Introduction to the broiler production system, including the importance of broiler farming, key components of broiler production, and the economic significance of the poultry industry.
Overview of Poultry Broiler Production
Key points, stages, and best‑practice considerations for raising meat‑type chickens (broilers).
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Produce high‑quality chicken meat efficiently. |
| Typical Species | Gallus gallus domesticus – commercial broiler strains (e.g., Cobb, Ross, Hubbard). |
| Market Size | Globally > 100 million tons of live weight per year; the sector drives much of the world’s protein supply. |
| Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | - Feed conversion ratio (FCR) (feed kg / gain kg) < 1.6 - Average daily gain (ADG) 55–70 g / bird / day - Mortality ≤ 4 % - Carcass yield 70–73 % of live weight |
| Phase | Age (days) | Main Objectives | Typical Management Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hatchery | 0 (day‑old) | Obtain healthy, uniform chicks | - Egg incubation (21 d) - Vaccination (Marek, IB, ND, etc.) - Chick handling, sexing (if needed) |
| 2. Starter | 0–14 | Rapid early growth, gut development | - High‑protein starter feed (22–24 % CP) - Warm brooding temperature (32–34 °C, gradually reduced) - Light program: 24 h light first 3 d, then 22 h light/2 h dark |
| 3. Grower | 15–28 | Continue growth, improve feed efficiency | - Grower feed (20–21 % CP) - Temperature 24–28 °C - Reduce lighting to 18 h light/6 h dark |
| 4. Finisher | 29–42 (or to target weight) | Maximize breast meat, prepare for processing | - Finisher feed (18–20 % CP) - Temperature 21–24 °C - Light 16 h/8 h (optional) |
| 5. Processing | 42–56 (target live weight 2.0–2.5 kg) | Slaughter, evisceration, chilling, packaging | - Pre‑slaughter fasting (6–8 h) - Controlled stunning and chilling to maintain meat quality |
Cycle length varies by market (e.g., 5 weeks for fast‑growers, up to 8 weeks for slower‑growers).
| Component | Recommended Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 32 °C (day 0) → 21 °C (week 5) | Affects feed intake, growth, mortality |
| Relative Humidity | 50–70 % | Prevents respiratory problems and litter moisture issues |
| Ventilation | 0.2–0.5 m³ / bird / h (adjusted for temperature & ammonia) | Controls ammonia, CO₂, heat load |
| Litter | Clean, dry wood shavings or rice hulls; depth 5–10 cm | Provides insulation, |