Article
Broiler fattening,
Flock Homogenuity & flock body weight control
Growth control can be achieved by directly adjusting animal feed intake,
reducing lighting time (indirectly limiting feed intake), or reducing
the nutrient content of the feed. These methods are especially useful
for heavy broilers (> 2.5 kg) where the initial slow growth rate
(cob-foot problem; Blisters(poor litter management) Hock/shank
deformity) is beneficial for lifetime production. Growth should be
controlled so that the stock is slightly below genetic potential in the
first 3 weeks. This is primarily for the Cobb hybrid. But lately, Ross
has a serious problem with leg problems, so it's important that you
don't gain extra weight during the first three weeks. The growth control
program can only be successfully applied to a well-performing,
homogeneous broiler flock that has reached its first week target weight
thanks to good management techniques.
Like other biological systems, broiler flocks have a normal weight
distribution. Population variability can be determined by the
coefficient of variation (CV%). This is a percentage formula for mean
weight fluctuation (Standard Deviation) in a flock. Scattered flocks
have a high coefficient of variation, and uniform flocks have a low
coefficient of variation. The weight of each gender is normal, but the
standard deviation of mixed genders is large. From the standard
deviation percentage, you can predict how high the number of broilers
associated with mean or weight will be. As a result, a significant
improvement in homogeneity can only be achieved by fattening the
sex-separated flocks. The smaller the standard deviation of the flock.
The more uniform the flock, the more broilers will achieve the expected
weight.
At the same time, even with a standard deviation of 8%, only 58% of
broilers reach sufficient weight for the narrowest weight group
(1800-2000g) Understanding the effects of biological variability is the
basis of effective processing plant design. Gender-segregated farming is
most effective when males and females are bred in separate enclosures to
ensure the most effective techniques for feeding, lighting and flock
density. Another advantage of sex segregation fattening is that it can
meet the different nutritional needs of gender. Cock grow faster, have
higher feed conversion ratios, and have less fat than Hen. Increasing
the ratio of protein to energy has a significant impact on growth
compared to Hen. Accurate information on flock weight and uniformity is
essential to adjust the treatment age so that as many broilers as
possible reach the desired weight class after treatment. Prediction of
weight gain for 4-5 days is inaccurate due to increased growth rate and
shorter fattening period. Weigh a large number of broilers (100+) in the
flock several times within 2 days prior to treatment for more accurate
pretreatment weight estimation and prediction. If feed and nutrient
intake is regulated, or if you use a lighting program to plan the weight
of your finished product, you should monitor the broiler's response to
changes in management techniques and also check the weight. The flock
can be measured using mechanical (conventional handheld) and automatic
cleaning compositions. Check all unexpected weight changes. While you
are using hand, weigh a weekly body weight. There are companies in which
Five-day weighing is used.
Occasionally we have to measure at least 1% of 34 flocks of each house.
The automatic weighing system (equipment) can also be used for accurate
and continuous weighing. These scales are placed in a place where birds
gather in large numbers and stay long enough to fix their weight. Older
and heavier cocks are less likely to use automatic scales and can reduce
the average weight of the flock. Automatic scales and recorded data are
checked regularly and verified by manual weighing at least once a week.
Author: Aiyedun, Lateef Ayodeji
Date: 27th February, 2022.
Reference
Zsolt, Hankovszky. (2018) . PRACTICAL BROILER MANAGEMENT MANUAL,
(eds.). Győr in Illés Press.