Brooding is the most critical first phase of poultry rearing so we must know about its essentials

1. Dr.Wahaj Ahmed
DVM(UVAS)
R.V.M.P
Researcher at PPA
Doctor at CP Group (Pakistan)-Broiler
Production Unit-1
2/3/2019
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2. Poultry
2/3/2019
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3.  The period of first week of a chick’s life when it requires a very
high standard of care including the provision of special diet and
supplementary warmth.
 What is a Brooder?
 The equipment used to provide the supplementary warmth during
the early stage of chick’s life.
 Diesel Brooders are commonly used.
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4.  To accelerate growth rate in the first week (TO GAIN 4 TIMES THE
INITIAL CHICK WEIGHT).
 To enhance structural development and feed capacity intake.
 Allow good development of internal organs.
 Encourage early uniformity.
 To maximize genetic potential.
 Improve overall health of the bird (ALLOW ABSORPTION OF YOLK
WITHIN 3 – 4 DAYS).
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5.  THERMOREGULATORY SYSTEM
 As avians are warm blooded and can regulate internal body heat via homeostasis.
 IMMUNE SYSTEM
 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
 To optimize the capacity of Crop,proventriculus and Gizzard.
 FEATHERING
 To cover the whole body to protect from environmental extermes.
 LEARNING TO EAT AND DRINK
 Silver and shiny nipples attract birds to drink water.
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6.  litter removal (After Catching)
 Dry Cleaning(Broom), Washing( water with Pressure) and
Disinfection.
 Repairing (House and all systems)
 New litter (Rice Husk) Placement.
 Ideal place inside the shed for insulation (in winter middle of the
house)
 Equipment setting (Brooder,Duct,Vents,Feed and Water Lines)
 Fumigation (10% Formaline)
 Surrounding area disinfection. 2/3/2019 6

7. Litter ( Rice husks)
Temperature
Humidity
Water
Feed
Light
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8.  0.35 square foot area per bird in brooding.
 Up to 7 days (½ of the house).
 8 to 14 day (¾ of the house).
 14 to 21 days (Full house).
 Litter depth (2” to 4” for rice husk).
 Litter management – To attain adequate thickness, requirement is ½ bag of
rice hulls/square meter. It must be dry but not dusty(Repiratory Diseases.
Also minimize wetness to avoid cake formation otherwise Foot pad dermatitis
and Coccidiosis can happen.
 Inspection of equipments e.g. Heater , feeder ,Feed hoppers and storage area,
nipple lines, thermostats, ventilation,Tunnel and Side fans, power generators,
Transformers, water supply and all other electric appliances.
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9. Pre-Heating must be done minimum 6 hour before chick
placement at the temperature of 36 to 40 0 C at floor level.
 So that we can achieve 33 to 35 degree centigrade at bird
level.
Correct Height of Brooder duct is 3 feet at placement then
raise to 3.5 to 4 feet at 1st expansion of the house.
 Correct Plastic Sheet Management
Correct Curtain Management.
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10. Humidity (50-70%)
Should not less than 60% in brooding.
Less humidity would cause more dust uplift from
litter and more chances of Repiratory diseases like
Avian Influenza,IB and ILT.
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11.  To Provide plenty of Fresh Air and Oxygen
 To remove the obnoxious Gases like CO,Co2, NH3 and H2S.
 Do not provide tunnel Ventilation( Maximum Ventilation) in
brooding
 Only minimum ventilation by using side fans (8000 CFM) and vents.
 This is done to achieve the desired temperature and to safe the
Diesel Cost.
 Provide 0.5CFM per Kg of Live Weight inside the shed.
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12. Optimum level of Fresh water must be in lines and
no leakage should be there.( Prevent litter to be
wet).
To know the requirement of water.
6ml of water * Day of Age of Chick.
6*5* = 30 ml water.
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13.  Ad libitum starter feed ( more Crude Protein less Energy) is
provided.
 Feed trays are placed in brooding area at the rate of 50 birds per
plate.
 Some people place turbo Grow at 3 to 4 days.
 Check crop Fill.
Hours after
placement
Crop fill ( % of
chicks)
2 75
12 85
24 95+
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14.  Light Intensity at bird level

 Brooding = 25-30 lux minimum

 Grow – Finish = 5-10 lux minimum
 Place LED Blubs at uniform distance.
 LED bulbs have light spectrum which is near sunlight spectrum.
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15.  Check for tracec of feed in boxes.
 Place boxes under the brooder duct.
 Empty the boxes under the brooder duct and check dead in box
Chicks.
 Check navel cord, must be dry.
 Check eyes, must be bright and shiny.
 Chicks must be active and vigilant.
 Shanks must be yellow and waxy.
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16. To convince farmer to check TDS in water ( For Renal
System of Bird)
After washing and disinfection he should check the
coliform count in different areas of house like on
floor,walls and roof and on equipments like Feed and
water lines to ensure less Pathogenic Load.
In case of disease he must get the results of Culture
sensitivity test before the application of antibiotics to
avoid superbugs,(Rational use of Drugs).
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17.  Contact:
 wahaj3362@gmail.com
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