👉 Phase One: Breed Selection and Preparation for Arrival

The key to broiler farming lies in growth rate and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Selecting a superior meat breed is the foundation for success.

• Recommended Superior Breeds:

  • Cobb / Ross: These are the mainstream, fast-growing broiler breeds internationally, known for high dressing percentage and short growth cycles.

• Pre-Arrival Preparation:

  • Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection: The chicken house should be completely cleaned, washed, and fumigated $1-2$ weeks before the chicks arrive to ensure a pathogen-free environment.

  • Equipment Check: Verify that the temperature control, ventilation, water supply, and feeding systems are working correctly.

  • Litter Placement: Spread $5-10$ cm ($2-4$ inches) of dry litter (such as wood shavings or rice husks) to provide a comfortable floor.

👉 Phase Two: Brooding Environmental Management (0-2 Weeks)

The brooding period is the critical stage for determining the health, survival, and foundation for rapid growth of the broilers.

• Temperature Management:

  • The temperature on the first day of arrival must reach $32-34^\circ \text{C}$ ($89.6-93.2^\circ \text{F}$), then gradually decrease by $0.5^\circ \text{C}$ ($0.9^\circ \text{F}$) daily until it approximates the outside temperature.

  • Observe Flock Behavior: Evenly distributed chickens indicate a suitable temperature; huddling suggests the temperature is too low, while moving away from the heat source indicates it is too high.

• Ventilation and Air Quality:

  • Importance: Despite the need for warmth, a minimum level of ventilation must be maintained to expel carbon dioxide and ammonia, preventing respiratory diseases.

  • Ammonia Control: Ammonia concentration in the house should not exceed $20 \text{ ppm}$.

• Density Control:

  • The density during brooding should not be too high; ensure each chick has enough space for feeding and drinking.

👉 Phase Three: High-Efficiency Nutrition and Feeding Strategy

Broilers reach market weight in a short period (typically $40-50$ days), demanding extremely high nutrient density in their feed.

• Stage-Specific Feed:

  • Starter Feed (0-2 Weeks): Highest in protein and energy, easily digestible, used to support rapid bone and organ growth.

  • Grower Feed (3-4 Weeks): Balanced protein and energy to support rapid muscle deposition.

  • Finisher Feed (5 Weeks to Market): Adjust nutrients, focusing primarily on weight gain and improving meat quality.

• Water Management:

  • Ensure a $24$-hour, uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water. Water lines should be level with or slightly above the chicken’s back for easy access.

• Feeding Method:

  • Adopt a free-choice feeding method, ensuring there is always fresh feed in the troughs. Pay special attention to timely replenishment during peak consumption periods.

👉 Phase Four: Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention

Broilers are raised at high densities and have a fast growth rate, making them relatively vulnerable to disease and environmental stress.

• Biosecurity:

  • Strictly enforce an All-In, All-Out system to prevent cross-contamination between different batches of chickens.

  • Establish strict disinfection stations and changing rooms.

• Vaccination:

  • The broiler immunization program is simpler than that for layers, typically targeting core diseases like Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Avian Influenza.

• Stress Management:

  • Heat Stress: Especially in summer, enhance ventilation and use evaporative cooling (misting or cooling pads) to prevent heat stroke and maintain feed intake.

  • Handling Stress: Avoid causing injuries to the birds during catching and transport, which can affect the final carcass quality.

• Daily Inspection:

  • Inspect the flock at least twice daily, observing activity, mental status, and droppings to promptly identify and cull sick or weak birds.

Summary: High-efficiency broiler farming relies on “speed” and “precision.” Rapid environmental adaptation, precise nutritional supply, and strict biosecurity control are the keys to ensuring high yield and excellent economic benefits.