How to manage a chicken flock during a disease outbreak? A summary of practical poultry-raising experience
After a disease outbreak in a chicken flock, it is essential to promptly take measures such as isolation, culling, or medication. However, because an outbreak also causes physiological dysfunction, the flock's ability to adapt to the environment and its nutrient requirements both change. If at this time you support the treatment by strengthening feeding management, you will achieve twice the result with half the effort.
1. Feed. After a disease outbreak, chickens often have an elevated body temperature and disordered metabolism, which requires that the nutrients and their levels in the feed, and even the feeding method, be more scientific. First, according to the degree of reduction in feed intake of the flock, raise the energy level of the feed to 1.1-1.2 times the normal level. Second, increase the content of vitamin A and B-group vitamins in the feed to 2-3 times the normal level, increase the content of vitamin E to 5-10 times the normal level, and at the same time add an appropriate amount of vitamin C and vitamin D3 to the feed of sick chickens. Third, appropriately reduce the fat content in the feed. Fourth, increase the number of feed troughs and water troughs and the number of feeding times. If possible, the feed ingredients can be processed into pelleted feed or the feed can be moistened and then fed, to stimulate the chickens to eat. Fifth, keep the feed clean and hygienic to prevent mildew.
2. Drinking water. During a disease outbreak in a chicken flock, a normal supply of drinking water must be ensured, and the water in the drinkers must be sufficient and clean. If medication is to be administered in the drinking water, first put in drugs that are easily soluble in water and stir them thoroughly; second, calculate the dosage according to the actual drinking water volume of the chickens, to ensure that the drug is completely consumed by the flock within its effective period. Generally, water should not be withheld before medication.
3. Management. During a disease outbreak in a chicken flock, the ventilation volume of the chicken house should be increased to keep the air fresh. But in winter, attention should be paid to keeping the chicken house warm and preventing drafts and cold wind from directly striking the chickens; in summer, measures should be taken to lower the temperature of the chicken house to prevent heat stress. When a respiratory disease occurs in the flock, do not carry out aerosol immunization or live-chicken disinfection.