MANAGEMENT ▶▶▶
Factors affecting feather cover
BY SALAH ESMAIL P
erformance issues become more pronounced with poor feather cover on the neck and back since these parts are more exposed to the environment com- pared to the breast or the legs (Table 1). It was sug-
gested that feather pecking was the prime cause of plumage damage, but is usually less severe in other production sys- tems, which means that other factors must be involved. The following is a review of the key factors affecting feather cover along with the strategies to be employed for alleviating the feather problems.
Management factors For broiler chickens, proper house temperature should be carefully monitored all over the production cycle in order to avoid production problems and negative behaviour which consequently affect feather growth and quality. For laying hens, the temperature of 20°C should be maintained from 4 weeks of age (28 days) onward. Adequate ventilation plays a key role in feather condition. Maintaining the correct amount of ventilation will help to control house relative humidity levels and ensure the air is warmed before reaching the litter. This will allow any excess moisture to be evaporated away, and keep the litter dry and friable. Correct ventilation will also help CO2
levels to be maintained at less than 3000 ppm and NH3 levels at less than
10 ppm. This is important because good quality litter and en- vironmental conditions can encourage preening, and in turn, the maintenance of feathers. For broiler chickens, stocking density must be 25 kg/m2 lower for major production and welfare problems to be
or
Table 1: Effects of feather cover on feed intake, egg production, and feed per dozen of eggs.
Feed intake (g/bird/day) 115.4 Egg production (%)
37.4
Kg of feed/dozen of eggs 4.0 Source: P.C. Glatz, 2001.
Good feather cover Poor feather cover 133.4 34.6 5.1
A good feather cover of the bird is essential for health and performance. Feather loss results in increased heat loss and hence increased feed costs due to the increased feed intake, poor feed efficiency, and low egg production. Poultry World looks at the factors involved.
avoided. Above 30 kg/m2 , even with very good environmental
control systems, there is a steep rise in the frequency of seri- ous problems. The high stocking density increases the degree of litter caking, and hence reduces the chance for dust bathing behaviour which allows birds to keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. This is one of the reasons why plumage con- dition is poor in high-stocking densities where plumage becomes dirty and feather quality deteriorates. Lighting must also be taken into consideration. The use of red lights for a short period immediately following transfer into the production house will help to keep the birds calm and re- duce the incidence of feather pecking. After this, it is best to use a light intensity between 30-60 lux, as light intensities of more than 100 lux will increase the risk of feather pecking. The optimal light spectrum would be one which utilises warm white light or daylight with a frequency greater than 160 Hz.
Proper manage- ment of house temperature, ventilation, light- ing, stocking density, and litter material are es- sential for pre- venting feather wear and main- taining feather quality.
▶ POULTRY WORLD | No. 1, 2019
37
PHOTO: HANS PRINSEN
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