The most common mistakes to avoid in broiler production

Most mistakes in broiler farming regard the need to introduce good management practices rather than the need to spend heaps of money, writes

- Shane Brody

In my previous article (see FW, 21 March), I focused on the essentials of broiler production. Here, I offer advice on common challenges encountered by broiler farmers and mistakes to avoid. These are not insurmountable problems and most are in respect of the need to introduce good management practices rather than the need to spend heaps of money.

• Environmental mistakes include inadequate ventilation, which can lead to issues such as ammonia build-up, heat stress and disease outbreaks.

Failing to maintain optimal temperatures (around 22°C to 24°C) can impact bird health and growth rates that are important to maintain profitability.

Inadequate lighting can lead to stress, reduced growth rates and increased mortality.

• Nutrition and feeding mistakes are common because of attempts to save money. Poor feed quality invariably leads to reduced growth rates, increased mortality and decreased profitability.

A factor to consider when raising any farm animal is to get it to market readiness in the shortest possible period, and good feeding allows this.

Inadequate feeding and living space can lead to competition among birds, stress, injury, and reduced growth rates.