APH 401: Animal Husbandry Techniques for Cattle,
Sheep, Goat, Poultry. Pigs and Rabbits. (2 Credits
Units).
(Poultry Section)
Broiler farming is one of the most popular and profitable
sectors of the poultry industry. It involves raising chickens for
meat production, ensuring they grow quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re new to poultry farming or looking to optimize
your existing operation, understanding the basics of broiler
production is key to success.
The goal of this course is to provide you with clear, practical
guidelines and best practices that will help you run an efficient
and profitable broiler farm.
What is broiler production?
Broiler production is the process of raising chickens specifically
for meat, often on a large scale, to meet consumer and market
demands. Broilers are a type of chicken bred for rapid growth,
efficient feed conversion, and high meat yield. The goal of
broiler farming is to raise these birds from day-old chicks to
market weight in a short period, typically between 5 to 7
weeks, depending on the breed and management practices
used.
This process involves several key stages:
Selecting the right breed
Providing appropriate housing
Managing feed and nutrition
Ensuring strict health and biosecurity measures.
Each stage plays a critical role in the success of broiler
production, and farmers need to implement best practices at
every step to ensure optimal growth rates and meat quality.
The broiler production process: From chick to market
Understanding the entire lifecycle of broiler production, from the
moment chicks arrive on the farm to their final market preparation,
is essential for both new and experienced farmers.
Each of the following stages is designed to optimize the growth and
health of the birds to achieve market weight efficiently.
1. Selecting the right broiler breed
The breed you select will directly impact the growth rate, feed
efficiency, and overall productivity of your flock. While there are
several breeds available, the most popular ones for commercial
broiler production include:
Cornish Cross: Known for their rapid growth and large breast meat
yield, Cornish Cross is the most widely used breed in commercial
broiler farming. These birds are typically ready for market in 6 to 8
weeks.
Cobb 500: This breed is favored for its excellent feed conversion
ratio (FCR) and uniform growth. Cobb 500 broilers are efficient
meat producers and can reach market in 6 to 7 weeks, making
them a common choice for large-scale operations.
Ross 308: Similar to the Cobb 500, Ross 308 broilers are known for
their efficient growth, adaptability, and consistent meat quality.
They are popular among farmers who prioritize uniformity and high
meat yield.
When selecting a breed, farmers need to pay special attention
to growth rate, Feed Conversion Ratio (breeds with a lower FCR
will consume less feed while gaining more weight), and demands
of their target market (some customers may prefer birds with
higher breast meat yield, while others might prefer smaller, leaner
birds).
2. Procuring healthy chicks
The quality of the chicks you receive sets the foundation for their
growth, health, and overall performance.
To ensure you start with the best, follow these guidelines:
Select reputable hatcheries: Look for hatcheries that have a
proven track record for delivering high-quality, vaccinated chicks.
It’s also helpful to choose hatcheries that provide information on
the genetic background of the chicks, so you know what growth and
performance characteristics to expect.
Inspect chicks upon arrival: When your chicks arrive, inspect
them closely to ensure they are healthy and active. Healthy chicks
should be alert, have clear eyes, and exhibit lively behavior. Avoid
chicks that appear lethargic, have deformed legs, or show signs of
respiratory issues.
Proper transport and handling: The way chicks are transported
from the hatchery to the farm can impact their initial health and
performance. Ensure that transport conditions are controlled —
chicks should be kept at an appropriate temperature and should
have enough space to avoid overcrowding and stress.
This can be time-consuming, but it also lays the groundwork for a
productive and profitable flock.
3. Housing and broiler farm setup
A well-designed and maintained broiler house ensures that chicks
grow in a comfortable, controlled environment that maximizes their
potential.
Here’s what to consider when setting up your broiler farm:
Broiler house design: The house should provide enough space for
the birds to move comfortably, with sufficient floor area to prevent
overcrowding. Plan for about 0.5 to 0.7 square feet per bird.
Ultimately, the layout and size of your broiler house depend on the
number of birds you plan to raise.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to maintain air quality and
control humidity within the broiler house. Install fans or vents to
circulate fresh air, remove excess moisture, and manage ammonia
levels from the litter.
Lighting: Install adjustable lighting systems that provide
continuous light in the early stages to encourage feeding and
drinking.
Temperature control: Maintaining the right temperature is
essential, especially during the brooding stage. Consider installing
thermostats and heating systems to adjust temperatures based on
the flock’s needs.
Litter management: Use absorbent materials like wood shavings
or straw for litter, spreading it evenly across the floor to a depth
of 2-3 inches. Regularly monitor and change the litter to maintain
cleanliness, prevent ammonia buildup, and minimize odor. Setting
up the right environmental conditions (temperature, lighting,
humidity, etc.) is an essential part of broiler farm management.
4. Feeding and nutrition management
Proper feeding and nutrition are critical to the success of broiler
production. The goal is to provide a balanced diet that meets
the birds’ needs as they grow.
Broilers go through three main feeding stages — starter, grower,
and finisher. Each stage has specific nutritional requirements to
support the bird’s growth. In general, broilers require a balanced
mix of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins,
and minerals. While you can mix your own feed, most farmers will
rely on well-formulated, commercial feed that meets the nutritional
requirements for each stage. Before we move on, let’s also mention
that providing clean, fresh water at all times is just as
important as the feed. These days, you can use automated
watering systems that maintain consistent water flow and
cleanliness.
5. Broiler growth phases and production timeline
Broilers typically grow from day-old chicks to market-ready birds
within 5 to 7 weeks. Each phase requires specific management
practices to support their growth and health:
Starter phase (0-2 weeks): During the first two weeks, chicks
experience rapid growth and development. By the end of the
starter phase, chicks should have doubled or tripled their initial
weight, typically reaching around 150-200 grams (0.3-0.4 lbs).
Grower phase (3-4 weeks): This phase focuses on continued
growth and muscle development. Birds will begin to grow rapidly
and gain significant body mass. Broilers should reach
approximately 600-800 grams (1.3-1.8 lbs) by the end of this
phase.
Finisher phase (5-7 weeks): In the final stage, broilers focus on
weight gain and fat deposition. The goal is to maximize growth
while maintaining feed conversion rates. By the end of the finisher
phase, broilers should weigh 2-3 kilograms (4.4-6.6 lbs)
depending on breed and management).
Each stage requires different management and conditions. For
example, in the first stage, chicks benefit from higher temperatures
and feed with more protein content than later in their development.
Each farmer should get familiar with different feed, temperature,
and lighting requirements for their breeds before getting started.
Key considerations and best practices for successful
broiler production
Achieving consistent success in broiler production goes beyond
simply following a growth schedule — it requires attention to
several critical factors that influence the overall health, growth
rate, and productivity of your flock.
Strict biosecurity measures
Proper biosecurity measures help prevent the spread of
diseases that can severely impact flock health. Here’s what you
can do:
Restrict access: Limit access to your broiler farm to essential
personnel. Anyone entering the facility should wear protective
clothing, disinfect footwear, and wash hands thoroughly before
and after entry.
Disinfect equipment and facilities regularly: Disinfect
feeders, drinkers, and other equipment regularly to minimize
the risk of bacteria or virus buildup. Ensure that vehicles and
tools used within the farm are also cleaned and disinfected
before and/or after use.
Isolate sick birds: Establish a designated quarantine area for
sick birds and monitor them closely.
Vaccination schedules and monitoring: Follow a proper
vaccination schedule as recommended by poultry veterinarians
or industry standards. Keep detailed records of vaccinations for
compliance.
Control pests and rodents: Rodents and other pests can
carry diseases that affect broilers. Implement rodent control
measures, such as traps and bait stations, around the
perimeter of the broiler house. Keep the environment clean and
dispose of feed waste properly to minimize attractants.
Implementing these practices will help you prevent disease
outbreaks and facilitate more sustainable broiler production.
Managing broiler health
First, it’s important to recognize what a healthy bird looks like
compared to a sick one.
Healthy broilers are active, have clear eyes, smooth feathers,
and show a keen interest in feeding and drinking. Sick birds,
on the other hand, may appear lethargic, have ruffled feathers,
exhibit labored breathing, or show signs of diarrhea or reduced
appetite. There isn’t anything better at catching early signs of
disease than regular health checks. Schedule periodic
inspections to assess bird health and environmental conditions.
Keeping detailed health records helps track the flock’s history
and spot trends. Sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with sick
chicks. To make things easier, establish a protocol for
dealing with illnesses. This should include isolating affected
birds, administering medication, and consulting a veterinarian
to determine the best course of action. Try to keep a record of
any treatments or interventions, including doses and dates, to
monitor recovery and improve future response strategies.
Environmental management guidelines
The goal of environmental management is to reduce stress and
health issues, ensuring that your broilers thrive. Focus on the
following areas:
Temperature control: In the brooding phase, keep the
temperature at 32-35°C (90-95°F) to ensure chicks stay
warm. Gradually reduce the temperature by 2-3°C per
week as the birds grow, aiming for around 21-24°C (70-
75°F) in the final stages.
Humidity management: Maintaining appropriate humidity
levels (typically 50-70%) helps prevent respiratory issues and
maintains litter quality. Use ventilation systems and fans to
regulate humidity levels and keep the air fresh.
Lighting programs: In the early stages, provide continuous
light to encourage feeding and drinking. As birds mature, adjust
to 16 hours of light/8 hours of darkness schedule to
balance activity and rest.
Chicks are very sensitive to environmental conditions, so it’s
important to get this right, especially if you want to scale your
operations.
Lighting programs for growth and performance
The intensity of light affects broilers’ activity levels, influencing
how often they feed and move. In the early stages, brighter
light (typically 20-40 lux) encourages chicks to be active,
ensuring they find feed and water. As they grow, light intensity
is gradually reduced to 5-10 lux to promote calm behaviour,
reducing stress and minimizing aggressive actions like pecking.
Lighting schedules are essential for regulating the daily activity
patterns of broilers:
Starter phase (0-2 weeks): Provide 23-24 hours of
light per day to ensure chicks are active and consuming feed
frequently.
Grower phase (3-4 weeks): Transition to a lighting schedule
of 18-20 hours of light and 4-6 hours of darkness. This
adjustment helps broilers maintain growth momentum while
also allowing them time to rest and recover, which is important
for muscle development.
Finisher phase (5-7 weeks): Reduce the light duration to 16
hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. This schedule helps
maintain a balance between feeding activity and rest,
supporting continued weight gain while reducing stress and
aggression as birds reach market weight. In general, try to
maintain a consistent lighting schedule and avoid sudden
changes that could stress the birds. Consider automated
lighting systems to precisely control light duration and intensity
based on the growth stage.
Waste management best practices
Proper disposal and management of litter, manure, and other
waste products help minimize disease risks, reduce odors, and
promote sustainability.
Here are some waste management tips to employ:
Efficient disposal of litter and manure: Regularly check
litter conditions and replace or add fresh bedding as needed to
maintain cleanliness and absorb moisture. Manure mixed with
litter should be safely removed at the end of each production
cycle.
Reducing odor and flies: Use absorbent litter material and
maintain appropriate stocking densities to keep litter dry and
minimize odor. Install fly traps and regularly inspect the farm
for fly breeding sites. Keep manure storage areas covered to
prevent flies from accessing and breeding in the waste.
Composting and recycling manure for
fertilizers: Composting litter and manure reduces odor,
eliminates pathogens, and creates nutrient-rich organic
material that can be used as fertilizer. Manure can also be a
valuable resource for fertilizing crops, either on your farm or as
a product sold to other farmers. It’s not glamorous, but proper
waste management can have a big positive impact on farm
efficiency and sustainability.
Efficient feed conversion
FCR measures how efficiently broilers convert feed into body
weight. Optimizing this ratio is essential for maximizing growth
while minimizing feed costs.
As we mentioned earlier, farmers will want to
provide balanced nutrition at different growth stages,
use high-quality feed ingredients, and distribute feed
evenly and frequently to minimize competition and wastage.
Investing in high-quality feed might seem costly initially, but it
improves FCR and reduces the overall amount of feed required
to achieve market weight. This can lead to significant cost
savings and higher profits in the long run. Calculating and
tracking FCR can be time-consuming. You’ll want to implement
digital monitoring tools or broiler farm management software to
track feed usage and growth trends in real time. If you notice
that the FCR is higher than expected, investigate potential
causes such as feed quality, environmental conditions (e.g.,
temperature fluctuations), or health issues. Adjust feeding
strategies, environmental management, or veterinary care
based on these findings to optimize feed conversion.
Streamline poultry production with Appenate
Efficient broiler production requires meticulous record-keeping,
monitoring, and management of various processes. Appenate
helps farmers simplify and optimize broiler production by
digitizing select tasks and processes.
Farmers across North America use our platform to manage
everything from hatcheries and feed mills to farm
inventory, record-keeping, and even food traceability.
How Appenate can help:
Simplified data collection: Track essential information such
as feed consumption, bird weight, vaccination schedules, and
environmental conditions using mobile devices. Record data
real time, ensuring accuracy and consistency while reducing
paperwork.
Customizable forms and reports: Build and tailor forms to
suit your specific farm needs, whether it’s monitoring daily feed
intake or conducting health inspections. Automated reporting
features compile the data, allowing you to quickly analyze and
make informed decisions that optimize productivity and
minimize risks.
Remote monitoring and access: Stay connected to your
broiler operation from anywhere by accessing the app on your
phone. Your frontline workers can use our platform’s offline
capability to collect and record data even when they have no
internet access.
Improved biosecurity and compliance: Track biosecurity
protocols and chick health records efficiently. Digital logs and
reports can be used to demonstrate compliance during
inspections or audits, offering peace of mind. By using
Appenate, broiler farmers can streamline production processes,
enhance productivity, and make data-driven decisions that lead
to better growth rates, reduced losses, and increased
profitability.
In such a competitive market, having the right tools in place
can make a world of difference. See what Appenate can do for
you by requesting a demo or starting a free trial.
Management of Layers
Layer is a matured female chicken meant for egg production. Layers are
normally moved to the laying quarters at 18 weeks of age. They are either
reared in battery cages or deep liter. The diet of the birds should be changed to
layer mash. This diet is higher in calcium, energy and protein compared to the
growers mash. Two weeks to commencement of laying, level of calcium in the
diet should be increased to 3-4%. This is to enable adequate deposition of
calcium in their bones for use in shell formation when the birds start to lay. The
laying birds should be fed adlibitum because any form of rationing would result
in reduced rate of egg production. There should be adequate water supply. This
is because lack of water will result in decreased egg production and possibly
death. Perches and nests should be provided on deep liter. To stimulate egg
production, the length of artificial day should be increased to 16-18hours. Eggs
should be collected at least twice daily and properly recorded. The most
common management problems in laying flocks are broodiness and moulting.
Biosecurity: Good biosecurity helps keep the farm clean,
control pests and insects, and reduce the spread of diseases
between barns.
Litter Management: In deep-litter system, the litter material
should be raked in the evening daily after egg collection is over.
The litter should be treated chemically at least once in a month
or when necessary, in case of wet litter problem to prevent
ammonia emission in the house. It can also cause problems for
their intestinal health. Without good management, even in
patches, wet litter can serve as a breeding ground for potential
pathogens while too much dusty material may lead to
respiratory problems.
Water management: Poultry will generally consume more
water than feed, 2 to 3 times. To help them perform their best,
water should always be available with the right height,
pressure, quality, and balanced minerals.
Feed management: Birds should always have access to feed,
not just sometimes. It should well-balanced layer mash. Phase
feeding may be followed for layers according to age, level of
production and climatic factors. The average feed consumption
during laying period ranges from 100–110 gram. The feeder
ring should be at the right height, level with the birds' backs.
This helps reduce waste and keeps the feed clean, making sure
all birds can eat. Like water, feed should always be available,
and given in the right amount for each bird per day. Quality
feed is also important for good growth and health.
Stocking density: As per standard recommendations, 2ft² per
bird should be maintained for optimal production. Overstocking
is a stressor and can bring about cannibalism. Understocking
leads to more waste and losses for the farm.
Environmental management: Understanding the right
temperature, relative humidity, ventilation and lighting is
crucial in egg production.
● Removing sick birds quickly, is a common practice that helps
reduce losses and improve performance index.
● Cull the unproductive layers regularly.
● Collect the eggs at least 5 times a day in deep litter system
and twice a day in cage system.
● Provide 16 hours light during laying period.
● There are three types of Nest:
1. Individual nest: One nest box is sufficient for 4-5 birds
2. Community nest: This will accommodate 50-60 birds.
3. Trap nest: This will accommodate 1 bird at a time and is
used for academic and brooding studies.
Characteristics of good layer
1) Comb is bright red
2) Bright eyes.
3) Pelvic bone- four fingers width
4) Vent – large, soft, moist and oval vent
5) Good layers are very active and alert.
6) They have prominent, soft, smooth wattles.
7) They have worm soiled and close plumage.
8) They have bright red face
A simple means of distinguishing laying birds from non laying birds (Courtesy
of ATB) Source: (Poultry) Tropical Agriculturalist by A. J. Smith page 139
Calculating Productivity of laying flock
1. Hen day egg production (HDEP)
This is the number of eggs laid expressed as percentage of the
number of layers on hand.
HDEP = Total number of eggs laid / Total number of layers on hand x 100
2. Hen housed egg production:(HHEP). This is the number of eggs laid
expressed as percentage of the number of layers housed at the initial stage.
HHEP = Total number of eggs laid / Total number of layers housed
at beginning of lay x 100.
Vaccinations Schedule for Layers