Knowledge Hub
Broiler Feeds
- Ensure that the poultry house and equipment are cleaned, disinfected and rested for 14 days prior to next placement.
- Organise your feed before arrival of chicks. Make sure that you have a plan in terms of feed supply from Starter to Finisher. It is risky to be running around to secure feed supply whilst the birds are already on the ground.
- It is also ideal to have a market arranged before placement of the birds. This will often determine placement date as well as target weight as required by the market.
- Prepare brooding area by placing bedding, feeding and drinking equipment as well as a heat source such as braziers (Mbaura) or Infra-Red Lamps.
- A false-ceiling might be necessary especially in winter.
- Spread litter evenly at an appropriate depth (5 to 10 cm).
- Preheat the house and stabilize temperature and humidity at least 24 hours prior to arrival of chicks.
- Unload chicks and place them quickly in the brooding area.
- Arrange equipment to enable the chicks to reach feed and water easily.
- Leave chicks to settle for 1 to 2 hours with access to feed and water.
- Check feed, water and temperature after 1 to 2 hours and adjust accordingly.
- The objective of the brooding period is to establish good appetite and achieve maximum early growth. What happens during this period will usually determine the success or failure of a broiler flock.
- We encourage that brooding be done for 14 days in summer and 21 days in winter, as well as when extreme cold weather conditions are being experienced.
A stocking density of 33 birds per square meter at day old is advisable. This should be gradually reduced until 10 birds per square meter by day 15.
Overstocking increases the environmental pressures on the broiler, compromises bird welfare, and will reduce performance and profitability.
Temperature
Table 1. Temperature recommendation
| AGE (Days) | Temperature (0C) |
| Day Old | 32 – 33 |
| 7 | 30 -32 |
| 14 | 28 – 30 |
| 21 | 25 -28 |
Temperature must be monitored at chick level not room temperature.
It is crucial to maintain good ventilation and provide good quality clean air inside the brooder at all times.
Build-up of ammonia is detrimental to the health of the birds and affects performance.
Draughts should be blocked inside the brooder at all times as they affect temperature, humidity and feeding. Suffocation can actually result from huddling for warmth.
Good ventilation through appropriate curtains adjustment also plays a crucial role in maintaining the bedding dry and friable.
Farmers must vaccinate their broilers against IBD and New Castle Disease.
Different Chick suppliers often have different vaccination programs so it is advisable to check with your Chick supplier or your nearest Veterinary doctor.
BIOSECURITY
- This refers to a set of measures put in place to prevent introduction of diseases into and out of the poultry unit. This includes but is not limited to:
- Controlled access by humans and vehicles
- Provide wheel dips for vehicles at the main entrance point and a foot bath for pedestrians.
- Put a foot bath and hand sanitiser on each entry point to the fowl runs
- Control of rodents and pests
- Bird proofing of poultry houses and feed store rooms is strongly recommended.
- Provide protective clothing such as overalls/worksuits, gumboots etc for the workers/houseman
- Strict adherence to recommended vaccination program
- All-in All-out stocking of batches
FEED MANAGEMENT
- Make feed and water available to the chicks immediately.
- In addition to recommended feeding equipment, provide additional feeding space on khaki paper or plastic for the first 3 days.
- There are currently two (2) options available when feeding Broilers with Agrifoods feed.