Chicken Farm Best Practices
eyond adhering to regulations, leading producers implement the following best practices to ensure the quality of their produce:
Choosing the Right Breed of Bird
Different breeds are suited to different climates and production systems, and choosing the right breed can significantly improve the quality of the meat and eggs produced. For example, free-range poultry farms often rear breeds well-suited to foraging and roaming outdoors, such as ducks and guinea fowl. For efficient broiler production, fast-growing breeds perform well in barn-raised and indoor environments.
Providing Enriched, Free-Range Environments
Cage-free, free-range, and mixed outdoor-indoor systems give birds more freedom to behave naturally, such as foraging, perching, dust bathing, and exploring vegetation. Providing birds with shelters to protect them from wind and rain is also essential.
Farmers should also regularly monitor and maintain optimal temperature, airflow, humidity, and air quality. These well-maintained environments improve bird welfare and produce top-quality meat.
Implementing Phase-Feeding Operations
Some farmers work closely with nutritionists to develop phase-specific diets to improve poultry welfare, meat quality, and growth efficiency. These diets are optimised for starter, grower, and finisher periods and include:
- Protein-fat energy balancing
- Amino acid fortification
- Enzymes for improved feed conversion
- Supplements to support gut integrity
Practising Humane Handling
Producers should train staff on proper catching, carrying, and crating methods to reduce stress during transport to processing facilities. Some farms use climate-controlled trailers with onboard watering systems and monitoring to ensure the birds’ comfort. At the processing facilities, controlled atmosphere stunning ensures the birds are insensible before slaughter.
Investing in Sustainable Farm Infrastructure
Many producers have adopted renewable solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems. They are also upgrading equipment for better efficiency, reusing water through rainwater catchment, and composting litter and feathers. Biodigesters are also used to turn waste into power and heat. These practices help reduce environmental footprints while lowering costs and overheads.
Maintaining Biosecurity
Maintaining a high level of biosecurity is crucial for protecting birds from disease outbreaks. This involves measures like:
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting sheds
- Controlling access to the farm
- Training personnel
- Using appropriate vaccination protocols
- Conducting routine health testing
A strong biosecurity programme ensures a healthy flock and minimises the risk of production disruptions.
