Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.1.13

Evaluation of zootechnical and sanitary performances of broiler chickens in semi-arid conditions

Amina Hachemi ; HASAQ Laboratory, Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria
Nassima Ait Issad ; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Saad Dahleb, Blida 1, Algeria
Mohamed Yassine Azzouz ; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria
Djamel Khelef ; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria
Rachid Kaidi ; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria
Nora Mimoune ; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine zootechnical performance on a poultry farm located in a semi-arid zone in Algeria and to evaluate the level of breeding management. Over 64 weeks, a flock of 583 males and 5026 female reproducers was monitored. Zootechnical and sanitary parameters were recorded regularly (building, equipment, environmental conditions, production, harvest and storage of eggs, mortality rate). The results obtained showed that temperature, humidity and light intensity were unstable and difficult to control. The breeding farm did not offer granulated feed while nutritional supplements and preventive treatments were administered systematically between the 19th and 30th weeks. Antiparasitic treatments were limited to prevention only, this condition was aggravated by the danger linked to rodent movements among livestock. For reproduction management, the sex ratio was respected at the start, and was maintained during the production phase. The average mortality rate during the production phase was higher in males (42.92%) than females (8.84%). Laying performance was generally within standards (the start of laying was around the 24th week with a later peak around the 29th week). An acceptable level of livestock management and production was found, in compliance with standards. Given the problems reported during monitoring, we recommend the organisation of training days for all livestock staff.

Keywords

hens; reproducers; zootechnical; sanitary; performance

Hrčak ID:

317702

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/317702

Publication date:

11.6.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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