Operational excellence and close attention to detail are necessary to achieve good bird, barn, and gut health. The best chance for birds to perform to their full potential will be ensured by a mix of high-quality feed, veterinary assistance, and improved attention to barn and bird care.
The acronym “FLAWS” has commonly served as a reminder to check feed, light, litter, air, water, (bio)security, sanitation, space and staff. FLAWS actually serves as a detailed approach to best management practices, not only during brooding but throughout the life of the flock.
Some critical focus areas are as follows:
1Biosecurity
Successful chicken production depends on clearly defined biosecurity procedures used before, during, and after the placing of broilers. Effective biosecurity can reduce disease transmission within and between barns, help with hygiene, and manage pests and insects on farms.
2Downtime between flocks
Between flock placements, provide at least 14 days of downtime along with necessary cleaning and disinfection procedures to help minimize the spread of disease and give time to get ready for the following flock.
3Pre-placement preparation
Before the new flock arrives, pre-placement planning is necessary to assist prevent losses during brooding and the rest of the growth.
Keep in mind the following checkpoints: heaters, floor temperature, probes for measuring temperature and relative humidity, ventilation, drinkers, feeds, etc.
4Coccidiosis prevention
A tiny intestinal parasite is what causes the condition coccidiosis. The presence of this parasite may affect the health of the intestines and put birds at risk for developing other intestinal issues.
The Alltech Gut Health Management program's cutting-edge technologies play a crucial role in preserving intestinal integrity throughout this period, enabling birds to function at their peak potential despite problems with their digestive systems.
5Brooding management
More time is being spent during the crucial brooding phase as a result of modern genetic advancements and the swift growing of birds. As a result, giving poultry production a strong start can have a big impact on the health and productivity of the birds in the long run.
For intestine development and the creation of a healthy microbiota, the brooding stage is crucial.
6Litter management
The bedding for the birds in a chicken house is litter. Birds will instinctively scratch at the bedding in addition to standing and resting there.
From the time the chicks are deposited until the end of production, the quality and condition of the litter has an impact on the intestinal health and profitability of broilers.
The negative effects of wet litter on intestinal health are endless. Wet litter can serve as a breeding ground for possible infections and may be the origin of intestinal stress that develops and results in disease if it is not managed properly, even in isolated areas.
Ammonia levels in the barn rise as damp litter issues worsen, which may be harmful to the health of the birds.
Preventing and controlling litter moisture conditions before they arise is significantly simpler.
Type of material, litter quality, depth of litter, water quality, management of drinker lines, lighting management, ventilation, and temperature are some aspects to take into account in order to help prevent the formation of damp litter.
One of several signs that the birds might not be drinking enough is litter that is excessively dry and dusty. Inhaling too much dusty stuff can cause respiratory issues.
7Water management
The majority (70–80%) of the bird's daily fluid requirements are met by drinking water. In general, poultry will drink more water than they eat. Water is therefore the most important nutrient for poultry.
Ample access to clean water will minimize obstacles and enhance performance.
Factors to consider when thinking about water management include:
● Quality, height, pressure, mineral content and accessibility
● Cleanliness of drinker lines/regulators prior to flock placement and during production
● Flushing water lines between flocks and during production
● Elimination of biofilms and mineral build-up
● Drinker equipment maintenance
8Feed management
Easy access to food is necessary for birds. To guarantee that all birds have access to food and to minimize waste, the feeder line should be set at a height that corresponds to the height of the birds.
Following the manufacturer's instructions for the number of birds per feed pan or line of trough feeder will also ensure that there is adequate feed access.
Naturally, birds will pick at litter, but preventing "out-of-feed" situations helps to lower the possibility that birds would pick excessively at the litter.
Simple precautions like turning on trigger feed pans and checking feed bin levels during barn inspections can assist to stop such incidents.
Performance must be ensured, and good feed quality that prevents pollutants like mycotoxins is crucial.
9Stocking density
It has been demonstrated that overcrowding and higher poultry stocking densities both negatively affect performance and stress the birds' gut microbiome.
To lessen difficulties, stocking density could be decreased during the entire bird production cycle.
10Environmental management
Temperature, relative humidity, ventilation, and lighting are just a few examples of the many elements that make up the barn's overall environmental control.
Your management methods can be influenced by having an understanding of how these elements function both alone and jointly.
11Monitoring during times of transition
Increasing the frequency at which barns are walked and examining the activity of the flock can help with early disease detection.
Daily monitoring of temperature, humidity and ventilation inside the barn as well as outside temperature is recommended.
Monitoring transition times can help with understanding what is happening in the barn (e.g., from day to night, when birds are placed, during half-house brooding, feed changes, etc.).
Monitoring feed and water consumption helps to monitor the flocks’ progress.
12Keeping an eye on equipment
Walking the barns routinely will also help to ensure equipment remains in working order.
13Mortality checks
Cull diseased birds as early as possible.
14Flock health management
Work with your veterinarian to design a program customized for your flock’s health.
15Communication and teamwork
Ensuring strong communication and coordination between all those involved in helping your farm run smoothly will ensure a stronger and more successful gut health management program for your birds.
In conclusion, effective management practices are essential for achieving better performance potential in the poultry industry.
The 15 management tips presented in this guide provide a comprehensive framework for successful poultry management, from proper nutrition and vaccination to biosecurity measures and record-keeping.
Adopting these management tips can help improve flock health, growth, and productivity while reducing the risk of disease and mortality. Implementing best management practices requires commitment, knowledge, and expertise, but the long-term benefits are well worth the investment.
By following these guidelines, poultry farmers can ensure that their flocks are healthy, efficient, and profitable.
Ultimately, successful poultry management requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and attention to detail, but with the right approach, anyone can achieve better performance potential in their poultry operation.
