Dr. Jessica Wells

Windrow composting broiler litter between flocks has become an accepted and increasingly popular method for reducing the microbial loads in broiler houses. Integrators and growers have discovered that windrowing litter can improve bird performance and reduce the likelihood of disease spread when a total cleanout is not undertaken. In many broiler complexes today, a total cleanout may occur only every several years.

The light emitting diode (LED) bulb is an energy-saving alternative to other light sources commonly used in poultry production. Over the past five years, the development and refinement of LED technology to meet the lighting needs of the poultry industry has been a remarkable feat. There is enough data available now that the poultry industry is embracing LED technology and the energy savings it offers poultry producers.

The proper diagnosis of poultry diseases depends on three important factors:

1. identification of vital organs and body structure
2. knowledge of disease symptoms and lesions
3. a systematic plan for examining the bird’s body

This publication outlines a plan for examining sick birds. Become familiar with the normal appearance of birds and their organs by following the procedure outlined here on one or more healthy birds. Examining a healthy bird can help you learn what to look for in sick birds.

The cyclic up-and-down temperatures associated with spring and fall are challenging for Mississippi poultry growers. Nighttime temperatures in the 35–40 °F range mean winter isn’t over just yet, but afternoon temperatures near

70–75 °F indicate that summer is fast approaching. These wide temperature swings require growers to stay alert to rapidly changing conditions, and make managing the broiler house ventilation system more challenging.

Broiler breeder genetics are constantly changing as the poultry industry continues to shift more to processed items to meet increasing consumer demands for these products. Strains with the potential for high breast-meat yield in a feed-efficient manner now have the majority of the U.S. market. Genetic improvement over the past 50 years has been nothing short of remarkable.

Naturally occurring hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are essential for various physiological processes in humans and animals. Throughout history, these naturally occurring hormones have been making their way into the environment, posing the risk of contamination.

Moisture is the key factor influencing litter quality in broiler houses. The higher the moisture level, the longer bacteria are able to survive in the litter. For example, in dry litter, bacteria may survive only a few hours or days, while in wet litter, survival may extend up to several weeks. Therefore, it is important to establish proper management strategies in order to properly control litter moisture.

Poultry is the largest agricultural commodity in Mississippi and has ranked number one in farm-gate value for the past 13 years. More than 10 percent of the poultry supply in the nation is the result of Mississippi production. The state has approximately 2,000 poultry growers. However, not all these growers have understanding neighbors.

Water is the most important nutrient for the overall health and performance of commercial broilers. It plays an essential role in every aspect of metabolism and is critical to the regulation of the bird’s body temperature, food digestion, and waste elimination. By weight, broilers consume almost twice as much water as feed. During its lifetime, a 5-pound broiler will consume about 18 pounds of water, compared to approximately 10 pounds of feed (Lacy, 2002).

When summer begins to wind down, Mississippi poultry growers should prepare their houses for the cooler weather ahead. Gas prices continue to increase, and growers must get the most out of every dollar spent on fuel. This means houses and equipment must be at peak performance.

Routine maintenance is critical to keeping houses operating efficiently. Poultry houses and the equipment inside have to last for many years. This will only happen if the houses and equipment are well taken care of with regular maintenance.