Environment

Environmental conditions greatly influence the health and productivity of poultry. Brooders require the proper temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting and litter management to grow well.

For example, chickens less than 2 weeks old require bright light to help increase activity and locate feed. After 2 weeks, light levels must be gradually reduced. At this point, low lighting keeps birds calm and decreases activity, which leads to better weight and lower feed-conversion ratios. IDEA (Impulse, Digestibility, Economics and Advancement) is a concept in intestinal health that provides more information on how environment impacts nutrition.

In addition to nutritional benefits, studies show that light, as well as color and sound, can impact coccidiosis vaccine performance. Different combinations of these three stimuli can increase preening behavior, thus maximizing the ingestion of spray-administered coccidiosis vaccines.

Proper temperature control is also essential to the health of the flock. Low brooding temperature can worsen the effects of diseases such as runting and stunting syndrome (RSS). Higher temperatures should be maintained, as the cost of fuel used to heat the house will likely be offset by better flock productivity.

Increased biosecurity can help deter the spread of a variety of diseases, particularly from old flocks to new ones. It is important to thoroughly clean empty rooms between flocks and remove any visible manure and dirt. All feeding, watering and ventilation equipment should also be cleaned. Prior to chick placement, the area should be treated with disinfectant and then left empty for 2 to 3 weeks to help reduce or eliminate infectious organisms. A sanitary, stress-free environment helps keep bacteria, viruses and parasites at bay, reducing the spread of diseases such as RSS, and also promoting better immune health.