There are a number of factors that play crucial role when raising various types of poultry birds such as turkey, quail, broiler chickens, breeders, and layers and they have direct and indirect effect on overall poultry flock health.
To ensure optimal performance and welfare, the importance of factors like the poultry housing system in use is essential in order to ensure that the birds are provided with the necessary conditions.
Whether its the intensive, semi intensive or free range extensive system, the type of housing system and biosecurity measure in place will go a long way in determining the health status of the flock.
By being able to manage the parameters around the poultry housing system correctly, farmers can create an optimal environment that meets these needs and promotes the well-being of the birds.
Now lets discuss some of these parameters in this fully comprehensive guide.
Biosecurity and Visitor Management
Implementation and enforcement of a good biosecurity protocol is key to preventing the introduction and spread of diseases on poultry farms.
Farms generally are routinely encouraged to minimise the number of visitors or totally restrict unauthorised personnel and have designated areas for vehicles and parking.
When there is need to enter a farm, individuals should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) not only to protect themselves but also to prevent the transmission of viruses or bacteria to the birds.
It is crucial to follow a specific order when moving between different houses on the farm based on the degree of contamination, prioritising healthier houses before potentially problematic ones.
This can be done by establishing safe zones and zones of moderate to intense contamination.
Additionally, when visiting multiple farms, it is recommended to start with younger birds and progress to older ones to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Provision of Adequate Feed to Birds
Feeding poultry birds remain one of the most important aspects of raising them to market age and weight.
Feed is typically brought into the pen house by various methods either manual or automated system and distributed through hoppers to the feed line.
At the end of each feed line, a control pan ensures that the birds are automatically fed as needed.
During the brooding period, extra feeders are added to facilitate easier access to food for the young birds.
Various types of feeders can be used depending on the age and type of birds involved and these include trays and flip top feeders for young birds and larger cone feeders with adjustments made as the birds grow older to minimise wastage and keep the feeders clean.
Providing Water to Birds
Water is equally important, if not more important, than feed for poultry. Birds can survive longer without feed than without water.
Water is supplied to the birds through a system of drinker lines triggered by pins.
The water supply is regulated by a control panel, which can also be used to add vitamins, minerals, or sanitizers to the water.
As the birds grow, the height of the drinker systems and the water pressure may need to be adjusted to ensure easy access to water and proper hydration.
Bedding Material and Litter Quality
Bedding material serves several functions in a poultry house.
It helps absorb moisture, dilutes manure, provides insulation, and cushions the birds’ feet.
Common materials used include pine shavings, sawdust, straw, peanut holes, and rice holes.
Maintaining proper litter quality is crucial for ammonia control and foot pad health.
A depth of around three to four inches of litter is recommended, and it should be kept dry and friable, avoiding clumping or compaction.
Good litter quality helps ensure good air quality and minimise foot pad dermatitis, which is assessed during animal welfare audits.
Good Air Quality
Air quality in poultry houses is influenced by parameters such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and relative humidity.
Controlling these parameters is vital to ensure the birds’ well-being and optimal performance.
Recommended levels include maintaining carbon dioxide below 5000 ppm, carbon monoxide below 50 ppm, ammonia below 25 ppm, and relative humidity between 40% and 60%.
Proper ventilation and control systems, including exhaust fans and sidewall inlets, help maintain the desired air quality and temperature inside the poultry house and prevent against heat stress.
Monitoring Bird Activity and Welfare
Observing bird behaviour and activity provides valuable insights into the overall environment and management of the poultry house.
Spread-out birds, normal drinking and eating behaviour and vocalisation indicate a healthy and comfortable environment.
Changes in activity or vocalisations may signal potential health issues or environmental changes.
Monitoring bird activity helps ensure that the basic needs of the birds are being met and allows for timely adjustments in management practices.
Conclusion
Poultry housing and control of environmental factors surrounding it are crucial in ensuring the well-being, health and performance of poultry.
By providing the necessary conditions, farmers can create an optimal environment for the birds.
Monitoring bird behaviour and utilising modern environmental control systems further enhance the overall management of poultry houses.
Implementing these practices contributes to the welfare of the birds, improved production efficiency and the provision of high-quality poultry products.
