NUTRITION
The importance of feeding time observation Achieving proper bodyweight, flock uniformity, and sexual maturity at light stimulation are some of the biggest management challenges for broiler breeder farms.
Today’s breeder pullets are growing faster with 6% less feed than 20 years ago. Feed management is a greater challenge today due to fast feed consumption, a result of selecting for appetite traits and reduced feed amounts for a more efficient feed conversion. Feeding pullets during rearing, above all other management factors, is crucial to ensure the birds consistently gain weight and achieve good uniformity to obtain high lifetime productivity with proper health and welfare. Kanjana Klomhadyay Technical Service Specialist Cobb-Vantress, Asia
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Typically, broiler breeders are given daily feed allotments. Feed management requires consistent monitoring and managing. To ensure feeding is done correctly, observation
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during feeding time becomes very important. Monitor if birds have fair competition and are receiving equal feed portions. Feed time observations can identify management issues, which can be corrected before they become bigger problems. There are several essential factors to observe when visiting the breeder house during feeding.
1. Bird behavior during feed presentation How the farm crew manages feed presentation and trains the flock can explain flock feeding behavior. Flock behavior observa-
