The tables in this Factsheet provide basic husbandry information for commercial broiler breeders. Proper care and management of birds and their environment result in fewer mortalities and improved production. Additional information on poultry production can be found at ontario.ca/livestock.
Table 1. Fan Dimensions
| Fan
Diameter (in.) |
Range of Airflow (CFM)
all airflows measured at 0.10 in. static pressure |
Average Airflow (CFM)
all airflows measured 0.10 in. static pressure |
|---|---|---|
| 12 |
1,400-1,800
|
1,600
|
| 14 |
1,900-2,200
|
2,050
|
| 16 |
2,500-3,000
|
2,750
|
| 18 |
3,000-4,000
|
3,500
|
| 20-22 |
3,000-5,000
|
4,000
|
| 24-26 |
5,000-7,000
|
6,000
|
| 36 |
8,000-12,000
|
10,000
|
| 48 |
18,000-22,000
|
20,000
|
| 50 |
19,000-27,000
|
23,500
|
CFM =cubic feet per minute
Source: Agricultural fan performance test results from Bio-Environmental Structural Systems (BESS) labs at the University of Illinois
Table 2. Recommended feeder space for broiler breeders
| Age | Males (cm/bird | Females (cm/bird) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 weeks | Track Feeder: 5 cm
Pan Feeder: 5 cm |
Track Feeder: 5 cm
Pan Feeder: 4 cm |
| 6-10 weeks | Track Feeder: 10 cm
Pan Feeder: 9 cm |
Track Feeder: 10 cm
Pan Feeder: 8 cm |
| 11-20 weeks | Track Feeder: 15 cm
Pan Feeder: 11 cm |
Track Feeder: 15 cm
Pan Feeder: 10 cm |
| 21 weeks to depletion* | Track Feeder: 20 cm
Pan Feeder: 13 cm |
Track Feeder: 15 cm
Pan Feeder: 10 cm |
* The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Poultry, 2003, recommends that, during feed restriction, feeder space should allow all birds to feed at the same time. Feed interruption should not exceed 48 hr.
Adapted from Ross Parent Stock Manual, 2013.
Table 3. Recommended minimum ventilaton rate per broiler breeder
| Age | CFM/bird |
|---|---|
|
1-8 weeks |
0.10 |
|
9-15 weeks |
0.25 |
|
16-35 weeks |
0.35 |
|
36 weeks to depletion |
0.45 |
CFM = cubic feet per minute
Adapted from Ross Parent Stock Handbook,2013.
en.aviagen.com/assets/Tech_Center/Ross_PS/Ross_PS_Handbook_2013_i-r1.pdf
Values in this Factsheet are in imperial measurements, reflecting common usage in the ventilation industry.
Table 4. Husbandry Guidelines for Commercial Broiler Breeders
| Criteria | Rearing (0�20 weeks) | In Lay (20 weeks�depletion) | Troubleshooting Checklist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Temperature (at bird’s height) | Day-old: 30°C
Two days to 27 days old: Decrease by 1°C every 3 days until 20°C. Balance relative humidity vs. dry bulb temperature when assessing air temperature. |
20°C-22°C
Balance relative humidity vs. dry bulb temperature when assessing air temperature. |
Too high: panting, wing spreading/flapping, pasty cloacas
Too low: feather ruffling, huddling, rigid posture, piling near heat source |
| Relative Humidity | 60%-70% | 50%-70% | Too low: dehydrated, dusty
Too high: damp litter, high ammonia |
| Ventilation |
See Table 2 and Table 3. |
||
| Ammonia | Maximum of 25 ppm (parts per million)
>10 ppm: damage to lung surface >20 ppm: increased respiratory issues, human eyes affected >50 ppm: reduced growth rate |
Too high: higher incidence of respiratory problems and burns (eyes, feet, breast) | |
| Lighting | Intensity
0-3 days: 80-100 lux 4-9 days: 30-60 lux 10 days-21 wk:1–20 lux Maximum dark hour intensity: 0.4 lux Duration of photoperiod 0-3 days: 23 hr 4-10 days: gradually decrease to 8 hr 11 days-21 wk: 8 hr Light entering through inlets, fans and doors can disrupt dark period. |
Intensity
30-60 lux Maximum dark hour intensity: 0.4 lux Duration of photoperiod Do not exceed 13-14 hr. Light entering through inlets, fans, and doors can disrupt dark period. |
Intensity too high: cannibalism, flighty, nervous behaviour
Photoperiod too long: delayed/uneven sexual development, reduced egg numbers, increased egg weight Photoperiod too short: increased number of floor eggs |
| Water Source | Bell drinkers
1.5 cm/bird Nipple drinkers 8-12 birds/nipple Cups 20-30 birds/cup |
Bell drinkers
2.5 cm/bird Nipple drinkers 6-10 birds/nipple Cups 15-20 birds/cup |
Not enough drinker space: poor intakes, poor growth rate, poor egg production |
| Feeder Space | See Table 1. | Not enough feeder space: poor intakes, poor growth rate, poor egg production, increased injury due to competition at feeders | |
| Density
(floor space) |
Males
3-4 birds/m2 Females 4-7 birds/m2 |
3.5-5.5 birds/m2
1 nest/5 birds |
Too few nests: high number of floor eggs
Too dense: feather picking, cannibalism, drop in egg production, higher mortality, more injuries |
Adapted from Ross Parent Stock Manual, 2013, and Codes of Practice, 2003.
For more information:
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E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
