The management of broiler chickens

in Project HOPE2 days ago
Broilers are birds raised specifically for meat production, their rapid growth and feed efficiency make them an important source of animal protein worldwide, the feed of broilers is a crucial factor for their growth, health and productivity, a balanced diet suitable for each stage of development is essential to obtain the best results.

Among the characteristics of broilers is the rapid growth, since broilers reach the slaughter weight in a short period, usually between 6 and 9 weeks, another characteristic is feed efficiency because they convert feed into meat efficiently, which reduces production costs, also the high meat production, their body conformation and genetics are designed to maximize meat production.

For the rearing of chickens, there are key factors in the rearing of broilers such as feeding, a balanced and adequate diet for each stage of growth is fundamental for optimal development, housing, chickens need a clean, dry and well-ventilated space to avoid diseases and stress, proper management includes temperature control, humidity, population density and disease prevention, genetics the choice of a high-performance genetic line is crucial to obtain good results.

On the other hand, broilers have their growth stages in the first three weeks the chicks require a protein-rich diet for rapid growth and muscle development, after week six to four the need for protein decreases slightly, while energy becomes more important for bone development and fat accumulation, in the last weeks the diet focuses on maximizing weight gain with a lower protein content and a greater amount of energy.

In accordance with what was mentioned in the previous paragraph, food is the most important factor in the production of broilers, a balanced diet adapted to each stage of development guarantees healthy growth, a good feed conversion and quality meat. among the recommendations for feeding we can mention access to fresh and clean water, free access to food throughout the day, especially in the early stages of growth, a food table can be used or taken as a reference where it indicates the amount of grams a chicken needs per day, in this way the feed can be rendered, the particle size of the feed must be suitable for the age of the chickens, it is important to use high-quality food from reliable suppliers with high levels of protein in the early stages of, the food should be stored in a cool and dry place to avoid contamination and spoilage.

Dear readers, proper nutrition is essential for the success of broiler production. A balanced diet adapted to each stage of development, combined with good management, will allow to obtain healthy, good-sized chickens with optimal performance. Feed is undoubtedly the most critical factor in the production of broilers. In conclusion, successful broiler production requires a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of breeding, from feeding and housing to handling and genetics, by paying attention to these key factors, producers can achieve healthy, good-sized and optimally performing chickens, which translates into efficient and profitable meat production.

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Bibliographic references
  • Solla S.A. (2015). Manual of handling for broiler chicken. Poultry Excellence.

Sources

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