The document outlines procedures for catching chickens prior to processing. It recommends withdrawing feed for 8-12 hours before catching to empty the digestive tract and reduce carcass contamination. It also recommends dimming lights at catching time, removing equipment, catching at night when chickens are less active, and using dark strip curtains over doors to reduce stress. The proper stocking density should be applied when loading chickens into clean crates or modules with reduced densities in summer months.

1. CATCHING
PROCEDURE
Sherwin Camba (UP College of Vet
Med)

2. Introduction
 Feed withdrawal
8-12 hours before processing
To empty the digestive tract
To reduce carcass contamination
Minimal effect of feed withdrawal in live
weight

3. Catching Procedures
Preparation
Water must be available until the start of
catching
Lighting should be dimmed at the time of
catching
Ifnot feasible, use blue or green lights to calm
the birds
Remove or raise all equipment that may

4. Catching Procedures
Catching procedures should be done at night
Birds are less active
Careful management of the ventilation system is
needed during catching
To ensure adequate house ventilation

5. Catching Procedures
 If there is time between loads, turn up the
lights, replace the water and gently walk through
the birds
Welfare considerations is important
To minimize bruising and downgrades
Stockman should be present to supervise

6. Catching Procedures
Dark strip curtains hung over the doors

Block out light during daytime catching
Allows birds to remain quiet
Facilitate better ventilation
Reduce bird stress
Diminish risk of piling
Birds should be placed in clean crates or modules

Recommended density should be applied
Densities should be reduced in summer months

7. POSSIBLE
CAUSES OF
DOWN GRADES IN
THE
PROCESSING
PLANTS

8. Too high stocking density
Scratching
Bruising
Broken limbs
Blisters
Hock
Breast

9. Feeding system break down
Scratching


10. Incorrect lighting program
Scratching


11. High light intensity
Scratching


12. Aggressive movement by
stockman
Scratching
Bruising
Broken limbs

13. Poor feathering
Scratching
Blisters
Hock
Breast

14. Aggressive catching
Scratching
Bruising
Broken limbs
Blisters
Hock
Breast

15. Poor litter
Blisters

Hock
Breast

16. Incorrect Nutrition
Scratching
Broken limbs
Blisters
Hock
Breast

17. Plucking Machines
Broken limbs


18. Ventilation
Scratching
Blisters
Hock
Breast

19. Drinker Management
Blisters

Hock
Breast

21. References
 THANK YOU  Cobb Broiler Manual