Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 4:13 PM
Improper care may affect adversely in summer-Vet Varsity Expert
Ludhiana: 26-June, 2014: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen Bureau):
Summer is a challenging season to poultry farming. For the hot summer months there are many precautions which need to be taken right from the onset of rising temperature. The information was shared by Dr. Samita saini of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University. She said that Poultry birds do not have sweat glands and have thick cover of feathers. During summer months the birds consume less feed and more water due to which their growth rate, egg production, egg shell quality and hatchability are all adversely affected and mortality is high. Disease incidence in the flocks also increases because of wet litter, immuno-suppression, vaccination failures and contamination of drinking water.
Dr. Saini said that there should be a grass cover on the grounds surrounding the poultry house which will reduce the reflection of sunlight into the house. Vegetation should be kept trimmed to avoid blocking air movement and to help reduce rodent problems. Shady trees should be located where they do not restrict air movement. Keep a reliable, clean, cool source of water available to help the birds cope with high temperatures. As the birds excrete electrolytes during periods of heat stress, electrolytes can be added to the drinking water to replace those that are lost and to stimulate water consumption. The number of waterers and frequency of watering should be increased in summer months.
While purchasing new stock the time of purchase should be adjusted in such a way that the productive stage should not come during acute summer months. Before the onset of summer season the unproductive and weak birds should be removed and stocking density should be reduced. During summer season nutrient intake by the birds should be increased by increasing nutrient density, feeding birds during colder part of the day and adjust ventilation fans to provide more cooling during the evening. Feed withdrawal from 9am to 4.30 pm is very effective in reducing heat stress mortality. Feed intake and digestion produce nearly 7% additional heat in the body which is maximum 4 to 5 hours after feed intake. This should not coincide with hottest part of the day (2 to 3 pm) Birds fasted in the day compensate intake in the night time. Crude Protein level in feed should not be increased and protein from only vegetable source should be used.
Preventive treatment through drinking water should be given. In moderate hot weather, Ascorbic acid, Acetylsalicylic acid, Sodium bi carbonate and Potassium chloride can be given in drinking water to maintain electrolyte balance. In heat stress, Vit. C and Electrolytes may be used. Egg collection frequency at the farm should be increased and cold room should be available for egg storage in hot summer months.
Improper care may affect adversely in summer-Vet Varsity Expert
Dr. Saini said that there should be a grass cover on the grounds surrounding the poultry house which will reduce the reflection of sunlight into the house. Vegetation should be kept trimmed to avoid blocking air movement and to help reduce rodent problems. Shady trees should be located where they do not restrict air movement. Keep a reliable, clean, cool source of water available to help the birds cope with high temperatures. As the birds excrete electrolytes during periods of heat stress, electrolytes can be added to the drinking water to replace those that are lost and to stimulate water consumption. The number of waterers and frequency of watering should be increased in summer months.
While purchasing new stock the time of purchase should be adjusted in such a way that the productive stage should not come during acute summer months. Before the onset of summer season the unproductive and weak birds should be removed and stocking density should be reduced. During summer season nutrient intake by the birds should be increased by increasing nutrient density, feeding birds during colder part of the day and adjust ventilation fans to provide more cooling during the evening. Feed withdrawal from 9am to 4.30 pm is very effective in reducing heat stress mortality. Feed intake and digestion produce nearly 7% additional heat in the body which is maximum 4 to 5 hours after feed intake. This should not coincide with hottest part of the day (2 to 3 pm) Birds fasted in the day compensate intake in the night time. Crude Protein level in feed should not be increased and protein from only vegetable source should be used.
Preventive treatment through drinking water should be given. In moderate hot weather, Ascorbic acid, Acetylsalicylic acid, Sodium bi carbonate and Potassium chloride can be given in drinking water to maintain electrolyte balance. In heat stress, Vit. C and Electrolytes may be used. Egg collection frequency at the farm should be increased and cold room should be available for egg storage in hot summer months.
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