13 Important Tips for Good Feed and Water Management in Poultry Farming
To be very successful in poultry farming requires your ability to be able to manage properly both feed and water in a manner that will be highly beneficial to your birds.
And at the same time economically rewarding to you as the farmer. Having enough feed and water available on your farm itself is good but not a prerequisite for direct success.
The ability of the poultry farmer to be able to harness properly feed and water to present to his flock at the right time, in the right quantity in a hygienic and accessible manner, in a way that the poultry birds will be able to utilize it for optimal performance, is what will stand him out from the rest of the poultry farmers.
A good poultry farmer must realize that poultry birds need enough clean water daily for osmoregulation and to properly aid the digestion of feed for optimal performance.
The poultry farmer should strive to present the feed and water in a way and manner that will prevent wastage, discourage the proliferation of bacteria-causing diseases, prevent poor feed/water intake, etc.
Your poultry birds should be able to access feed and water without stress
Your birds should be able to have unhindered access to feed with minimal break periods to allow for proper resting, and digestion and to improve the bird’s appetite.
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The following tips will help the poultry farmer achieve good feed and water management in poultry farming:
- The farmer should endeavor to provide enough feeders widely distributed across the house to enhance equal feed intake for all birds
- Monitor for uneven feed distribution, which can result in lower performance and increased scratching damage associated with competition at feeders
- Verandah should be constructed to reduce the intensity of the sun, especially in hot tropical regions of the world, heat stress and heat stroke are major limiting factors when it comes to proper feed intake.
- Feeders should be periodically inspected for damage and leakages to avoid wastage and soiling.
- Before you stuck in a new batch of poultry birds, one of the first factors you should consider is the source of your water i.e. well water, tap water, borehole water, or rainwater regardless of the source analysis should be made to ensure that it is healthy, clean and consistent throughout the rearing period.
- One of the best ways to reduce poor feed intake, heat stress, heat stroke, and poor digestion is to provide adequate clean, fresh water at different locations in your poultry house for your birds.
- Distribute water widely within the house to minimize crowding. Unlike other lighter birds, broilers will drink better when water is in close proximity, especially as they mature and gain more weight.
- Adjust feeder line height to minimize spillage and optimize access. Adjust feeder height so that the birds’ backs are level with the base of the feeder as they grow.
- For good feed and water management in poultry always allow birds to clear feeders daily to reduce waste and improve feed efficiency. Monitor carefully so that feeders can be quickly refilled after the clearing.
- Adjust drinker line height to below enough for birds to reach, yet high enough to minimize wet litter that provides a good breeding ground for bacteria.
- Maintain line pressure high enough to provide water to all drinking stations, yet low enough to minimize leakage.
- Periodically employ the services of a good plumber to check water lines for high/low areas, which can lead to airlocks and inconsistent drinking opportunities. And to inspect clogged water filters which can decrease water pressure. Also, check the pipelines for any blockage.
- Your baby chicks can be assisted to start drinking water right away by providing manual drinkers and feeders, while the automated drinkers i.e. nipple and bell drinkers are been introduced to them gradually.
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Have a good maintenance regime in place in order to enhance good feed and water management in poultry farming
Prevention is always better than cure, checking on your poultry equipment daily will go a long way in ensuring that your birds are kept in a good healthy condition.
- For good feed and water management in poultry routinely inspect your poultry house i.e. check the poultry equipment such as the feeders, drinkers, water lines, overhead water tank, and the feed storage facilities for damage and warned of parts.
- Have spare parts available in your store in case of immediate replacements.
- Between flocks, flush the entire water system and completely clean the feeding system with an antiseptic.
- Learn simple repairs and maintenance tactics to avoid damage and disaster before the arrival of an expert.
