Broiler chickens are playing a crucial role in meeting Bangladesh’s growing demand for animal protein. With the population increasing every year, the demand for poultry meat continues to rise, bringing economic opportunities for farmers while contributing significantly to national development. However, broiler farming also comes with certain risks that require careful management.
Farmers aim for rapid growth in broilers to maximize profitability within a short rearing cycle. To ensure this, experts recommend following specific strategies to help chickens gain healthy weight efficiently.
The first and foremost step is maintaining a clean farm environment. A hygienic farm reduces the risk of disease outbreaks and promotes faster physical growth in chickens. Before chicks are introduced to the brooding area, probiotic spray should be applied inside the chick guard about 45 minutes in advance. Additionally, drinking water containers should be placed at least 30 minutes before releasing the chicks into the brooder.
For effective broiler farming, chicks should weigh around 36 grams at one day of age and must be physically healthy. Proper ventilation and adequate natural light inside the poultry house are also essential to maintain a healthy growth environment.
Grading should be completed within the first 15 days of chick age to ensure uniform growth. Around day 18, farmers are advised to provide jaggery-mixed water to promote digestion and growth. After 20 days, flushing should be conducted to improve the birds’ metabolism.
By the 25th day, smaller and female chickens should be sold to maintain uniformity and space management within the flock. Temperature control during the brooding period is vital, and there should be at least a 15-day gap between two batches to prevent contamination and allow proper disinfection.
Timely vaccination is another key factor in preventing diseases and ensuring strong immunity. Farmers must also be careful to check the expiry dates of all medicines before use to avoid adverse effects.
These practical guidelines, sourced from Farms and Farmer, aim to help poultry farmers achieve healthier and faster-growing broilers. By adhering to these science-based techniques, farmers can improve productivity, reduce losses, and contribute to the country’s growing poultry sector sustainably.
