Maximising Productivity and Eliminating Campylobacter in Broilers by Manipulating Stocking Density and Population Structure Using ‘Biosecurity Cubes’

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of stocking density and population dynamics on broiler growth rates and productivity, while further validating the ability of the biosecurity cubes (BC) to protect birds from Campylobacter. In our methodology, six BC were constructed in a commercial broiler house containing approximately 28,500 birds. During three trials, the BC were stocked at densities of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 birds/m2, with the main flock (20 birds/m2) considered the control. Periodically, 10 birds per density were weighed and examined. The Campylobacter status of the birds was monitored via faecal samples using the ISO 10272: 2017. The stocking density for maximum calculated yield was 20 (trials 1 and 2) or 22 birds/m2 (trial 3), followed by 18, 16, 14 and 12. At the stocking rate of 20 birds/m2, the birds in the pen grew faster than those at the same density in the main flock achieving 2 Kg 3–6 days faster. Birds in the BC were observed to be generally healthier, and in some cases, remained Campylobacter negative, even after the main flock was infected. Our results conclude that dividing the flock into sub-flocks of approximately 20 birds/m2 using BC could increase productivity up to 20%, while preventing Campylobacter.

Dietary Artemisia Ordosica Polysaccharide Enhances Spleen and Intestinal Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

“…Their immune and digestive systems are not completely developed during this period, and their disease susceptibility is high [4]. The high rearing densities used in the modern intensive poultry industry may increase the risk of the broilers' exposure to various environmental stressors and pathogenic organisms, resulting in reduced growth potential and increased infectivity or fatality case rates, which ultimately lower production yields and cause higher economic losses [5,6].…”