broiler poultry farm management in the US

1. Ensuring Sustainable Production of Broiler Flocks
Dr. J. J. Giambrone
Emeritus Professor Auburn University
www.The Poultry Consultant.com

2. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Sustainable Production Requirements
A strict integrated broiler company approved biosecurity program
must be in place and practiced daily to prevent the introduction of
disease organisms into the flock.
▪ Structural and procedural methods to prevent introduction of
pathogens onto the farm and into the houses must be in
placed.
▪ Flock management procedures practiced as outlined by the
integrator's recommendations

3. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Structural Methods
Rodent, insect, and wild-bird proof houses.
Place fences around the farm, lock and place “no trespassing” signs on
gates and house entrances, and a small building for changing clothes and
sign in and out.
Drain all standing water near houses that can attract wild birds, rodents,
and insects.
Place 5-ft of concrete around houses so entrances to houses can be
disinfected.
Surround houses and/or fences with trees and bushes to reduce levels of
ammonia and contaminated air from leaving the houses.

4. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Procedural Methods
• Ware rubber disinfected or disposable boots, coveralls, and hair nets.
• Disinfect equipment and vehicles.
• Don’t share equipment or vehicles.
• Don’t enter other commercial farms, or attend live bird markets, bird shows, or
visit backyard outdoor reared poultry flocks.
• Farm workers must be vetted and taught to follow all company polices by farm
owners and if possible interviewed by company service personnel.

5. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Procedural Methods Continued
• Add foot baths with dry sanitation powered at the entrance of each house and replace
weekly.
• Keep grass cut around the entire farm and fill in any low spots that can harbor water,
which can attract wild animals or birds.
• Dispose of mortality and composted litter using company approved methods.
• Follow the integrator's biosecurity and humane treatment of animal protocols.
• Report unusual increased mortality to the company personnel.
• Have weekly inspections and conversations with the company personnel.

6. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Goals of Sanitation
▪ Clean conditions within the poultry
house
▪ Minimize the adverse effects of
disease
▪ Provide and optimum environment to
promote performance and bird
welfare
Photo Courtesy: Drew Wear

7. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Management Procedures in Between Flocks
▪ Clean brooders.
▪ Remove or decake litter and check litter around feeders for darkling
beetles.
▪ Top dress litter in the brooding area.
▪ Wash and sanitize equipment in and outside of the house.
▪ Clean and disinfect water systems with approved sanitizers.

8. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Management Procedures in Between Flocks Continued
▪Heat house to 1000 F for 24 hours during warmer months of
the year.
▪Check rodent bait stations outside of the house.
▪Allow 14 to 18 days in between flocks and longer if there is
an outbreak of disease.
▪Replace litter down to pad level once per year or after an
outbreak of disease.

9. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Decaking of Litter
• Decaking of litter
• Allows reuse of litter
• Provides a dry clean litter
source
• Takes only 2-3 days time
Photo Courtesy: Drew Wear

10. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Inexpensive Decaking Machine
Photo Courtesy: www.Farmerboyag.com

11. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
In House Windrow Composting

12. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Washing Down of Air Handling Equipment
• Washing down is important to clean
and inspect equipment
• Process
• Wash all fans
• Wash evaporative cooling pads
Photo Courtesy: Farmerboyag.com

13. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Total House Clean Out

14. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Final Steps
▪ Add commercial litter amendments
when appropriate
▪ Top dress litter with new shavings
▪ Spray disinfectant and insecticide
▪ Let equipment down and run feed
▪ Began preheating
Photo Courtesy: Poland Farms

15. C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E | P O U LT RY S C I E N C E
Conclusion
Photo Courtesy: Drew Wear