding for the birds. Litter situation and quality influence poultry health and lucrativeness.

Accurate management of wet litter is vital for the intestinal health of birds. If the litter is not managed well, it can function as a strong source for perilous pathogens and might also act as a starting point for trauma and contamination that progresses and leads to disease.

As wet litter complications escalate, ammonia levels in the barn increase, which can be possibly damaging to bird health.

When the litter is too dry and dusty, it acts as a pointer that the birds may not be drinking an adequate amount of water. The dry feces in the powder form might result in respiratory difficulties.

Water management

Water is the most vital nutrient for poultry. 70%–80% of the bird’s day-to-day biological needs are met by clean drinking water. Poultry will usually drink more water than feed. Plenty of clean drinking water will ease problems and maximize performance and production.

Feed management

Suitable balanced feed formulated depending on age, sex, and physiological requirement support in giving the poultry full growth and keeping it disease-free. Good feed quality that shun toxins like mycotoxins is imperative to guarantee the performance and production of the birds.

Stocking density

Over congested housing conditions lead to pressure in poultry. This hurts both performance and production. Reducing stocking density during the overall production of the poultry may aid to lessen stress.

Environmental management

Overall environmental management of the barn comprises many components like - temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting. Comprehending that each of these components functions both individually and together can assist to guide your management practices.

Checking mortality

Get rid of diseased birds quickly.

The above-described approach including great quality poultry feed can enhance the production and profit of the poultry farmers and add to the rural economy to a great extent.