POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT LEA 2021

POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT

The Poultry Industry in the Philippines Fowl – is a term applied generally to all poultry; specifically,
applied to designate mature domestic cocks and hens.
The significant development in the poultry industry over the past Bantam – a small domestic bird; often a miniature of a member of
several decades can be attributed to the application of a standard breed.
modern technologies on breeding, reproduction, nutrition, Broiler – a young bird, especially a chicken of either sex, up to 10
animal health, production and processing. weeks of age and weighing up to 6 lbs. (2.7 kgs).
Through R&D efforts, the number of eggs laid by a hen in a year Chick – a sexually immature chicken of either sex; young
has increased from 60 to about 300 pieces. Similarly, broilers domestic hen while in the downy stage.
which are usually marketed at a weight of 1.3-1.8 kg attained Down – the first hairy covering of the chick.
in 8-12 weeks of age are now sold at 38-42 days old. Cock – a male fowl one year old or over; an adult male chicken;
In 2000, the industry contributed a total of P73.6 B in gross value rooster
added (GVA) in agriculture, constituting about 12.2% of the Cockerel – a male fowl less than one year old; a young male
total gross earnings in agriculture. chicken.
The poultry population in the Philippines is composed primarily Comb – the fleshy protuberance growing on top of a fowl’s head.
of chickens and ducks which are predominantly raised under (The standard varieties of combs are: Rose, Pea, V-shaped,
backyard level. Strawberry, Cushion and Buttercup, all others being
More than 50% of the chicken population is of the modifications of these.)
native/improved type while ducks are predominantly of the Crop – the receptacle in which a fowl’s food is accumulated
Mallard type. before it passes to the gizzard.
From 1989 to 1998, population of chicken and ducks steadily Beak – the projecting mouth part of the chicken and turkey,
increased with an average annual growth rate of 8.16% and consisting of upper and lower mandibles.
3.68%, respectively. Bill – the projecting mouth part of water fowls, consisting of
The highest inventory recorded for ducks was attained in 1996 upper and lower mandibles.
with 9.47 M head. In 1998 to 1999, a sharp decline (14%) in Capon – a castrated male chicken; an unsexed male, readily
the population of chicken was noted (from 134.32 M head in distinguished by the undeveloped comb and wattles.
1998 to 115.84 M in 1999). Drake – a male of the duck family.
The implementation of GATT-WTO in 1994 opened the country Dubbing – cutting off the comb, wattles, or ear-lobes, so as to
for the entry of cheaper imported chicken products (i.e. leg leave the head smooth.
quarters) which prompted many broiler farmers to stop Duck – a female of the duck family.
operations or scale down their volume of production. Duckling – the young of the duck family in the downy stage of
Commercial production of broilers and layers is import plumage.
dependent and competitiveness is largely influenced by the Layer – a female chicken in an active stage of egg production.
foreign exchange. Plumage – the feathers of a fowl.
The reduction in the broiler parent stock loading and the Poult – the young of the domestic turkey, properly applied until
importation of chicken legs and wings led to the “boom and sex can be distinguished when they are called cockerels and
bust cycle “of the industry. pullets.
In 2000, the per capita consumption of dressed chicken, dressed Pullet – a female fowl less than a year old; a young female
duck, chicken egg and duck egg were 7.12, 0.14, 2.93 and 0.66 chicken.
kg/year, respectively. Started pullet – a pullet that is 18-20 weeks old and ready to lay.
Quill – the hollow horny, basal part of stem of a feather.
Shank – the portion of a fowl’s leg below the hock, exclusive of
Trends in the Industry the foot and toes.
Single Comb – a comb consisting of a single, fleshy, serrated
In many countries, particularly in Japan and Southeast Asia, formation extending from the beak backward over the crown
consumers indicate their strong preference for native of the head.
chickens because of their unique quality attributes. Strain – a family of any variety of poultry that possesses, and
Colored chickens, which are claimed to be like native chickens, reproduces with marked regularity, common individual
are now being introduced in many countries including the characters which distinguish this from other families of the
Philippines. same variety.
In several countries of the world, particularly in Europe, poultry Strain – within a breed or variety, a group of birds that has been
production is shifting from intensive and high-density closed to outside bloodlines for several generations.
production system to extensive management system with Breed – a race of domestic fowls which maintains distinctive
more “humane” treatment. characteristics of shape, growth, temperament, and shell-
Under this system, chickens are not placed in cages where color of eggs produced. Breed is a broader term than variety.
movement is restricted and the activities are confined to Breed includes varieties, as for example Barred, White and
eating, drinking and sleeping. Buff varieties.
In modern commercial poultry production, health program for Variety – a subdivision of a breed; a term used to distinguish
flock cannot avoid the use of antibiotics and other chemicals fowls having standard shape and other characteristics of the
which have been reported to cause various health-related breed to which they belong, but differing in color of plumage,
problems. shape of comb, etc. from other groups of the same breed.
Today, there are several countries advocating the production of Wattle – the pendant growth at the sides and base of the beak.
chemical-free meat and eggs coming from chickens raised Web of feather – the flat portion of a feather, made up of a series
under free-range production system. of barbs on either side of shaft.
A comparison on the preferences on cut-up parts, dressed Web of feet – the flat skin between the toes.
chicken and eggs between the developed countries and the Web of wings – the triangular skin attaching the three joints of
Philippines is shown below: the wing, visible when the wing is extended.

Poultry Industry Problems

TERMINOLOGIES IN POULTRY
Poultry – a collective term for all domestic birds rendering Lack of sufficient technical knowledge of those who go into
economic service to man. It can also refer to the dressed poultry production.
carcass of fowls Insufficient supply of feed grains and other vital ingredients for
poultry rations.
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Prevalence of poultry diseases. General consideration for housing: (1) Protection against rain,
Marketing and distribution of products. high humidity, high ambient temperatures (2) Location –
Lack of cold storage facilities for poultry products (eggs and east to west orientation, high elevation not subject to flooding
meat). (3) Distance between houses – 40 ft (12 m) to reduce the
Insufficient financing. possibilities of diseases and parasites transfer from house to
Lack of government price support. house (4) Floors – preferably concrete (5) Walls – except for
The poor buying capacity of the masses. environmentally controlled houses, wall should be opened
Supply of breeding stocks and most materials used are wire mesh or wire screen (6)
Roofs – should be strong, height of roof should be at least 12
Prospects in the Poultry Industry ft (7) In general, houses should be approximately 10 m (30
ft) wide, with a width of 4 ft (1.2 m) internal passage.
The country’s production of animal protein is still below self-
sufficiency levels and are met by importation of animal CLASSES, BREEDS AND VERITIES OF CHICKEN
products. The poultry industry will probably play a major
role in narrowing the protein gap. The chicken is the most exploited species of poultry which is
Chickens are among the cheapest sources of high-quality protein utilized for the production in the whole world. Scientific
owing to the fact that they are very fast multipliers. They are researches have been done on this species in the past
quick growers and considered to be very efficient converters centuries and it still the focus of the present and future
of feedstuffs into meat and eggs. experimentations. In the Philippines, chicken rank first, while
ducks rank second, in economic importance as a source of
Economic Poultry Species meat and eggs.
At present, there are eleven kinds of birds considered as
economic poultry species. The Japanese quail is the latest Origin of the chicken
addition to the poultry species. The more common poultry
species are: the exact ancestry of the presented-day chicken is not known.
Poultry production Common origin of the chicken breeds and varieties:
Poultry because they are fast multipliers. Red jungle fowl= gallus gallus – is without doubt, the major
Quick growers, more efficient feed converters contribution to domestic fowl
Chicken- most popular poultry species. Gallus sonnerati (gray jungle fowl)
Duck- 2nd most popular (for balut, salted and century eggs) Gallus lafayetti (ceylonese jungle fowl)
Quail- 3rd most popular (for its eggs) Gallus varius (javan jungle fowl)
Order:
Galliformes= don’t have true phallus (copulatory organs), V- Jungle fowl Classification
shaped breast Order Galliformes
Anseriformes= have true phallus, V-shaped breast Sub order Galli
Struthioformes= have flat breast Family Phasianidae
Columbiformes= secretes ‘milk’ Sub family Phasianinae
Poultry species: Tribe Phasianini
Common Scientific name Egg Incubation Genus Gallus
name Weight period
(g) (days)
Chicken Gallus gallus 58 21
Duck Kingdom Animalia (animals)
Mallard Anas plathyrhynchos 80-83 28 Sub kingdom Metazoa
Pekin Anas plathyrhynchos 60 28 (multicellular)
Muscovy Cairina moscata 70 35-37 Phylum Chordata
Turkey Meleagris gallopavo 85 28 Sub phylum Vertebrata
Quail Coturnix coturnix 12 16-18 Class Aves (birds)
Pigeon Columbia livia 17 18 Order Anseriformes Galliformes
Geese Cygnopnis cygnoides 200 30-31 (duck, geese, swan) (game birds)
Swan Olor columbianos 285 35 Family Anatidae (water)
Ostrich Struthio australis 1400 42 Genus Anas, cairina, anser Gallus, meleagris,
Peafowl Pavo cristatus 95 28 numida, coturnix
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 32 23-24 Species Second Word in Second Word in
Guinea Numida meleagris 40 28 Scientific Name Scientific Name
fowl Platyrynchos (Gallopavo,
=pekin meleagris,
New Trends in Poultry Production Muscata = coturnix)
muscovy
There are three major areas of specialization in the poultry Anser = goose
business:
Breeding farm/ Hatcheries The center of domestication is unknown, but it is said to have
Egg farm started in Asia over 3000 years ago. An Asian poultry, the red
Broiler farm jungle fowl is generally assumed to be the ancestor of our
Considerations in Locating a Poultry Farm Site modern poultry breeds. Recently, there has been some
evidence indicating that the first domestication of the fowl
Land availability and cost 6. Availability of water supply took place much earlier and not in Southeast Asia but in
Topography of the area 7. Availability of feed supply China (Zeuner, 1963).
Neighbors and human population 8. Transportation facilities
Acceptability of the poultry business 9. Market relationship Today, there are more than 300 breeds of fowls worldwide. A
Availability of electricity description of the recognized breeds and varieties of poultry
is given in the American Standard of Perfection, published by
Housing of Poultry the American Poultry Association.

Poultry housing should provide; adequate shelter, a healthy and The majority of breed used today by commercial poultry keepers
comfortable environment and reduce labor requirements to a are hybrids that have been bred by the large-scale
minimum. international poultry breeding corporations. Fertile eggs,

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day-old-chicks or parental breeding stocks are usually General/ Dual purpose class
imported to 3rd world countries. breeds of this class are medium sized, good layers and the young
are fast growers.
Scheme of producing hybrids/strains is shown below: they are not nervous as the egg class but much more active than
Nucleus lines A, B, C, D the meat class.
Grandparents AxB CxD =example: New Hampshire, Rhode Island red, Plymouth rock,
Parents AB x CD Lancaster, Nagoya Cantonese
Progeny ABCD 4-way cross Fancy class
has beautiful plumage or form of having a rare unusual
Theories Regarding the Origin of The Chicken appearance
most of them are raise chiefly has ornamentals or pets by
Monophyletic theories= from the wild jungle fowl (g.gallus) hobbyists, regardless of their value as a source of food
Polyphyletic theories= originated from more than one species, to =example: frizzle, Nagoya, Cantonese
include: G gallus, G bankiva/varius, G lafayeti, G sonnerati Fighting class
Since this sport is now legalized in the Philippines, it should
Development of modern breeds and varieties revolutionize our original vision that fighting cock breeds has
Hen of the wild jungle fowl is 0.9 kg in weight and lays only a few no place for pour study. There are groups of these kind of
eggs chickens now developed by national and international on the
Modern hen weight 1.5-2.0 kg at 6 weeks of age and lays as much breeding or raising of these game fowl, the IAS could not
320 eggs profess any knowledge of what kind and what process of
raising will assure a cock to win in the fight
What brought the change the popular once are the ruble, hulsey, claret and oasis.
Genetic mutation
Some changes in the genetic make-up of certain individuals due 2. Standard Classification – on the basis of the place of origin
to factors that are within as well as factor that surround the Under the classification, breeds and varieties are grouped
subject. according to their geographical origin.
The change has been transmitted to generation to generation American class
with the possibility of being modified from time to time as Breeds and varieties that were developed in American continent.
more factors and more individuals interact with each other. the most popular are Plymouth rocks (white, barred, speckled,
Selection brown). Wyandotte, Rhode Island red, New Hampshire and
Natural selection (Survival of The Fittest) land caster.
Climatic differences Asiatic class
Differences in mutation these breeds were developed in Asia
Artificial selection =example: brahmas, cochin, langshang, cantonese, Nagoya
The interference of man in achieving certain goals and Mediterranean class
personal ideas- for example. All breeds that were developed in the Mediterranean regions
For meat related to its utility grouping since of the Mediterranean
For eggs origin are of the egg type breeds. They produced large white
For fighting cocks shelled eggs.
For fancy feather small birds noted for their high egg production capacity with
shanks free from feathers, white ear lobes and lay white
Classification of breeds and Varieties of chicken shelled eggs.
Breed= a group of chicken (fowls) possessing certain =examples: leghorn, minorcas, anconas
conformation or shape of the body that distinguishes them English class
from other chicken. specially the breeds that were developed in the England and in its
Variety= a group of chicken within the breed which possesses the colonial territories liked dorkings, australorps, Cornish,
same plumage color and type comb Cornish
Example: Other classes by origin of development are polish, hamburg,
Breeds Variety French and oriental classes
Leghorn White single comb
Brown, rose comb There are 189 varieties and about 40 breeds of chickens
Plymouth rock White barred recognized by the American poultry association as of 1953
Strain= a group of chicken within a variety of a breed which has based on registry.
under constant specific of certain traits by a specific breeder
for periods of about of certain traits by a specified breeder for SPECIALIZED FIELDS IN POULTRY PRODUCTION
periods of about 5-8 years Three categories of poultry production:
Strain crosses Breeding farm
Line crosses or family lines A poultry breeding farm in the real essence of the fields is a
system of researching or discovering the best combination of
Breeds of chicken can be classified by its utility. This is based genes of parent stock that will be the source of commercial
on the purpose for which the breed or variety is most sufficient. chicks for the poultry producer.
1. Economic/Utility Classification – according to the purpose for The existing ‘strain’ or probably across of various lines now
which the type is bred. available to a commercial poultry raiser is a product of very
Egg class long studies by the geneticist.
The breed belonging to this class is characterized by their There is no true commercial poultry farm existing in the
comparatively small size. Philippines of 2003.
they lay large white shelled eggs, very active and nervous in Poultry breeding farm in the country are franchised breeder
temperature. farms from other international breeders.
they are non-sitters Egg farm
The earlier selection of geneticist for this class showed record of Egg production is the older scheme of poultry production
early maturity that may not necessarily be true with the engaged in by many research.
modern breeds under this class Two types of operation.
= examples: leghorn, Minorca’s, Ancona’s, mikawa =1st phase can be strictly for raising pullets
Meat class =2nd phase is the keeping of layers when they are on the stage of
Large breed, slow in movement, quiet and gentle in disposition. egg production. In the present set up being practiced by egg
Generally poorer egg layers and generally lay browned shelled producers. They do both the raising of pullets and the
eggs. production of eggs
=example: brahmas, cochin, Langshan’s, Cornish, white rocks

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=all female type chicks are obtained from the reputable hatchery white or yellow. The density of the yellow color is correlated
for this kind of stock.no males are necessary in the flock. with the amount of xanthophyll in the ration.
Broiler farm Skeleton: The skeleton is the framework which supports the
=most recent specialized field in the Philippines body and to which the muscles are attached. The rib cage
=growing of meat-type chicken essentially for meat production. protects some of the vital organs (i.e., lungs). The skeleton of
=stocks used for this purpose are so called broiler-type chicks the neck is long and freely movable, but the remaining
which are known for their fast growth, meaty conformation portion of the vertebral column is rigid, containing many
and good feed conservation. fused bones.
=broiler chicks are grown for a period of only about 6-7 weeks Bones found in the skull, humerus, keel, clavicle and some
=both male and female chicks are utilized for growing broiler vertebrae are hollow (pneumatized) and connected to the
however, the males grow faster than females. respiratory system, with air continually moving in and out of
the specialized bones. Most bones are light in weight, yet very
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY strong. A soft, spongy bone known as medullary bone is
present in varying amounts in the femur, tibia and certain
Structure of the Chicken other bones of the skeleton of females in egg production,
The chicken is a warm-bloodied vertebrate with a high metabolic which is used as a part of the source of calcium for eggshell
rate and a body temperature in the adult bird somewhere production.
between 105o and 107oF (40.6o and 41.7oC). The chicken is Muscles: Muscles that move the wings are unique to those birds
covered with feathers, skin and scales, the latter being a that fly, and are attached to the keel of the sternum
derivative of reptiles from which birds evolved. (breastbone), which also supports the vital organs of the
FEATHERS abdominal cavity. Chickens are endowed with white muscle
A bird’s body is covered with feathers, without which it could not and red muscle, giving rise to light and dark meat. Usually, the
fly. The feather develops from the skin and has protective and activity of the muscle determines its color. Those of the leg
locomotive functions. are darker than those of the breast because a bird walks more
Feathers are composed chiefly of a protein called keratin. than it flies.
Feathers make up between 4 and 8 % of the live weight of the Respiratory System: The respiratory system of the chicken
bird, the variability being related to age and sex; older birds consists of: nasal cavities, larynx, trachea (windpipe), syrinx
and males have a lower percentage. (voice box), bronchi, lungs, air sacs and certain air-containing
Parts of a feather: A feather is composed of a root called the bones.
calamus; a long quill or shaft, known as the rachis to give Birds have four pairs of air sacs, plus a single sac (the
rigidity; barbs extending from the quill; barbules extending interclavicular sac). The paired ones may be divided equally
from the barbs; and barbicels extending from the barbules. into thoracic and abdominal air sacs. Air moves in and out of
Shape of the feather: Feathers vary greatly in size and certain the lungs and the air sacs freely, but the lungs are responsible
shapes are associated with sex. Gonadal hormones play an for most of the respiration. They also function as a cooling
important role in this sex variation. They increased the length mechanism by exhaling water in the form of water vapor.
and narrow the width of certain feathers of the male bird, Urinary System: The urinary system is basic to the two kidneys
including the hackle, saddle, sickle and lesser sickle feathers. that are located just behind the lungs. A single ureter
Feather tracts: Feathers do not cover the body uniformly, but connects each kidney with the cloaca. The urine of chicken is
grow in rows to produce tracts or areas over the body. There mainly uric acid which is mixed with feces in the cloaca and
are 10 major feather tracts, as follows: shoulder, thigh, rump, evacuated in the droppings as a white, pasty material. (Apart
breast, neck, abdomen, leg, back, wing and head. from the ostrich, birds have no bladder.)
Color of feathers: Feather colors and feather patterns are genetic Blood System: Blood is composed of fluid plasma, salts and other
characteristics, and their inheritance has been worked out by chemicals, plus erythrocytes (red cells) and leucocytes (white
scientists. cells). The spleen serves as a reservoir of erythrocyted and
expels its contents into the circulatory system.
MOLTING Blood constitutes about 9% of the weight of the matured bird.
This is a physiological phenomenon which consists in the The heart of the chicken has four chambers as in mammals:
shedding of feathers, followed by their renewal. It is two atria and two ventricles. It beats at a comparatively rapid
accompanied by slowing down of laying, or even a complete rate of about 300 pulsations per minute. The smaller the bird,
halt. This takes place at several stages of life: the more rapid the contractions.
first molt – change from down to juvenile plumage (6-8 days to 4 Nervous System: The nervous system regulates all organs and
weeks); consists of many parts. The brain represents highly
second molt – change from the first juvenile plumage to the concentrated nerve cells, the basis for all nerve stimuli.
second juvenile plumage (between 7 and 12 weeks); Hearing and sight are well-developed, with the chicken being
third molt – renewal of the plumage of the hen between 16 to 18 able to distinguish colors; but the ability to smell is of low
months of age, commonly called ‘the molt’. Shedding is first magnitude.
observed in the feathers of the head and neck, then followed Physiology of Behavior – The behavior of poultry living in
those of the breast, back, fluff, abdomen, and finally, those of groups is controlled by two instincts: the instinct for
wings and tail. Poor egg producers molt early and slowly. domination and that for ownership of the habitat. Thus, a
Head: The head of the chicken is represented by the following ‘pecking order’ exists for access to feeding troughs, water
parts: comb, eyes, eyelids, eye-rings (inner margin of the points and nesting boxes.
eyelids), eyelashes (bristle feathers composed of a straight Hormone-producing Glands: The glands producing hormones
shaft), ears, earlobes, wattles and beak. include the following: thyroid, parathyroids, testes, ovary,
Comb: There are several types of combs, but only the first three pituitary, hypothalamus, hypophysis, pineal, adrenals,
of the following list are common: single, rose, pea, cushion or ultimobranchial body, islets of Langerhans and pancreas.
walnut, strawberry, V-shaped and buttercup. Besides the glands, hormones are produced by the gastric and
Feet and shanks: Important parts of the shank and foot are: intestinal mucosa.
hock, shank and toes. (Most chicken have four toes on each
foot, but there are a few breeds with five). The shanks and POULTRY REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
most of the feet are covered with scales of various colors. The male reproductive system consists of two testicles located in
Yellow color is due to dietary carotenoid pigments in the the dorsal area of the body cavity, just in front of the kidneys.
epidermis when melanic pigment is absent. The many ducts of the testes lead to the vas deferens which carry
Skin: Most of the chicken is covered with a thin skin. With the the semen from the testicles to the papillae in the dorsal area
exception of the uropygial gland (preen gland) located on the of the cloaca, and thence to the copulatory organ located in
upper side of the tail, the skin is void of glands. The absence of one of the folds of the cloaca. The pH of semen is between 7.0
sweat glands makes it impossible for the bird to sweat to lose and 7.4, and the volume ejaculated during one mating may be
moisture. The skin takes a different texture in the area of the as high as 1.0 cc and decreases to as little as 0.1 cc after many
comb, wattles, earlobes, beak, scales, spurs and claws. Except mating.
for certain specialized areas, the color of the skin is either
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The female reproductive system consists of only one ovary and The albumen is a fluid, pale amber in color, commonly called
an oviduct. The ovary is located high in the abdominal cavity “white of egg” since it coagulates on heating, taking a firm
ventral to the kidney, and in mature hen consists of a cluster consistency and a white color. The albumen is enclosed in
of thousands of follicles. two membranes, pressed together over their whole surface,
The oviduct is a large convoluted tube about 70 cm in length on except at the broad end of the egg where they separate to
the left side of the abdominal cavity, joining into the left side leave space for an air chamber, which is smaller when the egg
of the cloaca at the bottom and terminating at the anterior in is fresher.
a funnel-like structure called the infundibulum immediately The shell is basically formed of calcium carbonate. It is slightly
ventral to the ovary. The oviduct can be divided into: porous to allow the embryo to breathe. It is penetrated by
about 7,000 minute openings or pores. By these pores, gases
Section of Contribution Length Time such as air, water, saline solutions and also microbes may
oviduct (cm) (hrs.) penetrate or emerge from the shell. The shell is covered over
Infundibulum Catches ovum, sperm 11 ¼ its entire surface with a fine membrane of mucus, called the
storage & fertilization cuticle, which protects the egg by partly opposing various
Magnum Secretes albumen; 34 3 exchanges across it.
(longest part of the The albumen constitutes approximately 60% of the weight of the
tract) egg, the yolk 30% and the shell 10%. The egg is laid by
Isthmus Forms the shell 11 1¼ peristalsis blunt end first, although it develops with the
membranes; pointed end posteriorly.
(composed of keratin)
Shell gland or Plumps the egg by water 10 18-22 The hens lay eggs (1per day) over period of several days
uterus transfer and secretes After 21 days, the eggs hatch
the shell; chalazae A hen who is laying on her eggs is referred to as ‘broody’
develop here; sperm Artificial incubation:
storage The hen lays eggs and they are placed in an incubator
Vagina Secretes mucus (cuticle); 7 1/60 Incubator keeps eggs at proper temperature and humidity
expels egg Temperature: 97-102 degrees
Reproduction in hens is accomplished by the eggs. With or Humidity: 60%
without a cock, the hen can always lay eggs. The hen has no Eggs are turned 3-5 times daily to prevent embryo from
cycle comparable to estrus cycle in mammals. Eggs are laid in sticking to the inside of the shell
clutches. A prolific hen may lay 5 or more eggs per clutch; Selection of hatching eggs
some lay 50-100 and productivity depends on the clutch Grading exterior quality:
length. Clutch length is constant and once known, the times of Cleanliness= shell should be free of debris or organic matter
ovulation and laying can be predicted quite accurately. Shape= small and large end. Not round or oblong
Hens typically commence laying at about 20-22 weeks of age, Soundness=no cracks
depending on strain and certain management factors Size-not very small nor extremely large
including lighting program and level of feeding, and can Grading interior quality;
produce more than 300 eggs per year. Under normal Air cell
conditions, more than 90% of eggs are laid during the day. Viscosity of albumen (white)
Under ordinary daylight conditions, ovulation occurs in the Check for abnormalities (blood/meat spots, cracks or leaks in
morning, rarely after 5 pm. Egg formation takes about 25-26 shell)
hours and ovulation usually occurs ½ to 1 hour after Candling
oviposition (laying) of last egg. Thus, ovulation is later each It is done to test for fertility and viability
day until it is due at 2-5 pm. However, in this case, there is no Done by placing the eggs against a bright light such that the
ovulation for one or more days. A new clutch begins with outline of the contents of the eggs is seen from the outside
ovulation early in the morning. Used a Candler or tester
LH is released only within an 8-10 hours “open period” which Done in 3 periods
begins in the hen with the onset of darkness, and in quail with 4th or 5th day= to remove infertile eggs
the onset of light. Continuous light produces more eggs 13th or 14th day and on the 18th day=remove dead embryos
initially, but leads to an earlier decline and higher mortality. Candle eggs to determine their interior and exterior quality
Reversal of light-dark period causes reversal in laying grade
pattern.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM:
TESTICLES: produce sperm The digestive system of the fowl is made up of organs concerned
VAS DEFERENCE: carries seminal fluid and sperm from testicles with: feed ingestion, storage, digestion and excretion of waste
to cloaca products. It consists of the alimentary tract and its accessory
PAPILLA: the organ in the wall of the cloaca that places the sperm organs, the liver and pancreas.
inside the female’s reproductive tract The alimentary tract is subdivided into: mouth, gullet or
Ovary: produces the ovum esophagus, crop, glandular stomach or proventriculus (true
Infundibulum: receives yolk from ovary, where sperm is stored, stomach), gizzard (or muscular stomach), small intestine,
and fertilization takes place ceca, large intestine, cloaca and anus or vent.
Magnum: secretes the thick white of the egg (3hours) The liver comprises two lobes, brown in color, which secretes the
Isthmus: 2 shell membrane are placed around the yolk and thick bile. The bile functions in the digestion of fat. It incorporates a
white (1 ¼ hours) gall bladder where bile is stored. The pancreas is a long flesh-
Uterus: thin white and outer shell are added to the eggs (20 colored organ lying in the loop of the duodenum. It secretes
hours) the pancreatic juice, which contains the enzymes that act
Vagina: completed egg is stored for the time laid (total: 25-27) upon the proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
The chicken relies almost exclusively on enzymatic digestion of
Environmental requirements to hatch chicken eggs the food in the proventriculus, gizzard and small intestine to
Natural: facilitate absorption of nutrients. Water, mineral salts and
vitamins reach the intestine directly and pass into the blood
The Chicken Egg - The egg is made up six parts: embryo, vitellus which distributes them to the organs.
or yolk, albumen or ‘egg white’, the two membranes and shell. Other nutrients, classed as carbohydrates, fats and proteins, are
The germinal disc forms a small dark spot on the surface of the subject to the action of various digestive juices and
yolk. The vitellus is mainly formed of substances rich in fats. It transformed into simple sugars, fatty acids and glycerol, and
is a fluid, retained in a spherical membrane, called the into amino acids, respectively, which also pass into the blood.
vitelline membrane. This membrane extends towards the two
poles of the egg by two cordons called chalazae, whose role is Features of the tract include:
to keep the vitellus in the center of the egg.
5
 POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT LEA 2021

1. a toothless beak used for picking up feeds and tearing them 1wk= 90-95 f (32.2-35 c)
apart 2wks= 85-90 f (29.4-32.2 c)
2. a tongue which is shaped like a barb of an arrow which serves 3wks= 83f (26.7-29.4)
the purpose of forcing the feed towards the gullet 4wks= 80f (26.7c and below)
3. a gullet or esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to
the glandular stomach Type of brooder
4. a crop which is a swelling in the esophagus to form a pouch Battery-type brooder
used for food storage Composed of compartment called tiers constructed on top of
5. a proventriculus or glandular stomach, with well-defined another, each compartment equipped with separate heater
mucosal layer secreting HCl acid and pepsin and provisions for feeding and drinking
6. a gizzard which acts as a digestion chamber and grinds the Cage brooder
food with the aid of the gizzard teeth Can be elevated slatted-floor or litter-floor type with capacity
7. a small intestine which is a long-coiled tube which when varying from few to several hundreds
stretched measures more than 5 feet in adult fowl and formed
by the duodenum, jejunum and ileum; digestion and Growing period
absorption of food takes primarily in the small intestine with 75f of cooler temperature. The chick’s physiological reaction
the aid of enzymes to existing environmental temperature will indicate whether
8. a paired cecum, some 10 to 15 cm in length, usually filled with the temperature is right, too low or too high
fecal matter, join the alimentary tract at the junction of the Floor space requirements
small and large intestine; digestion of crude fiber by means of Egg type chicken
bacterial fermentation takes place here; (the ceca may be 1 day -3 wks. 0.3 sq. ft/bird
removed without impairing the health of the bird) 3-8 wks 0.5 sq. ft/bird
9. a large intestine is the terminal portion of the tract which 8-12 wks 1.0 sq. ft/bird
serves as receptacle for fecal matter prior to excretion in the Meat type broiler
cloaca, consist of a rectum some 7 to 10 cm in length; the 1-2 wks 0.3 ft sqrd/birds
cloaca is a chamber common to the digestive, urinary and 2 wks-marketable age 1.0 ft sqrd/bird
reproductive passages, opening externally into the vent
10. the anus or vent is the external opening of the cloaca After 12 wks, the floor requirement of growing pullets varies
according the systems of housing used.
The digestion of feed as it passes through the digestive tract is Litter floor 2.0-2.5 sq. ft/bird
summarized in the following table: Salt floor 1.5-2.0 sq. ft/bird
Region Secretio Enzyme Substance Intermedia Cages 0.75-1.0 sq. ft/bird
n te/
Final Source of heat for broilers
product Electricity
s LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
Mouth Saliva Ptyalin Starch Maltose* Infrared lamp
or Kerosene lamp
Amylase Charcoal
Proventricu Gastric Pep Protein Intermedia House features
lus juice sin te Construction materials
& HCl N products Bamboo slats, nipa shingles, coco lumber
Small Pancrea Amylops Starch Maltose* GI sheets, aluminum sheets, woods, welded wire, plastic nets.
intestin tic in Fat Fatty acids Shape
e juice Lipase Protein & & Long and narrow with east-west orientation
Trypsin Intermedi glycerol Width
ate ** 10-12 meters
N Amino Roof style
produc acids** Shed type, gable type, combination (shed-gable), monitor,
ts semi-monitor
Small Intestin Invertas Sugars** Simple Light requirements
intestin al es Intermedi sugars* =Light management is very important in the development of new
e juice Trypsin ate * layers.
N Amino =Correct light to dark ratio in the rearing house will influence the
produc acids** production of larger eggs.
ts =During the few days of brooding, lighting the chicks throughout
the night (24 hours light) is favorable for growth because
there is eating time if food is available.
BROODING MENAGEMENT =The light in the brooder will encourage the birds to keep close
to source of heat, feed and water
Starts as soon as the chicks are placed in the brooder area where
One cardinal rule; never increase light during growing period and
heat is supplied until the chicks gave grown to the point
never decrease light during laying period.
where they no longer need additional heat to keep them
comfortable.
This period lasts for approximately 4 weeks Increasing day length (light) during the growing period of birds
Brooding is the process of supplying artificial heat to the chicks will hasten the sexual maturity. Which will result to
from the time they are taken out from the incubators up to production of pullet eggs (small eggs), layers are prone to
the time their bodies can control their heat requirements and prolapse and shorter egg production.
are covered with feathers. This period is approximately 4 Under local condition where there is only slight variation in day
weeks. length, it is recommended day must not exceed 11-12 hours
A brooder is the place where young chicks from as early as after during the growing stage (4-18 weeks) of the developing
hatching (day-old-chicks) are kept until they have grown to a pullets.
point where they will not need any more additional heat to
keep them comfortable.
The following set of temperatures have been found to be ideal for Feeds, feeding and watering
brooding under Philippine conditions: The availability of drinking water of the chicks must be
emphasized.
Temperature requirements The addition of 5-10% of sugar in the drinking water can be done
Day old for the first 6-8 hours during the arrival of the day-old chicks
(DOC).
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 POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT LEA 2021

Supplementation of water-soluble vitamin-mineral antibiotic Note: feeding through should not be filled more than 1/3 to
preparation can give the chicks a good start too. prevent feed wastage. The feeder should be repolished 3-4
times a day to stimulated feed consumption.
Adequate feeder and watering space should be provided to the
birds. The following allowance are considered minimum for Signs of sexual maturity
bird. Change in appearance of the secondary sexual characteristics
: Comb & wattles begin to increase in size & the color becomes
Feeder(linear) waterer red
Day-old 2 wks 2.5 cm 0.5 cm (1 : pullets become friendly & cackle
gal/100 : pullets instinctively look for nest
chicks) : pullets become docile (easily manage) & gregarious 9 sociable)
2-6 4.5 cm 1.0 : the vent & abdomen become enlarge.
6-10 7.5 cm 2.0 Note the surest sign sexual maturity is the laying of the 1st egg.

Vaccination, Medication and Debeaking LAYER FLOCKED MANAGEMENT

Age Medication Route
Day-old chicks MAREKS Mass System of rearing of layer flocked
VACCINE method/spray Range system= this is good system but because of more land are
5-12 DAYS NCD or avian Intranasal/ required, this system is commonly practice by native chicken
pest vaccine intraocular grower & by duck raiser.
21 DAYS NCD Mass method via Semi-confinement system= this system of raising poultry where
drinking the birds are provided w/ shed or housing & an area to graze
water of pasture.
6-8 WKS Fowl fox Wing web Complete- confinement= the modern trend in raising chicken. Ex.
Litter floor, slat floor, combination and cages.
Cannibalism among growing chickens
Cannibalism= bad habit developed by some growing birds. It Space Requirements
usually starts from feather or toe picking which may results Age of chicks Floor area
to serious wounding and death of birds. 1 day – 3 weeks 0.3 sq ft/bird (brooder)
The possible causes of cannibalism are: 3 weeks – 8 weeks 0.5 sq ft/bird
: Imbalance ration= a high energy diet with low protein leads to 8 weeks – 12 weeks 1.0 sq ft/bird
this problem. 12 weeks and above 2.0-2.5 sq ft/bird (litter floor)
: Overcrowding and insufficient of feeding and drinking space. 12 weeks and above 1.5-2.0 sq ft/bird (slat floor)
: Extended period without feed and water 12 weeks and above 0.75-1.0 sq ft/bird (cages)
: Poor ventilation
: Excessive heat and too much light Housing
: small poultry housing= shed or gable type
Factors affecting length of brooding period : large poultry house monitor or semi-monitor
Weather/climate conditions= longer during cold & rainy month, : open sided
shorter during dry & warm months : housing units for layers
Rate of feathering= shorter for fast feathering Brooder house= 4-6 weeks old; slatted or litter floor.
breeds/varieties/strains, longer for slow feathering: can be Growing house= 4 or 6 weeks old to 14-46 weeks. Old; slatted or;
due to genetic makeup or nutrition of the birds litter-floor
Layer house= 14-16 weeks onwards;
GROWING MANAGEMENT Cages
After the brooding stage, the chicks are transferred to the grower Singler multiply (2-10 pullets) or colony (20-30 pullets)
house or provided with much wider floor space of any kind of Local condition= 3-4 birds/cage give good performance
the following house constructions:
System of rearing Daily routine of work in the layer house
Range system= this is good system but because of more land are Feeding
required, this system is commonly practice by native chicken Layers must be fed a dietary composition referred to as layer
grower & by duck raiser. ration or breeder ration.
Semi-confinement system= this system of raising poultry Layer’s ration will generally contain a 15-18% protein level.
where the birds are provided w/ shed or housing & an area to : day-old to 6 weeks old= chicks starter mash (20% cp)
graze of pasture. E.i in native chicken, organic chicken : 6-12 wks. old= grower feeds; (16% cp)
production : 12-18 wks. old= developer (14% cp)
Complete- confinement= the modern trend in raising : 18-42 wks. Old= layer 1 fed; (18% cp)
commercial strains : 42-culling= layer 2 feeds; (17% cp)
Litter floor
Slat floor Feeding Management of Layers (Egg type)
Combination  Starter mash is given to the chicks from day-old to 8-10
Cages weeks old.
 Growing mash is given to birds aged 8-10 weeks old until
Rearing of pullets they are 5 months old or when egg production reaches 10%.
Feeding requirements of growing pullets  The birds should not be allowed to get fat during the
6-14 wks Grower rations 16% protein growing period because this causes poor egg production and
14-20 wks Pullets’ developer 14% protein high mortality rate among layers. A good way of preventing
ration fatness among pullets is to restrict their feed to 85% of
normal consumption when they are 12-16 weeks, then full-
Birds tend to lay eggs early when feed of high protein content. fed them at 16-20 weeks.
This is not desirable since early sexual maturity results in
smaller pullets & consequently production of smaller eggs. Suggested Feeding Guide for Layer (egg type):
Age (days) Kinds of Feeds Amount
Feed’s wastage (conventional feeding through & a mash ration) (kg)/100
Completely full 30% of feed is wasted birds/day
2/3 full 10% of feed is wasted 1-7 Chick Booster Mash 0.9-1.0
½ full 3% 8-98 Chick Starter Mash 2.2
1/3 full 1% 99-112 Grower mash/ pellets/ 5.9
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 POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT LEA 2021

crumbles  Livability (%) = No. started – No. dead x 100

113-140 Pullet developer 9.0 No. started
pellets/crumbles
141-culling Layer 10.0 Egg production:
 Hen-housed basis or HH (%) =_Total number of eggs produced_ x
mash/pellets/crumbles
100
Note: mature laying hens will consume about as low as 90 grams No. of birds at start of laying x No. of days
to as high as 140 grams a day. One year consumption varies
from 40-42 kilos per layer.  Hen-day basis or HD (%) =Total number of eggs produced x 100
(# birds start + # birds end)/2 x No. of days
Hatchery Management
 Incubation - Eggs may be naturally or artificially  Feed conversion ratio (FCR) = Total kgs of feed consumed
incubated. For artificial incubation, large-scale commercial Dozens of eggs produced
hatcheries are equipped with various types of automatic or
semi-automatic artificial incubators. Health Management
 During incubation, the essential requirements are: (1) there  The most economical and ideal method to control diseases is
should be sufficient oxygen in circulation to supply the needs through prevention, which could be achieved through
of the growing embryo; carbon dioxide resulting from proper management, good sanitation and having an effective
embryonic metabolism should not exceed 1.5%. (2) relative vaccination program.
humidity should be such as to allow not more than 10% of the  Young chicks must be subjected to available vaccines against
water content of the egg to be lost (3) temperature should be some poultry diseases. The most common practice is a
such that life within the egg is maintained at an optimum program against: (a) Newcatle Disease or Avian Pest (b)
level 37 to 38oC (or 99.7 to 102oF) from day 1 to 18, and 36 to Fowl Pox and (c) Marek’s Disease (usually done at the
37oC (or 99oF) during hatching (4) eggs should be turned at hatchery).
an angle of 45o at least 6 to 8 times daily (or every 3 to 4  Disease outbreak can be prevented by instituting the
hours) up to the 18th day. following vaccination program:
 Candling – During the 4th, 7th and 14th day of incubation, it is
customary to check and remove all infertile eggs and those Age Type of Route of Remarks
with dead embryo. This is done by candling, which is of Vaccine Administration
accomplished by passing a beam of light through the eggs (a) Bird to use
infertile eggs show up as “clears” (b) dead embryos are seen s
as dark spot of varying size and degree of density (c) live 7-10 NCD (B1 Intraocular (eye Chicks from
embryos cast a cobweb-like structures from which radiates days strain) + IB drop) Intranasal unvaccinated
blood vessels. (live vaccine) (nose drop) parents may be
 Sexing Chicks – Layer strain chicks are sexed at hatching by vaccinated as
one of three methods: (1) instrument sexing – where a small early as 1-3
light-emitting scope is inserted into the rectum of the chick days of age.
and the trained operator can distinguish between the 7-15 IBD, mild or Via drinking If chicks are
rudimentary testes in the male and the ovary in the female; days intermediate water vaccinated
(2) cloacal or vent sexing – where the cloaca is everted and strain before 7 days
the trained operator can distinguish the male from the (Live vaccine) old, re-
female by its shape as affected by the rudimentary copulatory vaccination at
organ in the male; and (3) feather sexing – using the sex- 21 days of age
linked genes ‘k’ for rapid vs ‘K’ for slow feathering rate. may be done
for optimum
MALE FEMALE protection.
PARENTAL ZkZk ZKW 21- Fowl Pox Wing web May not be
GENOTYPES 24 Vaccine given to areas
PHENOTYPE rapid feathered slow feathered days where the
S disease is not
GAMETES k k K common.
PROGENY ZkZK ZkW 21- NCD (La Sota Via drinking
GENOTYPES 28 strain) + IB water
PHENOTYPE slow feathered rapid feathered days (live vaccine
S males females
 When mated together, this produces slow feathering male  The pullets must also be revaccinated specifically against
and rapid feathering female progeny. The two sexes are Newcastle Disease or Avian pest and Fowl Pox between 4 to
readily determined by the hatchery staff by the relative 5 months of age or before they are transferred to the laying
development of the primary, secondary and covert feathers house.
on the wing of the day-old chick.
 Chick-sexing is highly accurate when done by people trained Some Common Diseases of Poultry
for the work. They are capable of sexing 500 to 1,000 chicks
per hour. Poultry Disease Causal Organism
Avian Pest (New Castle Disease) NDV – a paramyxovirus
Methods of Mating – (1) Pen mating – in single mating pen, a Chronic Respiratory Disease Mycoplasma gallisepticum
pen of 8-12 hens with one male (usual method of pedigree (CRD)
breeding in chickens); (2) Stud mating – males are penned and Coccidiosis Protozoa – Eimeria
females are brought to them (two mating per week or once every tenella, etc.
five days); (3) Flock mating – means that a number of males are Marek’sDisease Virus
allowed to run with the entire flock of hen. It is to use one male (Neurolymphomatosis)
for every 10-15 hens. (4) Artificial insemination – when hens are Avian Malaria Protozoa - Leucocytozoon
kept in cages, this system of breeding works. caulleryi
Powl Pox Avipox virus
Production Efficiency Indicators Infectious Coryza (colds or Bacteria-Hemophilus
 Feed conversion ratio (FCR) = Total amount of feeds consumed (kg) “sipon”) paragallinarum
Total liveweight of broiler produced (kg) Gumburo Disease (IBD) IBDV – a birnavirus
Pullorum Diseases (Bacillary Bacteria - Salmonela
 Dressing percentage (%) = Dressed weight (kg) x 100
White Diarrhea) pullorum
Liveweight (kg)
Paratyphoid (Salmonellosis) Bacteria – Salmonella spp.
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 POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT LEA 2021

Fowl Cholera (Pasteurellosis) Bacteria – Pasteurella spp.  Thoroughly clean and disinfect the growing houses prior to
Infectious Bronchitis IBV – a coronavirus the transfer of the growing stock. Transfer birds only during
Avian Infectious Specific virus transmitted good weather.
Encephalomyelitis by eggs  During hot summer days, the appetite of the birds
Aspergillosis (Brooder Fungus – Aspergillus diminishes, but this may be sufficiently restored by wet mash
pneumonia) fumigatus feeding or by taking appropriate measures to lower house
temperature like spraying, misting or sprinkling the roofing
with water.
 Adopt a regular system of feeding because chickens resent  Provide clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
abrupt changes in feeding habits which gets reflected in their Water consumption per 100
performance on egg production. adults
 Commercial broiler feeds contain additives considered to be Non-laying hens 5-6 gallons per day
growth promoting substances which make the production of Laying hens 5-9 gallons per day
broiler profitable and help broiler farmers control diseases.
Management of the Layer Flock
Watering  Pullets are transferred to the laying house at the age of 16-
: Drinking water must be available to the layers all the 18 weeks or at least 3 weeks before the onset of egg
: The egg is about 65-70% water production.
: One hundred layers can consume about 7 gallons of water  A few days before and after transfer, the bird’s ration should
during a normal day and will drink much more when the be fortified with antibiotics and vitamins to minimize or
temperature of environment becomes higher. counteract the effects of stress.
 Birds will start laying when they are 20-22 weeks old.
Egg collection Generally, pullets reach maximum egg production when they
: they are capable of laying egg a day but it is next to impossible are between 30-36 weeks old, after which egg production
to realize one-egg-one-day for long period of time. tends to decline and then levels off.
: they are expected to skip some days in egg production  After the first year of laying, the layers undergo a
: oviposition (the act of laying) take place normally as early as physiological process called molting. Early molters are poor
7:00 am to as late as 4:00 pm. layers while late molters are good ones.
Majority of hens lay their eggs b/w 10:00 am – 2:00 pm  During the 2nd year of production, the layers usually average
The concentration of egg laying takes place before noon as a about 10-20% fewer eggs as compared to the first year, but
common observation the eggs are bigger.
Egg must be collected in wire baskets to provide good air
 Provide layers with calcium supplements like limestone and
circulation.
ground oyster shell and insoluble grit.
Flock replacement program
 Cull those birds that show little or no promise of becoming
: program of replacement can vary from a set of one flock every 3
potential layers.
months.
: it can be as often as a monthly set up of replacement stocks
Culling Poor Layers
Feeds and feed supplement
 Culling is the removal of obviously or potentially
Feed is the biggest item in the operational cost.
unproductive birds from the flock. This practice cuts feed cost
Capitalization
and other expenses, saves space, and increases the average
Broiler raising needs intensive capital, returns are quick but
productivity of the flock.
investment are high.
 Consider the following points in culling poor layers.
Light Requirement
 During the first few days of brooding, lighting the chicks Reference Points Description of Poor Layers
throughout the night (24 hours light) is favorable for growth Comb, wattle, earlobe Small, pale, cold, shrunken
because there is more eating time. One cardinal rule to follow and dry
in the light management of poultry intended for egg Pubic bones (2 small bones Close together, only one
production is – “never increase light during growing period extending along the sides finger can be placed
and never decrease light during the laying period.” of the vent) between them, thick and
 Increasing daylength (light) during the growing period will hard
hasten their sexual maturity which will result to production Vent Small, dry, puckered and
of more pullet eggs (small eggs). Layers will be prone to round
prolapse and results to shorter egg production cycle. Abdomen Hard, with thick skin,
 To delay sexual maturity, it is recommended that daylength contracted
must be reduced to 8 to 9 hours during the growing stage (4- Span (distance between end About 1-2 fingers in width
18 weeks) of the developing pullets. of breastbone and ends of
 After egg-laying starts, a 13–14-hour light period every 24 pubic bones)
hour is optimum. Pigmentation (yellow beak Remains yellow even after
and shanks) months in laying pens
Cannibalism Among Growing Chickens
 One of the common problems encountered in raising pullets
is feather-picking which almost always results to more
serious problem – cannibalism, and death of birds. SYSTEM OF BROILER OPERATION
 To remedy, provide proper feed and housing condition, or Space Requirements
beak trimming as preventive measure. Age of chicks Floor area
1 day – 2 weeks 0.3 sq ft/bird (brooder)
Rearing of the Growing Stock
 Broilers are marketed when they reach 5 to 7 weeks of age, 2 weeks – 8 weeks 1.0 sq ft/bird
depending on strain. 2 weeks – market age 0.8 sq ft/bird (slat floor)
 For the egg type, chicks are transferred to the growing
houses or pens at 6-8 weeks old. They are kept in these 2 weeks – market age 0.5 sq ft/bird (cages)
quarters until they are 16-18 weeks old, at which time they
are transferred to the laying house.
Feeding Management of Broilers (Meat type)
 Birds are given anti-stress drugs, either in the feed or in the
drinking water, 2-5 days before and after they are transferred  Pre-starter or Chick Booster is given to the chicks from day-
to the growing houses. old to 2 weeks.

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 POULTRY PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT LEA 2021

 Broiler Starter Mash characterized by a high protein (22- Price of live weight chicken P40-50.00/kg
23%) are fed to the birds +from 2 weeks to 4 weeks and from Number of batches per year 5-6
then on are replaced by the broiler finisher ration (19-20% Feeding system adlibitum
protein) up to marketing age of 5-6 weeks. Cost of feeds
 It can also be given straight broiler ration with about 21% Chick booster P385.00/25 kg
protein from the start to the marketing age of 5-6 weeks. Broiler starter P 615.00/50 kg
Broiler finisher P600.00/50kf
Suggested Feeding Guide for Broiler (meat type): Labor: broiler ratio -1:5,000
Age (days) Kinds of Feeds Amount
(kg)/100 Feeder and watering space requirement
birds/day The following allowances are considered minimum per bird:
1-7 Chick Booster Mash 1.8 – 2.0 Age of chicks Feeder (linear) Waterer (linear)
8-21 Broiler Starter Mash Ad libitum 1 day – 2 weeks 2.5 cm 0.5 cm
22-28 Broiler grower mash/ Ad libitum 2 weeks – 6 4.5 cm 1.0 cm
pellets/ crumbles weeks
29-market Broiler finisher Ad libitum 6 weeks – 20 7.5 cm 2.0 cm
mash/pellets/crumbles weeks
20 weeks and 8.0 cm 2.5 cm
All-in-all-out above
: only broiler of one being raised and all of them are sold at the
same time.
The following are the strains of day-old chicks commercially
: most desirable to affect a simpler disease control measure,
especially if in one locality, community or area, there will be available:
no other age groups of birds
: 5 or 6 crops of broilers per year Egg Strains Source of Stock

1. Arbor Acres SanMiguel Corporation

Two stage operation 2. Babcock Sarmiento Agricultural Devt.
: two age groups of broilers are being kept in the farm. If the Corp.
principle that no different ages of chicks are not to be mixed 3. Kimber Lorenzo Poultry Farms
in one house will be followed, the two-stage operation 4. Starcross Universal Robina Farms
certainly calls for separate brooder house and grower house. 5. Hy-line Winmar Poultry Farms
: (double the all-in-all-out system) 6. H&N RFM Corporation
7. Dekelb General Milling Corporation
Multiple stage broiler operation
: this similar to the two-stage broiler operation except that there
should be more units to facilitate as many stages or Broiler Strains Source of Stock
accommodate various ages of broiler.
: the turnover of chicks can be either daily every 2 days, weekly 1. Arbor Acres San Miguel Corporation
bi-weekly, etc. 2. Cobb Color-Sex Sarmiento Agricultural Devt. Corp.
: for frequent output of broilers Broiler Chicks
3. Goto White Rock Dalisay Farms, Inc.
Contract Growing of Broiler Broiler Chicks
4. Hubbard Broiler Chicks Golden Country Farms
Integrator company (contractor)
5. Indian Runner Winmar Poultry Farms
Farmer (grower) Broiler Chicks
6. Lohmann Console Farms
Classification Of Broiler Raiser 7. Peterson RFM Corporation
Independent raiser 8. Pilch-Dekalb General Milling Corporation
Contract grower Broiler Chicks
Broiler Strains Marketed in The Philippines 9. Starbro 15 Universal Robina Farms
Anak 2000 Cobb Peterson
Anak 180 Pilch Ross
Arbor acre starbro Avian

The following floor space requirements may serve as guide for

broilers:
Age of chicks Floor
area
1 day – 2 weeks 0.3 sq ft/bird
(brooder)
2 weeks – 8 1.0 sq ft/bird
weeks
2 weeks – market 0.8 sq ft/bird (slat
age floor)
2 weeks – market 0.5 sq ft/bird
age (cages)

The following floor space requirements may serve as guide for

broilers:

Important parameter in broiler production

Cost of DOC P13-18/chicks
Total amount of feed 3.5-3.75 kg/bird
consumed
Feed conversion ratio 2.0-50.00 /kg
Mortality; 5%
Dressing percentage 70%
10