The Ross 708 parent stock female was first introduced in North America in 2001. Since then, popularity of the Ross 708 has grown rapidly worldwide and much has been learned about the performance potential of this bird and how best to achieve it.
Chick numbers are most often reduced during the period between 40 to 60 weeks of age because of poor persistency in both egg production and hatchability.
A hatchery which is sited at high altitude (1500 meters (4921 feet) or more above sea level) faces some particular challenges; slower embryo growth, longer incubation periods and lower hatchability have to be expected.
A healthy gut is essential for the efficient conversion of feed into its basic components for optimal nutrient absorption.
Energy is often considered the “Fuel of Life”. Primarily it is needed for maintaining basic metabolism (maintenance energy). This article is an attempt to provide a flock manager with some tools to use when making decisions on feeding energy to a breeder flock.
One of the most challenging aspects of managing any generation of birds is that of environmental control in open-sided houses.
This is a short technical article written by Dr Marcelo Silva. The article discusses the need for a holistic strategy for feeding the modern broiler breeder in order to maximize their reproductive potential
One of the most difficult tasks of hatching egg producers is to produce optimum egg weights in early production while controlling late egg size in older flocks.
When discussing female feathering, whether development during the rearing phase or maintenance and re-growth during the production phase, one of the most important points to bear in mind is that there are no quick and simple solutions to change feather condition
Achieving the optimal uniformity of parent stock using a well-managed floor feeding system can be accomplished by following management techniques such as maintaining correct litter depth and quality
A good vaccination program, along with proper flock management and biosecurity, plays a key role in the health and productivity of broiler breeders.
This is an update of an article originally written in 2015 which discusses the benefits and disadvantages of alternative feed ingredients. During periods of limited supply or volatile ingredient markets,
Ascites is a multi-factorial syndrome caused by interactions between physiological, environmental and management factors. Its presence in a broiler flock will have a significant effect on the biological and economical performance of the flock.
Traditionally, it has been assumed that using long daylengths for broilers will maximize growth rate. However, recent research examining the relationship between daylength and a range of characteristics in commercial broilers has shown that this is not always correct.
This article has been written specifically for poultry producers in Latin America. However, the recommendations given are expected to be useful and informative for other world regions. The aim of this article is to provide information on areas for consideration/action
Improvements in post-brooding management that produce even small gains in performance can be financially beneficial. Management strategies should allow deviations from ‘normal’ performance to be rapidly detected and corrected. Post-brooding, correct management
Pre-processing handling, the management of birds during the last 24 hours prior to slaughter, is a vital step in preparing for broiler meat processing. In this final stage of the broiler management cycle, the procedures put in place (feed withdrawal, catching, transportatio…
A healthy gut is essential for the efficient conversion of feed into its basic components for optimal nutrient absorption. If gut health is compromised, digestion and nutrient absorption will be affected, and bird performance and welfare will be compromised.
This document provides information on alternative raw ingredients that could be used during periods of market volatility to provide economic benefits, giving information on both their potential opportunities and potential limitations to maximize productive response.