Achieving
a good bird, barn and gut health requires operational excellence and attention
to detail. A combination of quality nutrition, veterinary guidance, and
increased consideration of barn and bird management will help to ensure birds
have the best possible chance to perform at their maximum potential.
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:
1. Biosecurity
Well-defined
biosecurity practices throughout broiler
production (pre-, during and post-placement) are crucial to successful poultry
production.
Effective
biosecurity can aid hygiene, vermin and insect control on-farm and help to
limit disease transmission within and between barns.
2. Downtime between flocks
Adequate
downtime of at least 14 days with appropriate cleaning and disinfection
measures between flock placements helps to reduce transmission of disease between
flocks and allows time to prepare for the next flock.
3. Pre-placement preparation
Pre-placement
preparation is needed before the new flock arrives to help prevent losses
during brooding and the rest of grow out.
Checkpoints
to keep in mind: heaters, floor temperature, temperature and relative humidity
probes, ventilation, drinkers, feeders, etc.
4. Coccidiosis prevention
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by a microscopic
intestinal parasite. This parasite can have an impact on intestinal integrity
and may predispose birds to other intestinal problems. Maintaining intestinal
integrity during this time through innovative technologies provided in the
Animal Health Management program is critical in allowing birds to perform to
their maximum levels despite gut health challenges.
5. Brooding management
With
today’s improved genetic capabilities and the fast growth of birds, more time
is being spent during the critical brooding phase. As a result, ensuring a good
start in poultry production can have a significant impact on the future health
and performance of the birds.
The
brooding period is an important time for intestinal growth and the development
of a balanced microflora.
6. Litter management
The
litter in a poultry house acts as bedding for the birds. In addition to
standing and resting on the bedding, birds will naturally peck at the litter.
Litter condition and quality have an impact on broiler intestinal health and
profitability, starting from when the chicks are placed all the way through
production.
Wet
litter presents a vicious cycle for intestinal health. Without proper
management, even in patches, wet litter can serve as a breeding ground for
potential pathogens and may be a starting point for intestinal stress that
develops and leads to disease. As wet litter problems increase, ammonia levels
in the barn rise, which can be potentially detrimental to bird health. It is
much easier to prevent and manage litter moisture conditions before they start.
Some
factors to consider which may help prevent the development of wet litter: type
of material, quality of litter, litter depth, water quality, drinker line
management, lighting management, ventilation and temperature.
Litter
that is too dry and dusty can be one of many indications that the birds may not
be drinking enough. Too much dusty material may lead to respiratory problems.
7. Water management
Drinking
water accounts for 70 to 80% of the bird’s daily drinking needs.
Poultry will generally consume more water than feed. As a result, water is the
most critical nutrient for poultry. An abundance of clean water will reduce
challenges and maximize 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 buildup.
- Drinker equipment maintenance.
8. Feed management
Birds
must have easy access to feed. Proper feeder line height corresponding to the
height of the birds helps to reduce feed wastage and mixing feed with litter,
and it ensures that all birds have access to feed. Adequate feed access is also
achieved by following the feed line manufacturer’s recommendations for the
number of birds per feed pan or line of trough feeder.
Birds
will naturally peck at litter but avoiding “out-of-feed” events helps to reduce
the potential for birds to peck excessively at the litter. Simple measures like
activating trigger feed pans and monitoring feed bin levels during barn checks
can help to prevent such events.
Good
feed quality that avoids contaminants like mycotoxins is important to ensure
performance.
9. Stocking density
A
higher stocking density of poultry in addition to crowded housing conditions
has been shown to have a negative impact on performance, causing stress to both
the birds and intestinal microbiota.
Lowering
stocking density throughout the overall production of the birds may help to
reduce challenges.
10. Environmental management
General
environmental management of the barn includes many components, such as
temperature, relative humidity, ventilation and lighting.
Understanding
that these components work both separately and together can help to guide your
management practices.
11. Monitoring 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.
12. Keeping an eye on equipment
Walking
the barns routinely will also help to ensure equipment remains in working
order.
13. Mortality checks
Cull
diseased birds as early as possible.
14. Flock health management
Work
with your veterinarian to design a program customized for your flock’s health.
15. Communication 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.
This is where we will be ending our discussion for today. Remember to share your comments, views and
opinions.
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