by Given Hamanungu, Tiger Technical Advisor

Growing broilers is no longer a part-time income generation. Economically, it is a full-time business where the farmer needs to understand certain management practices and requirements.

Changes in the modern broiler bird have increased the importance of housing conditions. In response to market requirements, geneticists have raised growth rate as well as the yield of the carcass components. The extra meat yield in broilers, most of which is concentrated in the breast, makes the bird more sensitive to high temperatures, ammonia, and any poor air quality in the pen.

As a result, much of the difference in performance of broilers can be attributed to how well the in-house conditions are managed, especially temperature and air quality. Therefore a broiler farmer should not only look at profits, but should also understand the importance of economic management.

The main objective of broiler farming is the production of SALEABLE chicken meat. Therefore it is important to provide healthy conditions for broilers in the poultry house. Failure to meet all the fully required favourable conditions, such as good temperature management and good air quality, which promote excellent broiler growth, results in the following:

• Poor live weights
• Poor feed conversion rate
• Low carcass quality and carcass yield

Modern broiler genetic lines have been selected for growth rate, which is determined by the broiler’s desire to eat and drink. The most devastating conditions to broilers are high temperatures. In high temperature, broilers tend to eat less than desired or they will not eat at all. Therefore, managing in-house conditions to realise the genetic potential of broilers is largely a function of optimising the ventilation in the pen. The farmer should make sure these optimum conditions are provided for the birds to perform up to standard. 

Ventilation improves air quality

Air contaminants are solid particles, microorganisms, dust and gases such as ammonia, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These contaminants are always present in poultry house air space, but can be minimised with well-managed ventilation. They are not conducive to the production of quality broilers fit for the market. When allowed to accumulate above acceptable threshold levels, air contaminants lead to poor air quality within the poultry house and will result into poor performance of the birds.

The by-products of broiler production include heat, water, carbon dioxide and droppings, all of which are added to the environment inside the poultry house. When poultry droppings decompose in the presence of moisture and heat, ammonia is released into the air.

The interaction of these various contaminants with litter conditions and temperature is the major cause of poor air quality. In the environment of poor air quality, the lungs and air sacs in the broiler become plugged with fluid. Affected broilers will gasp for air and often die suddenly. As a result, high mortality is often experienced close to marketing time. The broilers are fed at a high cost up to the near marketing, then the birds do not make it to the market. This is really sad.

Recommendation

Tiger Animal Feeds Technical recommends customers to follow good air quality management practices that include correct heating and sufficient ventilation to provide a balanced and conducive environment for broilers to reach their potential growth. Poor respiratory health is the consequence of not providing this balance. Humidity and temperature also have an impact on air quality by influencing the survival of some pathogens and the severity of some diseases. Ventilation is an important consideration for controlling heat and humidity.

The right management strategy needs to be determined for each situation to avoid unnecessary losses. Heat stress due to poor ventilation resulting in loss of weight and poor feed conversion efficiency can be costly.

Ventilation is an important factor in litter moisture control. Air exchange is used to remove moisture produced within the building. Excessive air exchange can remove too much moisture and produce dry, dusty conditions. Insufficient air exchange removes too little moisture and produces wet litter conditions which contribute to feet and leg problems, and increased ammonia production.

Tiger Animal Feeds add value to your broiler business. Contact Rowena Blanco at +260-96-7991-847 or +260-96-7790-404 or e-mail rowena@tigerfeeds.com.zm. You may also visit their user friendly website at www.tigerfeeds.com.