Breeder Management Guide

Table of Contents I.

Biosecurity

II.

Brooding

III.

Growing and Conditioning

IV.

Breeder Candidate Selection

Breeder Candidate Weight and Fitness Program

VI.

Lighting Programs for Breeders

VII. Egg Production

VIII. Broodiness

IX.

Breeding

Egg Handling and Sanitation

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I. Biosecurity Biosecurity is a planned methodical approach to securing the farm and barns as a safe, disease-free environment for birds to thrive in and express their true genetic potential. The term “biosecurity” is now used to encompass the wide range of measures relating to isolation, structural interventions, sanitation and day to day procedures, which collectively reduce the potential for introduction and transmission of disease agents. In order for any biosecurity program to be successful, it must be followed consistently by everyone involved with the operation, with no exceptions. The program should be continually reviewed through microbiological and serological monitoring in addition to annual facility audits to ensure that the biosecurity programs in place are being followed and are adequate for the challenge in the area.

The following structural features are recommended:  Sloped flooring with recessed shower stall to minimize water accumulating  In-floor heating to keep area dry and increase comfort for personnel  Ceramic tile floors and walls for easy cleaning and disinfection It is recommended that personnel also shower out of the farm to minimize tracking disease organisms. This is important as flocks may not show any clinical signs during the incubation phase of a disease but may be shedding high levels of disease organisms.

Biosecurity interventions need to be in place to minimize or eliminate disease agents when crossing from a dirty zone to a clean zone. The division between dirty and clean occurs in several areas within a farm. The area outside the fence or farm gate is considered dirty and inside is clean. One of the most effective interventions is a personnel showering system. All personnel who will enter the facility and contact flocks must use the shower. This includes both employees and non-employees such as: serviceman, repairman, and government inspectors. To maximize compliance, showers should be kept clean with ample hot water, shampoo, soap, towels and clothing.

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II. Brooding Getting poults off to a good start is the first critical step in optimizing the genetic potential of any flock. Achieving this requires careful attention to detail, being prepared and experience. Poult management means doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.

beetles can carry E. coli, Salmonella and a variety of viruses. They also destroy insulation making it more difficult to control the temperature in the barn. Monitor the populations of each to ensure that your control program is working.

Barn Clean Out

Disinfection

The time to start preparing for the next flock is immediately after the last flock has been moved out of the barn. The following steps are to be taken once the barn has been depopulated.

 Areas most commonly overlooked in the barn include: entry rooms, electrical panels and ventilation systems. It is also important that common areas on the farm such as work shops, storage rooms, office and break rooms are also cleaned and disinfected regularly.

 All manure and bedding materials are to be removed to a location away from the barn. This distance must be far enough away to ensure that the barn will not become recontaminated with disease causing organisms. Remove manure carefully and ensure that it doesn’t not fall off, contaminating the area around the barn. It is important to remove as much organic material as possible as no amount of disinfectant can penetrate large clumps of matter.  Thoroughly clean the barn including floors, ceiling and all equipment. This is to be done using a high-pressure sprayer. Extra care needs to be taken during the colder months. Using a detergent will reduce excessive icing during cold weather. Adding heat will prevent freezing problems.  At this point any repairs or maintenance should be carried out on the barn itself, as well as any equipment. Check all equipment for proper operation. The re-installation of such must be done prior to the disinfection process.  Feed lines must be run until they are completely empty. In order to clean the lines, corn soaked with proprionic acid can be run through. The feed tank boot (base) is to be removed and the inside of the bin checked to ensure that clumps of feed are not stuck on the sides.  When the bin is visually clean, it can be sprayed with disinfectant during warmer weather. The bin must be thoroughly dry however prior to receiving new feed.  Rodent and insect control are critical during the clean out procedure. It is well documented that darkling

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 Wear protective clothing and follow proper handling and safety procedures when using any type of chemical disinfection.  Check sprayers to ensure that the disinfectant is being diluted correctly and sprayed evenly. Patchy distribution of disinfectant will promote bacterial bloom and resistance.  Cleaning and disinfection of water lines is critical. Flush waterlines with plain water afterwards. Barn Preparation Once the barn has been disinfected remember to take all biosecurity precautions necessary to keep the environment clean while setting up for the new poults. Even though there are no poults yet, coveralls and boots should be changed when entering the barn, bonnets worn and hands sanitized. Ideally the whole farm should be depopulated at one time, but if this is not possible do not criss-cross between the disinfected barn and barns with birds in them. Any equipment or supplies brought into the barn should also be disinfected.  Order feed to be delivered 24 hours prior to poult arrival. Refer to your feeding guidelines. These charts will assist you in ordering the required amount of feed.

 Check and test the alarm system to ensure that it is working properly. Adjust the high/low temperature sensors to recommended guidelines. Recalibrate sensors as necessary.  All stoves are to be cleaned thoroughly using compressed air. This will ensure that all orifices are clear of dirt, dust and rust.  Check hoses for possible breakage or deterioration.

 Three (3) pan type feeders and 3 supplemental temporary trough feeders or egg flats The equipment should be arranged so as not to hinder the movement of poults.

3.6 m (12’)

 Connect the hoses to the propane line. Spray a soapy water solution over any suspected trouble areas. If bubbles appear it is an indication that there is a gas leak. DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME.

Trough feeder Tube feeder “Bell-type” drinker

Preparation for Poults Although poults can be successfully started without use of brooder rings this is not yet a common practice. Consequently, this section will discuss brooding poults using rings. Single Brooder Rings  Use clean, new 46 cm (18”) brooder guard cardboard or disinfected wire  Construct a 3.7 m (12 ft.) diameter single ring.  Brooding litter material must be clean, dry, and free of dust and molds with kiln dried soft wood shavings preferred.  Place shavings, measuring 7.6 cm (3") deep in the ring. Push litter against the brooder guard. Litter material that is packed and smoothed will facilitate easy movement of poults.  A 3.7 m (12 ft) single brooder ring, for 250 poults must create an environment in which each poult can find feed and water within their own comfort zone. Provide 2.54 cm (one linear inch) of drinker space and 3.2 cm (1.25 linear inches) of feeder space per poult. A typical ring would contain the following permanent and temporary equipment:  One (1) brooder stove  Three (3) bell -type waterers and 3 supplemental temporary waterers

Brooder Stove

Double Brooder Rings Use of two joined single rings into a double oval shaped ring is also common in the industry. It may prevent losses if a brooder stove goes out during the night as one heat source will still be operating. A double ring will brood approximately 500 poults with double the number of feeders and drinkers. Brooder Stove  Brooder stoves should be cleaned and lit prior to putting any bedding down. Propane stoves that show a yellow rather than a blue flame are indicators of carbon monoxide production, which is poisonous to both people and poults. Poult performance will be affected when carbon monoxide levels exceed 20 ppm. It is highly recommended that brooding caretakers wear a carbon monoxide detector.  The brooder stove must be lit 24 hours prior to poult arrival during cold weather and 6 hours during hot weather in order to warm the floor and the litter in the house. Remember that the poults perceive and will react to litter temperature, not the air temperature. When the floor and litter are cold this draws heat away from the poult, causing them to clump and be inactive.

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This can lead to increased starting mortality due to dehydration /starve-outs or on occasion, roundheart.  Each ring should provide a temperature gradient of approximately 100C or 200F from hottest in the centre to coolest at the edge. The objective is to provide an environment where each poult can find its comfort zone. Poults will show you where they are most comfortable if you give them a choice. We recommend brooding poults as cool as possible in order to stimulate activity and feed intake.  General temperature recommendations include: a pen or house temperature of 270C (80 F) and under the stove 370C (990 F). If you are using a radiant type heater, the pen temperature remains the same, however the temperature under the stove will be 1050F (410C). Use an infrared temperature gun to check the temperature of the shavings to ensure the temperature is within the recommended guidelines. Remember it is easier and more economical to warm the house a little after placement if the poults require it, than it is to try and cool it down. In addition, turning the stoves up just a little after placement will often draw the poults under it. Drinkers  Rinse drinkers prior to poult arrival to remove any disinfectant residue and to provide fresh, cool water. Locate the drinkers half way between the brooder stove and brooder guard. The drinker, suspended from the ceiling must be at such a height as to just barely touch the litter. It must be low enough for the poults to easily reach and at the same time will not allow poults to hide underneath the drinker.  The water level must be at the top of the lip without creating a spill.  Nipple drinkers can also be used to start poults  Two different types of waterers are recommended for starting poults. In addition to nipple or bell type drinkers, bitty drinkers and water fountain jugs placed on egg flats for extra stability can be used.  For the first 24 hours, poults should receive clear water

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with no additives such as vitamins, antibiotics or electrolytes.  It is very important to have enough water available to ensure that every poult can drink when it needs to drink. If poults are not able to drink, they won’t eat. Feed  Order feed to be delivered 24 hours prior to poult arrival. Fresh good quality crumble feed with a consistent size will stimulate poult feed consumption, which is essential for optimum growth.  Ensure that feeders are completely dry before feed is added.  Position the feeders half way between the brooder guard and brooder stove directly onto the shavings.  Fill supplemental feeders such as egg flats by creating a hill or small mound in the center of the flat. Do not fill to overflowing otherwise poults will be encouraged to eat off of the floor and consume litter material.  Consult your nutritionist to ensure that poults receive feed which meets Hybrids nutritional recommendations. Ventilation  The ventilation should be set about 12 to 24 hours prior to poult placement. This is necessary to maintain good air quality in the barn as combustion from the propane stoves burns oxygen producing carbon dioxide and moisture. High levels of carbon dioxide in barns have been shown to impair the poults ability to convert glycogen into glucose.  Glucose is required by the brain to function. Low blood glucose can make poults appear weak or tired and they may lie on their sides paddling. Poult performance may be affected when carbon dioxide levels exceed 2,500 ppm. In addition, inadequate ventilation may also contribute to roundheart.

Lighting Poults should receive 24 hours of light with an intensity of 60 to 70 lux (6-7 foot candles) at poult eye level on the first day. One hour of darkness should be introduced on the second day. This will accustom the poults to the lights going off early in their life. Unexpected power failures should then not cause undue panic. After one week, the light intensity can be gradually reduced to 60% of the initial light intensity. It should always be at a sufficient level to keep the poults active.

Poult Arrival Placement

 Poults that are on their backs (flipovers) and unable to right themselves must be turned upright and/or placed in a separate cooler ring (see Info Sheet on Flip-Overs).  Ensure adequate barn ventilation. High carbon dioxide levels will cause the poults to be lethargic and not seek out feed and water.  Increase the frequency of your barn checks if you encounter the following: o Huddling or piling of poults o Poult inactivity o Numerous flipovers o High early mortality o Equipment difficulties

 Poult placement should be done quickly with the poults welfare always in mind.

 Temperature too high Poults gasp, wings droop and they move away from heat source

 Immediately upon delivery, evenly distribute the poult boxes among the brooder rings.

 Temperature too low

 Remove the box lid and divider. Gently tilt and pull the box toward you, allowing the poults to leave the box without injury.

Poults sound distressed, huddle together, decreased activity

 Drafts / Distraction Poults avoid one part of the ring. They may also be attracted toward people or away from fearful sights or sounds  Correct temperature and air flow Poults are distributed evenly over floor and are comfortable. Poults actively seek feed and water.

 After placing the poults you should then leave the barn to allow them to adjust to the brooder ring without any distractions. Unnecessary movement and noise will cause migration, pilling and restlessness of the poults. Poult and Barn Monitoring  In the first 24 hours after placement you must check the brooder rings one hour after arrival and every 4 hours after that to monitor the following:  Poult activity and distribution within the ring. Poult distribution in the ring is a good indication of temperature under the stove, in the barn and what the poults need. Adjust individual brooder stoves or correct drafts in order to achieve the desired distribution of poults in the ring.  Adjust drinker height if necessary due to compacted shavings. Refill and clean drinkers frequently as this will attract poults to the water source.

If these problems arise, contact your veterinarian or immediate supervisor. Waterers  Empty the waterers daily into a pail and disinfect thoroughly using a scrub brush. To rinse: allow the drinker to refill and discard this rinse water.  Some disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds can be toxic to poults causing decreased water consumption or in severe cases oral chemical burns.  All water which poults receive should be effectively and

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continuously sanitized. If chlorine or peroxide is used, the minimum Oxidative Reductive Potential (ORP) of the water should be 700mV. (See Info sheets on Effective Chlorination or ORP).  Adjust the height of the drinkers to minimize spillage with the lip of the waterer level with the poult’s back. Feeders  Reposition the feeders as needed to minimize litter buildup.  Dispose of contaminated feed.  Maintain full feed by refilling daily. Fresh feed will attract poults to eat.  Adjust feeder height so that the lip of the feeders is at the level of the poults’ back. Litter  Remove litter buildup (caked litter) around the drinkers and feeders on a daily basis.  Add new litter material to keep ring clean and dry. This will prevent mold growth and foot pad problems which often begin during the first 2 weeks of life. Equipment and Environmental Changes  On day 3, gradually (25% per day) start removing the supplementary feeders and drinkers. Empty feeders or drinkers should not be left in the ring, as the poults will continue to seek feed and water from them and delay adjusting to the permanent equipment.  Whenever new equipment is introduced into the turkey’s environment, you must allow 2 to 3 days adjustment period. As an example, when the feed is changed to the automated system, keep the trough feeders for another 2 to 3 days for continuity.  At about 5 days, it is a good idea to double up rings before letting the poults completely out of the rings. This will help the poult adjust to the additional space.  By 7 days, take the brooder guard down to release the poults. Remove the cardboard from the barn and dispose of it in a proper method.

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III. Growing and Conditioning Conditioning takes place from 13 weeks of age to lighting for egg production. The hens will go through many environment changes and will have light control programs introduced that will enhance their sexual maturity.

 Dust must be controlled as it contributes to airsacculitis and prolapses when birds come into production.

Drinkers

 Darkout is when day length is restricted to fewer hours than the natural day length.

 On a weekly basis re-adjust the drinker height so that the lip is just above the back of the average bird in the flock.  Allow one (1) drinker per 100 birds.  Water level must be 2.0 cm (¾ inches ) deep to provide sufficient water for the birds.  If water meters are available record water consumption daily. Any drastic change in water consumption may be an indicator of bird distress or health challenge. It will be evident in the water consumption before it is visible to the barn worker.  To optimize litter quality, we recommend moving the drinkers every day to a new location in the pen.  Disinfect the drinkers once per week if the farm has continuous water sanitation. If the farm’s water is untreated, the drinkers must be disinfected at least 3 times per week. Feeders  Ensure each bird has 1.1. cm (0.44 linear inches) feeder space.  Feed depth (in the pan) is to be re-adjusted to 1.2 cm (½ inches) depth. This will minimize feed waste and spillage. Feed  Ensure you follow the proper feed recommendations for feed ration changes during the conditioning period and adjust according to the body weight curve.  During this period we recommend using Developer /Grower grit weekly at 5 kg (11 lbs )per 1000 turkeys.

Lighting

 Extreme caution must be taken to prevent extraneous light from entering the barn during the darkout phase. To test the light tightness of the barn, turn off all lights and look for cracks of lights in and around fans, doors, air inlets and structural defects in the barn walls.  It is extremely important that hens receive a minimum of 12 weeks of weeks of dark out to prepare their reproductive system to respond to light stimulation. Bird Handling and Activity  Walk through the entire flock encouraging the birds to be active.  Great care must be taken to ensure that birds are not damaged during vaccination, selection, blood testing and bird transfer.

 Barn Checks  Check the flock a minimum of twice per day (AM and PM).  Remove mortality promptly. Any increases in mortality should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause.  When walking the floor, check and eliminate all possible areas where the birds may pile (i.e. Corners, under equipment, behind shaving bags, around doorways, etc).  Ensure feeders, waterers and all equipment are working properly.  Check for damp litter and top with fresh bedding material as needed. If water spill occurs remove and replace with clean litter.

Temperature and Ventilation

 Monitor air quality

 During conditioning maintain a comfort zone with a minimum of 10-18o C (50-65o F).

 Use your sense of smell, sight and sound as you check your barn.

 Good quality air will contain less than 25 ppm ammonia at bird level with a relative humidity of less than 70%. BREEDER MAN AGEMENT GUIDE | PG 9

IV. Breeder Candidate Selection Females A properly managed flock will be uniform, with more than 90% of the birds having a body weight ranging within 10% above or below the flock average. Uniform flocks are easier to manage, are more likely to commence egg production together, provide higher peaks, and they produce more uniform sized eggs and better quality poults. To ensure flock uniformity, provide:  Proper barn temperatures, air quality and litter management during brooding and conditioning  Good quality beak treatment procedures

twice weekly and semen is extended to optimize utilization, one sire can easily cover 25 hens. Breeding males should be selected for rapid growth. Selection accuracy is enhanced when breeder candidates are selected near the same age as the projected market age of their offspring. To select the best breeder male candidates:  Weigh and record 100 males to determine the range of weights within the flock  Establish the minimum acceptable weight to be kept based upon the number of males to be kept

 Adequate feeder and drinker space

 Remove all birds with physical deformities and those below the desired weight range

 Disease free and low stress conditions

 Beaks may be trimmed at this time if required

 Recommended floor space

 Separate housing for birds of different ages  A properly balanced feeding program When servicing a flock older than 12 weeks of age, all birds with physical deformities (i.e. crooked toes, twisted legs, blindness, pendulous crops, etc.) and extreme weights should be removed and marketed.

Males The number of breeder male candidates used for semen production should not exceed 40% of the number of male line tom poults placed at one day of age. The ratio of males to females placed will be determined by:  The management scheme used to house and utilize males  The ability to milk breeding sires twice a week  Labor and management restrictions  The technology available to evaluate and extend semen volume One sire per 10 hens is normally required if the males are only milked once per week and semen quality is not evaluated in a laboratory. If semen is collected from sires

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Hybrid recommends dividing the selected males into two or three weight categories. The heaviest group will be identified as the best breeder candidates and should be collected as frequently as possible (2 or 3 times weekly) to maximize the growth potential of subsequent progeny. Later in the egg production period, or when additional semen is required, it will become necessary to use males from the middle or lighter weight groups for semen collection. Surplus males should be collected a minimum of 1 time every 2 weeks to maintain suitable quality semen. This system will effectively improve selection pressure and helps to increase the potential weight of progeny.

V. Breeder Candidate Weight and Fitness Program Hybrid Breeder Hen Weight Control Program

website www.hybridturkeys.com.

Occasionally, Hybrid customers incorporate specific feeding programs designed to control the weight gain of breeder hen candidates to ensure their fitness and reproductive ability. Several programs have been used successfully from low density free choice diets to timed feeding programs that limit the daily access to feed during the conditioning period for breeder hen candidates.

One significant advantage arising from a weight control program for breeder hen candidates is an increase in physical activity. Birds that are limited to one meal per day will anticipate their daily feeding and will become excited just prior to feeding time. The subsequent behavior has been shown to improve physical ability, leg strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Once feeding begins, hens will calm down, continue to feed until satisfied then access to feed is withdrawn again until the next day.

Some consequences of lighting breeder hens that are extremely heavy include:  Increased number of hens with uterine prolapse  Increase in multiple ovulations resulting in double yolk eggs or internal layers leading to peritonitis  Reduced uniformity and synchronization in the onset of lay resulting in lower egg production peaks  Difficulty in maintaining fertility and hatchability levels throughout the production period The easiest method for controlling body weight gain in females is to adjust the nutrient density of rearing and conditioning diets to produce target weights for age. Changing the feeding schedule (amount of feed per bird for each diet) is also a simple alternative to help control nutrient intake and body weight gain. A slightly more sophisticated approach involves the use of timed feeding. Given the control and mechanization of feeding systems, it is easy to manage the birds’ access to feed and thus control the nutrient intake more precisely. Important factors with this program include adequate feeder space for all hens to eat sufficient amounts of feed simultaneously. At least 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 linear inches) of feeder space should be allocated per hen for timed feeding to be successful. Feed access can be provided at the same time each day enhancing the ability of flock supervisors to schedule caretaking responsibilities and daily activities. Detailed descriptions for this method of weight control are provided in the Hybrid Info Sheet “Weight Restriction for Parent Stock Hens – Are we headed the way of the Broiler Breeder”, included in the library of the Hybrid

Weight gains should be monitored in all flocks by weighing at least a 50 bird sample each week and comparing weights to standard Hybrid weight goals. Standard weight targets can be found on the Hybrid website for each product along with the uniformity goals. Consider starting the weight control at the earliest possible age (8 to 12 weeks) based upon the facility and qualified supervision for the program. Observe the birds frequently before, during and after feeding to insure that the program is operating accurately and that all hens are treated fairly. Over restricting feed consumption and weight gain could have a detrimental effect on subsequent reproductive performance. Hybrid Breeder Male Weight Control Program Hybrid Turkeys recommends the use of a 10% protein feed (ad libitum) following selection, designed for weight restriction in Hybrid breeder males. This program supports the control of uniform body weights and conditions males that produce excellent quality and quantity of semen, thus ensuring excellent overall flock fertility. Breeder candidates should be fed a balanced diet to control weight gain after selection at 18 weeks of age (or in some cases 19 to 20 weeks depending upon your selection program and final product objectives). Males should be placed in conditioning pens after selection with only 15 to 20 birds per pen. At least 0.93 to 1.0 m2 (8 to 10 ft2) should be provided per bird. Identify 3 males per pen initially (at random) for weekly sample weighing. The

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identified males should be marked with food coloring or large wing tags so the same birds can be weighed each week. The identified males should be weighed individually upon placement in the conditioning pens and every subsequent week (same day, same time in relation to time of feeding). Weights should be recorded, averaged, plotted on a graph, and body weight gain calculated. Compute the coefficient of variation (CV) for the weights you collect. An increase in CV could indicate that some males are not getting the correct amount of feed and thus the feeding system (feeder space) per bird should be checked. Also check for spilled feed or other areas that might affect feed intake. Accurate body weight records are essential for determining the correct amount of feed to provide per male and for the success of the controlled feeding program. When a mechanical feed restriction program is utilized to control weight gain, allow males to adjust to their new environment after moving to the conditioning pens. Provide 475 grams (1 lb.) of a 12% protein feed per bird per day for the first two days that the males are in the conditioning pens. Feed restriction can be started by the third day following the recommendations in Table 1 (2). Follow weight targets closely to adjust feed/nutrient intake for breeder candidates. The amounts given in Table 1 (or 2) are estimates and may be adjusted based upon the performance of each farm, flock, temperature, and energy of the diet. Feed should be evenly distributed in the trough feeders and it should be provided once daily. Feeding should be done at a time that will not interfere with collection of good quality semen. It is important to feed accurately making sure that feed is not spilled when filling the feeders. Feed allowance per male will and should increase in proportion to growth and should NOT decrease during semen production. Mortality sheets for each pen should be checked before feeding every day. The amount of feed per pen should be adjusted to the actual number of males daily. Temperature changes will also affect the amount of feed

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needed for maintenance and weight gain. Insulated barns will help prevent wide variations in ambient temperature that could affect feed intake and sire performance. For every 1° C (1.8° F) decrease in average temperature below 12° C (53.6° F), feed allowance should be increased by 1.5%. For simplicity, if the mean temperature of the barn changes more than 6° C (10° F), follow the adjustments shown in the feeding Table 1 (2). It is important that males are on target weight by 22 weeks of age. If males are underweight by 22 weeks of age, then increase feed allowances by 10% to 15% until birds are on target weight. Then males can be fed according to the proposed schedule. If males are above target weight at 22 weeks of age or later, do NOT try to reduce weight gain in order to return to the target weight for age. Instead, males should maintain current weight gain in order to achieve optimum semen production. Breeding males should NEVER lose weight. Some birds in the pen may fluctuate but the average weight of all males should always increase weekly. Water restriction may be needed during the first several weeks that males are control fed. Water should be provided one hour prior to feeding and for two hours after feeding. During hot weather, water should be provided for an additional two hours during the warmest part of the day. Water restriction must be monitored carefully under high temperature conditions. Farm managers should start monitoring sexual development of the males after 20 weeks of age. Controlling feed intake of males usually results in some delay in sexual maturity. See pertinent information sheets in the Library on the Hybrid web site (www.hybridturkeys.com) or contact Hybrid’s technical staff for our most recent recommendations.

Table 1. Weight Targets for Hybrid Breeder Males – pounds Age (wk)

Target Wt (lb)

Min Wt (lb)

Max Wt (lb)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

33.66 34.76 35.86 36.96 38.06 39.16 40.26 41.36 42.46 43.56 44.55 45.54 46.53 47.52 48.40 49.28 50.16 51.04 51.79 52.54 53.28 53.79 54.30 54.80 55.31 55.81 56.32 56.83 57.33 57.73 58.12 58.52 58.92 59.31 59.71 60.10 60.50 60.81 61.12 61.42 61.73 62.04 62.35 62.66 62.96 63.16 63.36 63.56 63.76 63.95 64.15 64.35 64.55 64.75 64.94

32.65 33.72 34.78 35.85 36.92 37.99 39.05 40.12 41.19 42.25 43.21 44.17 45.13 46.09 46.95 47.80 48.66 49.51 50.23 50.96 51.69 52.18 52.67 53.16 53.65 54.14 54.63 55.12 55.61 56.00 56.38 56.76 57.15 57.53 57.92 58.30 58.69 58.98 59.28 59.58 59.88 60.18 60.48 60.78 61.08 61.27 61.46 61.65 61.84 62.04 62.23 62.42 62.61 62.80 63.00

34.65 35.79 36.92 38.05 39.18 40.32 41.45 42.58 43.71 44.85 45.86 46.88 47.90 48.92 49.83 50.73 51.64 52.55 53.32 54.09 54.86 55.38 55.90 56.42 56.94 57.46 57.98 58.50 59.02 29.43 59.84 60.25 60.65 61.06 61.47 61.88 62.28 62.60 62.92 63.24 63.55 63.87 64.19 64.50 64.82 65.03 65.23 65.43 65.64 65.84 66.04 66.25 66.45 66.66 66.86

Gain (lb)

1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20

XL-Converter-Grademaker Gain Min. (lb)

1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19

Gain Max. (lb)

1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20

Estimated daily feed allowance (lb) per male at the following average temperature 80 °F 0.77 0.79 0.80 0.82 0.84 0.85 0.87 0.88 0.90 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.16 1.16 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.17 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.20

70 °F 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84

60 °F 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93

50 °F 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.99 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.05

40 °F 1.02 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.05 1.05 1.06 1.06 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.08 1.08 1.09 1.09 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.16 1.16

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Table 2. Weight Targets for Hybrid Breeder Males – kilograms Age (wk)

Target Wt (kg)

Min Wt (kg)

Max Wt (kg)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

15.28 15.78 16.28 16.78 17.28 17.78 18.28 18.78 19.28 19.78 20.23 20.68 21.12 21.57 21.97 22.37 22.77 23.17 23.51 23.85 24.19 24.42 24.65 24.88 25.11 25.34 25.57 25.80 26.03 26.21 26.39 26.57 26.75 26.93 27.11 27.29 27.47 27.61 27.75 27.88 28.03 28.17 28.31 28.45 28.58 28.67 28.77 28.86 28.95 29.03 29.12 29.21 29.31 29.40 29.48

14.82 15.31 15.79 16.28 16.76 17.25 17.73 18.21 18.70 19.18 19.62 20.05 20.49 20.92 21.32 21.70 22.09 22.48 22.80 23.14 23.47 23.69 23.91 24.13 24.36 24.58 24.80 25.02 25.25 25.42 25.60 25.77 25.95 26.12 26.30 26.47 26.65 26.78 26.91 27.05 27.19 27.32 27.46 27.59 27.73 27.82 27.90 27.99 28.08 28.17 28.25 28.34 28.42 28.51 28.60

15.73 16.25 16.76 17.27 17.79 18.31 18.82 19.33 19.84 20.36 20.82 21.28 21.75 22.21 22.62 23.03 23.44 23.86 24.21 24.56 24.91 25.14 25.38 25.61 25.85 26.09 26.32 26.56 26.80 13.36 27.17 27.35 27.54 27.72 27.91 28.09 28.28 28.42 28.57 28.71 28.85 29.00 29.14 29.28 29.43 29.52 29.61 29.71 29.80 29.89 29.98 30.08 30.17 30.26 30.35

Gain (kg)

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09

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XL-Converter-Grademaker

Gain Min. (kg)

0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09

Gain Max. (kg)

0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09

Estimated daily feed allowance (kg) per male at the following average temperature 27 °C 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.39 0.39 0.40 0.41 0.42 0.42 0.43 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.45 0.46 0.46 0.47 0.47 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54

21 °C 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38

16 °C 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42

10 °C 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.48

4 °C 0.46 0.46 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.53 0.53

VI. Lighting Programs for Breeders Controlling the light environment for mature turkeys is essential for consistent year round fertile egg production. Optimum reproductive performance is dependent upon:  Hormone levels that are stimulated and controlled by day length and light intensity  Physical maturity of the bird which includes age and body weight as critical factors

Light Intensity Estimating light intensity is difficult without instrumentation. Therefore all light intensity measurements should be taken at bird eye level with a light meter. For birds to perceive a change in light intensity, the darkest spot in the barn – when lights are ON – should be 10 times brighter than when the lights are OFF. Remember too, that the light intensity from a bulb decreases as it ages or from dust build up in the barn. So bulbs should be serviced frequently and replaced when necessary to insure optimum light intensity and coverage.

Lighting Management for Hens Conditioning Restricting day light hours to 6 continuous hours per day is used to condition hens for response to stimulatory light at the time they are scheduled to begin egg production. Tables 3 & 4 show two lighting schedules for flocks lit between August-October and November-July. The following criteria are essential for successful lighting programs:  Provide sufficient and consistent light intensity during the conditioning period to promote activity  Ensure that there are NO light leaks  During times of heat stress, lights can be left ON longer to prevent barns from getting hotter when birds bed down and huddle close together Egg Production

no maximum light intensity for breeding females. When turkey hens have achieved their target body weight and age criteria and they are scheduled to begin egg production the following guidelines should be included in the lighting program:  Light duration should be increased to a minimum of 14 hours of continuous illumination. Adequate, evenly spaced lighting throughout the barn will enhance bird activity, egg production and help prevent floor layers  Day length must never be decreased during the egg production period. This is critical in opensided barns after June 21st in the northern hemisphere (December 22nd in the southern hemisphere) when natural day length begins to decrease  Always add extra light in the morning when lengthening the day light hours  Never force hens to hold their eggs longer than 4 hours from the time lights come on until the nests are opened and accessible Schedule tip: As part of your broody program you may add 1 hour of light to the end of the day when hens are 35 weeks (245 days) of age to avoid putting late layers in the broody pen. All other additions should be at the beginning of the day (also see sections: “VII. Egg Production”, “VIII. Broodiness" for more details). When natural day length increases beyond 15 hours per day, supplemental light must be provided to prevent hens from perceiving a subsequent decrease in natural day length following the summer solstice. When hens lay beyond the longest day of the year (during decreasing natural day length), add 15 minutes of light every 2 weeks to a maximum of 18 hours per day. Note: Use time clocks to manage day length and make sure they work properly. Light bulbs should be cleaned weekly to ensure consistent light intensity.

For total and semi-confinement egg production, see Table 3 & 4: Lighting Schedule for Breeder Females for the recommended lighting program. There appears to be

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Table 3. Lighting Schedule for Breeder Females – Northern Hemisphere

Age (days)

Age (wks)

1 2 to 4 4 to 119 120 to 133 134 to 147 148 to 161 162 to 175

1 to 17 17 to 19 19 to 21 21 to 23 23 to 27

176 to 210

27 to 30

210 to peak production 252 to end

30 to 36

SCHEDULE #1

SCHEDULE #2

Light Duration (flocks lit from Aug-Oct)

Light Duration (flocks lit from Nov-July)

Hrs/day

24 23 14 or natural 10 9 8 7 6 (reduce to 5 if necessary) 14 or natural 15 or natural

From/To

Hrs/day

4:00 to 18:00

24 23 14 or natural 8 8 7 7 6 (reduce to 5 if necessary) 14 or natural

3:00 to 18:00

15 or natural

1 hr off 5:00 to 19:00 7:00 to 17:00 8:00 to 17:00 8:00 to 16:00 9:00 to 16:00 9:00 to 15:00

Min. Light Intensity

From/To

Lux

Foot Candle

1 hr off 5:00 to 19:00 8:00 to 16:00 8:00 to 16:00 9:00 to 16:00 9:00 to 16:00

70 70 50 50 50 50 50

7 7 5 5 5 5 5

9:00 to 15:00

4:00 to 18:00

100

3:00 to 18:00

100

Table 4. Lighting Schedule for Breeder Females – Southern Hemisphere

Age (days)

Age (wks)

SCHEDULE #1

SCHEDULE #2

Light Duration (flocks lit from Feb-Apr)

Light Duration (flocks lit from May-Jan)

Hrs/day

From/To

Hrs/day

From/To

Min. Light Intensity Lux

Foot Candle

2 to 4

1 hr off

4 to 119

1 to 17

14 or natural

5:00 to 19:00

14 or natural

5:00 to 19:00

120 to 133

17 to 19

7:00 to 17:00

8:00 to 16:00

134 to 147

19 to 21

8:00 to 17:00

8:00 to 16:00

148 to 161

21 to 23

8:00 to 16:00

9:00 to 16:00

162 to 175

23 to 27

9:00 to 16:00

176 to 210

27 to 30

6 (reduce to 5 if necessary)

9:00 to 15:00

6 (reduce to 5 if necessary)

9:00 to 15:00

210 to peak production

30 to 36

14 or natural

4:00 to 18:00

14 or natural

4:00 to 18:00

100

15 or natural

3:00 to 18:00

15 or natural

3:00 to 18:00

100

252 to end

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Lighting Management for Males Conditioning Male turkeys are more sensitive to changes in light intensity than to changes in day length. This difference to the hen reflects nature’s way of ensuring that males will be in semen production before hens are ready to be fertilized in the wild. For this reason, most males reared in confinement will be exposed to day lengths between 10 and 12 hours of light per day during conditioning. Light intensity for males in rearing will be lower than for conditioning hens (Table 5). Also, since it takes males longer to develop sexually compared to the hen, males are usually photo-stimulated at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the lighting of hens. Day lengths of 14 to 16 hours of light per day will be sufficient to stimulate semen production and males should be premilked at least twice to ensure that adequate semen volume and quality will be available for inseminations. Excessive light intensity during the conditioning phase can contribute to aggressive behavior in breeder candidates and may result in mortality.

Lighting recommendations will vary due to geographical locations, time of year, and the type of housing being utilized. Consult with Hybrid’s Technical Team for more specific recommendations.  If the barn where males are housed is “light tight”, then males can remain on 14 hours of light per day from 24 weeks of age through the end of semen production.  If the facility allows males to perceive light from the outside, then add 15 minutes per week (or 30 minutes every 2 weeks) starting at calendar week 30 (north of the equator), when the natural day length begins to get shorter. DO NOT exceed 18 hours of total light per day.  Males, like females, require constant even light intensity within the production barn. Non-functional light bulbs may cause birds within that section of the barn to cease production.  All measurements of light intensity should be taken at bird eye level with a light meter.  Males housed in curtain sided buildings will be exposed to natural day length, but their exposure to light must not decrease as natural days get shorter. Add supplemental light in these situations to maintain constant long day lengths for males producing semen.  Never decrease light duration or light intensity while males are in semen production.

Table 5. Lighting Schedule for Breeder Males Min. Light Intensity Age (days)

Age (wks)

1 2 to 4 4 to 98

1 to 14

98 to 126

14 to 18

126 to 168 168 to end

Total Hours

18 to 24

24 23 12 Reduce 1 hr/wk to 8 hr 8

24 to end

From/To

Lux

Foot Candle

1 hr off 6:00 to 18:00

70 70 40

7 7 4

10:00 to 18:00

4:00 to 18:00

Semen Production

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VII. Egg Production Bird Transfer Cooperation between growing and laying flock managers is essential when relocating birds from rearing to egg production facilities. This is particularly true with regard to vaccination, feeding and lighting programs, and the type of housing. To limit stress on the breeder candidates moving to the production barn, observe the following recommendations:  Avoid vaccinating within 10 days of transfer and limit stresses such as beak trimming during this period.  It is recommended that hens be offered the pre-lay (or lay) ration 1 to 2 weeks prior to moving into the breeding facility.  Birds should be parasite free at moving. Worming the flock, if necessary, is best 3 days prior to moving.

to ensure that all hens locate feed and water as soon as possible, and then return to optimum height.  Check time clocks frequently to ensure that they are set and working properly.

Nests Semi-trap nests, single or double deck, should be used in a floor barn so that each female can lay her eggs in a safe, sanitary environment thus minimizing damage to the egg and helping to reduce broodiness. Only when one female leaves the nest should another be allowed to enter. An illustration of the semi-trap nest front mechanism is shown in Figure 1. The nest front assembly may be constructed of metal or wood, or a combination of both. Figure 1. Single Deck Semi-Trap Nests

 Vitamins and electrolytes may be used in the drinking water before transport.  Do not photostimulate birds (increase day length) before moving to avoid stress and reduced uniformity.  Clean and disinfect moving equipment thoroughly. Workers must wear clean outer clothes and disinfected boots.  Choose the best time for transfer depending upon the weather. Birds should be moved into the laying barn as early in the day as possible to give them more time to become acquainted with the layout and equipment during daylight hours.  In summer months, avoid moving birds during the heat of the day.  Avoid unnecessary stops during transit. Ensure that ventilation, humidity and temperature levels in the laying barn meet the requirements of the birds.  Make sure that fresh feed and water are available in the production facility immediately after unloading.  Adjust feeders and drinkers to hang lower than normal height for the first 3 days in the laying barn

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Single Deck Semi-Trap Nests For new barn construction, we recommend:  Two rows of single deck nests because of their ease of access  Center alley configuration (sunken, unless automatic nests are used)  A minimum building width of 15 m (48 ft) Double Deck Semi-Trap Nests Hybrid breeding stock will perform well in a barn with a double deck nest system; although with this system it is imperative to train the birds to fly and climb by providing roosts or ramps throughout the conditioning period.

Mechanical Nests Mechanical nests offer an automated alternative to conventional type nests and are well suited for use with Hybrid breeding stock. See the manufacturer’s recommendations for barn layouts and optimal operation of each brand of mechanical nest. Density Allow 1 nest per 5 hens. Nests should be kept clean. Soiled nest material should be removed and replaced with clean bedding material. Common nest litter materials include pine shavings, straw, rice hulls, pea gravel, ground corn cobs, artificial turf, carpet or rubber flooring. These nesting materials must be maintained in a mold free state. Training the Breeder Hen Nesting habits are established by the hen during the first 3 weeks of lay. Some hens may need encouragement to find the nests and to establish proper habits. Employing the following techniques will help reduce the incidence of floor eggs and broodiness.  Open nest traps and add nest litter 7 to 12 days after lighting (photostimulation). This coincides with the time that the hens begin to look for a nest. Activity in and around the nest will help attract hens to the nests.  Prevent hens from nesting along the wall and in corners by walking the floor as many times as possible and moving the hens out of those areas, preferably every 30 minutes. Temporary barriers may also be placed in corners to prevent hens from occupying these areas. This will encourage the proper use of nests.  The type of material chosen for nest bedding could have a significant effect on the hen’s willingness to develop proper nesting habits.

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VIII. BROODINESS Broody hens are birds that cease egg production due to natural hormonal control. In order to maintain good egg production, this urge must be discouraged. Husbandry skills are essential to achieving effective broody prevention. The caretaker should be sensitive to the behavioral changes of the flock under their care. Not all employees recognize broody behavior, so training is vital! Broody Hen Symptoms  Increased nesting time  Decline in egg production  Aggressive protection of her nest  More vocal behavior  Reduced feed consumption  Birds move stiffly when disturbed Normal broody behavior begins after the hen has laid its first clutch of eggs in comfortable surroundings. However, this may vary depending upon weather and management. If the hen’s routine is changed and she is forced into different surroundings, she will often lose her tendency to sit on the nest and will therefore continue to lay eggs. Skillful broody prevention requires a system that will discourage potentially broody hens quickly, without creating a molt or damaging the rest of the flock. The importance of adopting a workable broody prevention program cannot be over emphasized to the producer and their employees. An appropriate broody program will always be a good investment towards the profitability of a breeder flock. Factors That Promote Broodiness       

Hot weather (time of year) Lack of uniform lighting Low light intensity Not gathering eggs often enough Letting hens sit on eggs (i.e. at night) Many obstacles and corners in the pen Not removing hens from the nest after each collection  Not starting broody prevention early enough  Premature squatting of replacement hens  Floor layers

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The Importance of Controlling Premature Squatting Perhaps the first important factor in broody prevention is to avoid premature squatting (exhibiting sexual maturity) before the flock reaches the desired age of photostimulation. Hens that commence egg production early (before transfer to the production facility), learn to lay their eggs on the floor instead of in the nest and are more likely to go broody on the floor of the laying barn while the majority of the flock is learning to lay in the nest. This behavior then encourages other hens to lay their first eggs on the floor as well. These "floor layers" will continue to be a problem throughout the laying period making it imperative that premature squatting be prevented. Contact the Hybrid Office for more detailed information (also see “Section III. Growing & Conditioning”). Floor Broody Management Floor layers must be discouraged. This is most important as the flock comes into egg production. During the first 3 weeks of egg production, spend as much time as possible in the breeder pens collecting floor eggs and moving hens from corners and other places where they may try to nest. This eliminates some of the stimuli that encourage hens to nest on the floor. Nesting habits are established during the first 3 weeks of lay. Hens that continue to nest on the floor are more likely go broody. Remember that a true broody hen, a bird that will not break (evert the oviduct) or is tight, generally is beyond repair and should be separated from the flock and preferably sent to market.

Broody Prevention Program To reduce the natural tendencies of turkey hens to go broody and cease egg production prematurely the following guidelines should be followed:  Allow adequate floor space (0.5 m2 or 5 ft2/hen) and nest space (1 nest per 5 hens)

 Put hens that exhibit floor laying tendencies into a nest to train them where to lay eggs  Collect floor eggs before and after each nest collection  Collect the egg from the nest first, then push the hen completely off the nest at each collection

 Do not allow hens excessive time in the nest

 Gather eggs often (7 to 9 times per day; even more frequently with mechanical nests)

 Push them out of the nest when collecting eggs on an hourly basis

 Design pens such that entrance doors do not form a corner that encourages hens to lay on the floor

 Prevent hens from nesting on the floor by walking though the pens every hour

 Never decrease day length while hens are in egg production

 Create changes of environment by the use of broody pens

 A gradual increase in day length, after peak egg production, is recommended to a maximum of 18 hours per day

 Reduce broodiness by providing adequate and uniform light of proper duration and intensity  Cull tight hens (hens that are out of production) so producing hens will not mimic their bad behavior  Encourage hens to be active by providing roosts, switching pens and making hens move around the pen while picking up floor eggs after each nest gathering These are basic guidelines for broody control. Several means of implementing a broody control program are listed below. For more information, contact the Hybrid office or your Hybrid Technical Service representative. Be careful not to over stress the flock as good layers may become discouraged if hens are worked too hard in an effort to reduce broody behavior in the few candidates. Methods of Addressing Broody Behavior  Hen training begins when the hens are first exposed to long day length  Tie nest fronts open, if possible, until the flock reaches 25% egg production or until hens are doubling up in one nest

 With mechanical and conventional nest systems, close traps in the evening and use drop nets in front of the nests to assist in moving potential broodies to the broody pen Broody Pen Design Since broody hens are attracted to dark, warm, comfortable areas, broody pens designed to reduce this behavior should be bright and cool to provide a dramatically different environment. Broody pen space should be restrictive since no nesting area is provided, allowing hen interaction to discourage broody type behavior.  Allow 10% of the barn space or 0.5 ft2 (0.05 m2 ) per hen housed for broody pens  Double the light intensity as compared to main laying pen with same day length as main laying pen  Have fresh feed and cool, clean water in all pens  Ventilate to a minimum of 5.6 m3/hr/kg body weight (1.5 cfm/lb body weight)

 Use nest bedding that is different from floor litter

 Use floor litter that is different from the laying pen (sand, pea gravel, shavings, rice hulls, etc.)

 Remove straw piles, gates or anything that might form a corner to attract nesting behavior on the floor

 Adequate doors for easy moving of hens from one pen to another

 Uniform light throughout the pen will prevent dark corners that encourage nesting

 Confirmed tight and cull hens should be never be kept in the same pens with potentially broody hens B R E E D E R M A N A G E M E N T G U I D E | P G 21

*Note: Hybrid des not recommend 24 hours of light in broody pens.

with other designated hens Figure 2. Typical broody pen

Three Pen Broody System For maximum results, use this system to pull potential broodies, 7 days per week (Figure 2). Remember – squatting hens are not broody, so remove them each day from the broody pen and return them to the laying pen.  One hour before lights go off – make last egg collection, pushing all hens from the nests  One half hour before lights go off – remove all hens that have returned to the nest, as potential broodies, and place them in the 1st broody pen  The first night – all hens that “squat” should be checked and returned to the breeding pen immediately; the remaining hens stay in the 1st broody pen overnight  The next day (10:00 am) – move hens from broody pen #1 into broody pen #2  On Day 3 (10:00 am) – move hens from broody pen #2 into broody pen #3 (squatters are not broody, so allow them back into the laying pen)  Then on Day 4 (10:00 am) – hens should be palpated or checked for reproductive status and laying hens can be returned to the laying pen. Culls or “tight hens” may be removed from the flock permanently Painting with Food Coloring Method  Using different colors (e.g. red, green, blue) this method may be done 2 or 3 times per week to supplement the regular Three Pen System.  Mix 22ml (1 ½ oz.) of food coloring with 450 ml (15 oz) of water and put in a hand held spray bottle  At 9:00 am, paint all hens that are in a nest  At 3:00 pm (or 6 hours after painting nesting hens) remove all painted hens still on the nest to the broody pen, since they have spent the entire day on the nest – a strong indication of impending broody tendencies  An alternative would be to paint hens in the afternoon – then pull nesting hens the next morning  Allow hens to move through the Three Pen System

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Day 1

Sand

Day

Pea stone

Drinker

Feeder

Day

Sand

Cull/Tight

Sand

Pen 1 – dry sand Pen 2 – pea stone Pen 3 – dry sand Cull/Tight Pen – dry sand

Ventilation – move ample fresh air through the broody pens Light intensity should be double the main laying pen intensity Light duration same as laying pen Pen Switching Method Use this method when daily broody pull needs assistance and potential broodies are becoming too numerous. This method may be considered more severe since it involves all hens in the barn – not just those exhibiting broody behavior. Switching laying pens can be very beneficial in some instances since it introduces a new environment to potentially broody hens.  Pen switching is normally done on the day of insemination.  Pen switching too early in the production cycle may negatively affect subsequent egg production.  Best results are achieved if this method is implemented. after 5 weeks of egg production but some flocks may require this method as early as the 3rd week of lay.  In barns with nests around the perimeter where the barn is divided in the middle, switch all hens from one end of the barn to the other.  In barns with the nest oriented lengthwise down the center of the barn, switch hens from side to side.  In barns with nests aligned down the center of the barn and the barn is divided into quarters, switch the hens one quarter at a time.

IX. BREEDING Maximizing fertility begins in the conditioning facility with attention to environmental management, nutrition, lighting and biosecurity. To capture the full genetic potential of your breeder candidates, each bird must be given every opportunity to excel and achieve optimum levels of production. Compromises normally do not pay significant dividends over time. If the dark-out period is not optimal and the flock is not uniform or physiologically prepared to come into production, the desired performance may never be achieved. Handling Males for Semen Collection Maximizing fertility requires good quality semen from healthy males that exhibit good leg strength and foot pads. Males should be selected appropriately and individuals that are slow to achieve semen production or that produce poor quality semen should be eliminated. The expertise of personnel in managing and handling male turkeys dramatically influences the production of semen. Semen quality and quantity can be influenced by many factors such as: type of housing, staffing changes, light intensity and duration, temperature, nutrition, disease, drugs, and pesticides. The frame size and body weight of breeder males make it difficult to collect semen due to extra maneuvering that is required before and during massage. Feeding regimes and diet compositions should be devised to minimize the onset of obesity that makes semen collection more difficult. There are several ways of handling breeder males to stimulate ejaculation, the simplest and most common technique requires two people. The first person (the operator) holds the bird’s legs and operates the semen collection apparatus. The second person (the milker) massages the area around the cloaca and expresses the semen for collection. Most frequently, the milker uses a chair or stool whole holding the bird in his lap but this task can also be accomplished while the bird is held and lies on the floor of the pen.

Place the tom on its chest in a horizontal position with its neck under one thigh of the milker and its legs over the milker’s other thigh. The legs of the bird are held firmly in place and together by the operator.  The protrusion of the phallus is accomplished by massaging the soft part of the abdomen with the free fingers and thumb of the left hand. At the same time, the tail is pushed back over the male’s back with the heel of the right hand. The male can be further stimulated with the palm passing gently over the vent in the same sequence.  In a series of simultaneous movements, the operator maintains pressure on the tail head until the thumb and index finger of the right hand are in position to squeeze behind the phallus, while the heel of the right hand maintains pressure on the tail head.  Using the index finger of the left hand, the operator places pressure below the phallus. It is very important to place the thumb and index finger well behind the protruded phallus in order to squeeze the bulbous ductus. The pressure applied will also determine the flow of semen.  Do not stroke the male more than twice. After two strokes, there is an increased risk of injury to the cloacal area with minimal extra semen being produced. Semen is then collected only from the end of the phallus. Care must be taken to apply an aspiration rate that will pick up the semen slowly and carefully. If semen is aspirated too strongly then sperm cells may be subject to structural damage that will result in poor fertility. To minimize the collection of unwanted contaminants such as urates and fecal material, the following steps are recommended:  The operator should not move the aspirator up the phallus further than the cloacal region during collection.  Do not feed within 4 to 6 hours prior to semen collection. If semen is required early in the morning, feeding should be scheduled after semen collection.  Adequate lighting is essential in the area where semen is collected to insure easy visual inspection of semen quality. Semen should flow slowly down the phallus to the point of B R E E D E R M A N A G E M E N T G U I D E | P G 23

collection. This also allows the milker an opportunity to inspect the semen quality, ensuring that it is free of contaminants. It is also important to note that the squeezing pressure should be done carefully so that the male does not bleed in the sensitive area. If bleeding occurs, it is an indication that the milker is squeezing too hard or stroking too many times. If this occurs, stop collecting immediately and rest the bird for 3 to 4 days. An important principle to remember is that the collection team must work with the male. If the milker is working too hard or too fast, he is likely working against the male and is probably causing damage. After milking and collecting semen, the male should be released slowly and gently lowered to the floor to prevent bruising or injury. For maximum utilization of males and to maintain high sperm counts, collect semen at least twice each week. Lapses for extended periods can lead to a lowering of both semen production and quality of spermatozoa. Do not use poor quality semen and avoid contamination from urates and fecal material during collection. A microscope, centrifuge and/or spectrophotometer should be used to determine the quality of the semen. Remember that very little additional semen can be gained after two cloacal strokes. Also, the risk of cloacal injury increases with more than two cloacal strokes. For further information concerning artificial insemination, please contact the Hybrid Turkeys office. Semen Quality Good quality semen has a thick consistency and a pearly white color. When males first begin to produce semen, some individuals may produce semen that has a yellow color. If this persists after 2 or 3 collections these males should be culled from the flock. Yellow semen has a high content of defective and/or under developed sperm cells resulting in lower fertility. Yellow semen should never be used. Semen with a reduced number of spermatozoa may appear grayish in color and watery in consistency. All males should be handled and tested for semen characteristics of volume, concentration, and motility to determine the fertilizing ability of their semen at least two weeks prior to expected use in artificial insemination. Dispose of males that produce: B R E E D E R M A N A G E M E N T G U I D E | P G 24

   

Semen later than expected Weak or watery semen Off-colored semen Low semen volume (less than 0.2cc per collection)

On average, 1cc of good quality neat semen will contain 5 to 10 billion sperm cells, 85% of which should be normal cells with 90% motility. Motility readings can be determined by looking at a small drop of semen from each male under a microscope to determine its fertilizing capability. Semen concentration (sperm count) can be most easily determined with the use of a centrifuge (PCV = Packed Cell Volume) and/or a spectrophotometer. More precise technology exists today with the development of a Sperm Quality Analyzer that evaluates both cell structure and mobility as measures of semen quality. These more advanced methods are still being developed and may be more expensive but will be even more accurate. Semen Storage and Handling It is common practice to store semen after collection from males in stud barns, or in all-male barns located on the same farm as the hens. The time between the start of semen collection and the insemination of hens should not exceed 30 minutes unless special holding techniques are used. Proper semen storage and handling is essential to avoid any significant drop in fertility or hatchability. The following procedure is a practical guideline for the storage of top quality semen. Semen extender is used to reduce viscosity of the semen, to provide an energy source for the sperm cells, and to assist in the transport of the cells within the oviduct of the hen. Some semen extender should be placed in the collection vial before semen is added so that semen does not dry on the side of the vial during collection. Mix semen and extender at 25°C (75°F) by slowly turning the capped vial upside down several times.

Add 2 cc of extender to the collection vial prior to the collection of semen  Swirl semen and diluent together gently during the collection process  Measure semen volume and add it gently into a storage container  Add the remaining amount of extender (remember that 2 cc has already been added)  Mix semen and the appropriate extender at a 1:1 ratio. A 50 ml storage container should not have less than 10cc of extended semen to prevent drying, and no more than 16cc to maximize the surface area with oxygen exchange.  Since the semen is highly diluted, the viscosity will be low and care should be taken not to allow semen to leak from the AI straw before insemination.  Place aluminum foil, with punctured 1/8-inch holes, over the top of the storage container. Never completely seal the top of the semen storage container. Label containers in order of preparation and place in the cooler.  Never have storage containers touching the ice in the cooler.  Good quality semen can be stored with no loss of fertility. Special diluents are made for longer-term storage. Check with the diluent manufacturer or distributor when holding semen for more than a few hours.  Gentle agitation of semen during storage will ensure that sperm cells are properly aerated. Agitation also reduces clumping of sperm cells during storage. Cooler Preparation Cooler should be at 1 –3 °C (33 to 37 °F ) before semen is placed in agitation. To reach this temperature, the cooler should be prepared no less than 1 hour before semen is placed inside. Storage temperatures above 5 °C ( 40 °F) accelerate the decline in semen quality. 1. Place frozen ice packs on either side of the interior of the cooler. 2. Put ice cubes in the bottom of the shaker box (crushed ice is better). 3. Dampen foam sponge with clean ice cold water. 4. Sponge can be refrigerated to keep it cool before being dampened.

5. Pour water into shaker box to 12 mm (½ inch) level over ice. 6. As the ice melts, water is absorbed into the sponge 7. The sponge should rest on top of the ice. Artificial Insemination (AI) Lighting hens at 29 to 30 weeks of age and then inseminating 14 days later is standard practice. You must get semen into the hen before she lays her first egg to achieve the highest fertility. Through proper conditioning of the hen you should be able to artificially inseminate (AI) at least 70% of the hens during the first insemination. Careful handling of the hen during the AI process is central to maintaining good fertility. A turkey hen that is producing eggs is a pregnant bird and should be treated with respect. Do not kick hens or hit them with brooms while herding them into catching corrals. Do not catch hens by one leg or one wing to restrain them for insemination or drop them carelessly after insemination. An active, agile hen will walk smartly to and from the insemination area. Technique Use only individual, disposable insemination tubes for mating. After each use, clean straw-filling equipment thoroughly and rinse with distilled water and then sterilize. Make sure all equipment is dry before using again and kept free of dust. Hybrid recommends automatic straw fillers for accurate and efficient insemination. When using the “pit” system for inseminating a flock of hens, the people catching each hen stand in the pit, which eliminates bending over to catch each bird. This method has demonstrated benefits to both the bird and the catcher in reducing physical stress and possible trauma. One catcher is positioned on each side of the stationary "insemination chair" which has leg restraints for the bird and a comfortable, secure support for the inseminator to insert the insemination straw into the oviduct of each hen. Although other systems are available, we recommend he pit system with the restraining chair which minimizes handling stress on the hen due to insemination and makes work less strenuous for the AI crew. It is also a proven method for achieving excellent fertility.

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Table 6. Four Sample Programs Used Commercially in North America

Program A

Program B

Program C

Program D

3 In 7 days

3 in 10 days

3 in 7 days

3 in 10 days

7 days

Ratio of Semen/Extender

50:50 >14 wks - 70:30

50:50

60:40 >16 wks - 65:35

Sperm cells/shot - 1st 3 AI's

280 million (M)

325 million (M)

300 million (M)

380 million (M)

Sperm cells/shot - After 4th AI

< 14 wks : 250 M > 14 wks : 280 M

< 10 wks : 250 M >10 wks : 280 M >20 wks : 325 M

< 10 wks : 280 M >11 wks : 300 M

< 16 wks : 325 M >16 wks : 350 M

Initial Insemination Interval Subsequent Insemination Interval

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X. Egg Handling and Sanitation AI Schedules Sperm dosage per hen can vary from as little as 150 million cells up to greater than 400 million. Some breeds require more cells than others to achieve expected results. Less than 2% of the semen placed in the oviduct at the time of insemination will actually become sequestered in the sperm storage tubules. There are two storage sites within the oviduct once semen has been deposited in the vagina of the hen. Most of the spermatozoa will immediately swim to the utero-vaginal site, some will continue up the oviduct to the upper infundibular storage sites where they can be released upon ovulation. It has been determined that sperm cells can remain viable within these sperm storage sites in the reproductive tract of the turkey hen for greater than 50 days. To assure and maintain high levels of fertility, hens should be inseminated 3 times in the first 7 to 10 days after the first AI. Thereafter, most companies will inseminate once weekly. Some companies have successfully lengthened this interval to 10 days with no decrease in fertility and have been able to save on insemination costs while utilizing superior sires to a larger degree. Determining Sperm Cell Volume Per Hen To determine the number of sperm cells inseminated per hen, the following mathematical process is followed: Example: 1cc of good quality semen contains approximately 5-10 billion sperm cells. For this example, assume that:  1cc of semen contains 7 billion sperm cells  One part of semen extender to two parts of semen is used  22 hens per 1cc of extended semen are inseminated

Therefore:  1cc of extended semen contains 2/3 x 7 billion = 4.67 billion sperm cells (diluted by extender)  Total sperm cell count per cc would then be 4.67 billion cells / 22 hens inseminated per cc = 212 million cells per hen. Collection Frequency Collect eggs hourly or at least 7 times per day. During the first 2 weeks of production, when hens first begin to show signs of broodiness start pushing hens off all nests each time eggs are collected and continue this practice until the end of lay. During peak egg production, more frequent collection may be required. This helps to avoid egg breakage, allowing more of the hens to access the nests, as well as discouraging broody behavior. When collecting an egg from a nest, ensure that the egg is taken from the nest before pushing the hen off the nest. This minimizes the chance of the hen accidentally kicking and breaking the egg on her way out. Remember that an egg in a nest is more likely to be broken if a second hen enters the nest to lay her egg. Always collect nest eggs first, then broody pen and floor eggs and keep nest eggs separate. This helps to minimize the transfer of micro-organisms from dirty to clean eggs. Egg Sorting An initial sorting of eggs should be done at the time of egg collection. Clean settable eggs should be placed on clean egg flats as one group. Unsettable eggs should be placed in a separate group. This avoids contamination of clean eggs by dirty eggs and also eliminates the need to handle eggs again in the egg room prior to sanitation. All eggs should be removed from the breeder barn. Unsettable eggs should never be thrown into the breeder pens as this encourages hens to eat eggs. Eating broken, contaminated eggs can spread disease within a flock (i.e. certain salmonellas).

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Egg numbers should be recorded after each collection. Unusual fluctuations in egg production and egg quality are often warnings of impending disease or certain management problems. Note: Other signs of disease or management problems would include abnormal feed or water consumption and unusual bird behavior. Settable Eggs Settable eggs are normal shaped, clean, non-cracked eggs. We recommend a minimum weight of 70 to 72 grams per egg (30 oz. /dozen) for Hybrid’s large white strains and 68 grams per egg (29 oz. /dozen) for Hybrid’s medium and heavy medium strains. Cull Eggs Hybrid recommends that cull eggs be sorted and recorded according to the type of abnormality. Cull eggs should be counted and recorded as to the type: cracked, punctured, broken, dirty, stained, soft-shelled, double yolk, misshapen, small, chalky, or pimpled. This information can be used to identify the reason for an excessive cull rate. Cracked and dirty eggs can be kept to a minimum by good management practices. Improper insemination techniques, unbalanced nutrition and certain disease conditions may also cause some egg defects. Egg Sanitizing Egg sanitation will significantly reduce the number of micro-organisms on the shell of hatching eggs. Settable eggs should be sanitized immediately or as soon as possible after being laid. Sanitation can be accomplished by either fumigation or the spray application of a sanitizing solution. Contact the Hybrid Turkeys office for more information on egg sanitizing.

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Care must be taken not to re-contaminate the eggs after sanitation. Once eggs are sanitized, they must be considered the cleanest item on the farm. Egg Storage (on farm) Egg handling rooms should be washed and disinfected daily. Egg coolers or storage rooms should be cleaned and sanitized following the shipment of eggs to the hatchery when the entire area is empty. Maintaining a uniform, consistent temperature and humidity within the egg storage room requires adequate equipment such as circulation fans, cooling/heating and humidifiers. Hybrid recommends that eggs be held at 15°C (60°F) if eggs are to be held for less than 8 days. If eggs must be stored longer than one week, the temperature should be decreased to 13°C (55°F). The egg storage room should always have a relative humidity of 65% to 85%. Incubation and Hatching With many kinds of hatchery equipment available to the industry, it is unrealistic to recommend a standard format for hatching fertile eggs. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific equipment. It is important that hatchery personnel consider the following factors which can affect incubation time requirements:  Variations between strains  Age of the breeder flock in lay  Age of the egg  Altitude Extra efforts should be taken NOT to overheat poults in the hatching machines. Overheating has been shown to cause many problems like: dehydration, poults that flip over, round heart, pendulous crops, starve outs, and high early mortality.

Disclaimer The Hybrid management guide is intended as a reference and supplement to your own flock management skills so that you can apply your knowledge and judgment to obtain consistently good results with all Hybrid products. This guide focuses on critical management practices, which if overlooked, may result in suboptimal flock performance. Recommendations given in this Management Guide are based on published scientific research, Hybrid research trials, and the many years of practical, collective experience of our technical service team in managing Hybrid breeding stock. While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the recommendations provided, Hybrid Turkeys accepts no liability for the consequences of implementing these recommendations.

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