Many poultry farmers are into broiler farming but realize little profits. Profits can be maximized by carrying out good routine management practices.
Litter management is a very important aspect in broiler, layer and pig production because it is the environment in which the bird feeds, drinks and sleeps. Ensure that the litter is comfortable for the birds. This is done by ensuring that the litter is always dry, which is achieved by putting the drinkers at an appropriate height to avoid the birds from spilling water on the floor when drinking. Litter can be either chopped hay or wood shavings but wood shavings are preferable.
Broiler management practices
Maintain good ventilation of the poultry house to allow exit of ammonia gas which causes respiratory problems and ascites to the birds.
Have a recommended stocking density of 12 birds per m2 if you have an open house.
Always turn your litter regularly and on placement, put a thick layer to ensure it absorbs the moisture from the floor.
Improper litter management
If you do not mange your litter well, you are bound to have bird foot dermatitis where the feet gets lesions. The lesions are painful and paths of disease causing micro organisms. In wet litter birds are more susceptible to coccidiosis.
Since the lesions are painful, the chicken will be hesitant to move to feed and drink hence wont gain weight. The chicken is forced to lie on the breast causing chicken burns on the breast lowering meat quality.
Poor litter management also leads to accumulation of ammonia. The amount of ammonia can be measured using an ammonia metre and should not exceed 5 parts per million.
