Broiler Brooding Best Management Practices

Summary

Dr. Scott Gillingham, a poultry veterinarian with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes the critical role of brooding in the poultry industry. He discusses the importance of starting chicks in the right environment to develop their immune and gastrointestinal systems. Key factors include biosecurity, barn dynamics, and an integrated approach to ensure the birds' health and growth. Dr. Gillingham uses the acronym FLAWSS (food, lighting, air, water, space, and sanitation) to evaluate barn conditions. He highlights the significance of feed quality, lighting intensity, and water line management. The video also covers monitoring chick behavior, temperature, and weight to ensure their comfort and health. Dr. Gillingham advocates for responsible antibiotic use and the importance of the first seven days in a chick's life for its future growth and well-being.

Takeaways

• 🌱 **Biosecurity is crucial**: Proper protective measures like coveralls, gloves, head nets, and boots must be worn to prevent environmental contaminants from infecting the birds.
• 📝 **Integrated Approach**: An auditing mindset is necessary, which includes inspecting, documenting, and proving practices for effective brooding.
• 🔍 **FLAWSS Evaluation**: The barn setup should be evaluated using the acronym FLAWSS, which stands for Food, Lighting, Air, Water, Space, and Sanitation.
• 🍚 **Feed Quality and Quantity**: At least 40 to 50 grams of feed per chick should be provided with crumb texture between 2mm and 3mm for consistency.
• 💡 **Lighting Considerations**: Bright light with good intensity is necessary for starting chicks, and the lighting should be at least 10 feet above the chicks.
• 🌡️ **Temperature and Humidity**: A CO2 and moisture meter can help in assessing the environment, aiming for a CO2 level of around 568 and humidity of about 22%.
• 🚿 **Water Line Management**: Water lines should be flushed before chicks arrive and activated to ensure a droplet from each nipple to encourage drinking.
• 📏 **Environmental Mimicry**: The barn environment should mimic the hatchery environment, especially for the first four to five days when chicks cannot thermoregulate.
• 📊 **Monitoring Weight and Health**: Regular weighing of chicks and monitoring their temperature, navel healing, and overall health is essential for early identification of issues.
• 🍽️ **Crop Fill Indicator**: The crop fill of chicks, which should be about 60% full a few hours after placement, is a good indicator of their comfort and access to food and water.
• 🏥 **Antibiotic Use**: Antibiotics should be used judiciously and only under the guidance of a veterinarian to address health issues in chicks.
• 📉 **Mortality Analysis**: Monitoring the pattern of chick mortality rather than just the percentage can provide insights into areas needing improvement.

Q & A

How long has Dr. Scott Gillingham been involved in the poultry industry?

Dr. Scott Gillingham has been involved in the poultry industry for over 30 years.

What is the primary focus of brooding parameters in the barn setup?

The primary focus of brooding parameters is to create an environment conducive to developing the chicks' immune system, getting the gastrointestinal system working, and preparing the bird for future growth in the barn through the production cycle.

Why is biosecurity critical in the barn?

Biosecurity is critical because it helps protect the birds from potential infections and challenges by minimizing contact with the environment that could carry diseases.

What does the acronym FLAWSS stand for in the context of barn evaluation?

FLAWSS stands for Food, Lighting, Air, Water, Space, and Sanitation, which are the key factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a brooding barn.

What is the recommended coverage of paper in the brooding space?

The recommended coverage of paper in the brooding space is at least 50 to 70% to provide insulation and a foundation for the feed.

What is the ideal texture for the feed given to starting chicks?

The ideal texture for the feed given to starting chicks is a crumb texture, with a size between two mm and three mm for consistency.

How is the CO2 level in the barn measured?

The CO2 level in the barn is measured using a CO2 and moisture meter, which is placed in different areas of the barn and read after 30 seconds.

What is the significance of marking the 90-degree area in the brooding chamber?

Marking the 90-degree area helps identify the comfort zone for the chicks, where they have access to feed and water, and where the temperature is optimal for their health and growth.

What should be the initial body temperature of chicks when they arrive at the barn?

The initial body temperature of chicks when they arrive at the barn should be between 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

How often should the brooding equipment be readjusted?

The brooding equipment should be readjusted every two hours to ensure the chicks' comfort and well-being.

What is the goal for the chicks' body weight at day seven?

The goal for the chicks' body weight at day seven is four times their body weight at day zero, which is approximately 160 grams if their average weight at day zero is 40 grams.

Why is crop fill an important metric for evaluating the health and comfort of the chicks?

Crop fill is an important metric because it indicates whether the birds are finding and consuming feed and water, and it reflects their comfort in the brooding environment.