Management Handbook - Aviagen

1 Management Handbook 2018 PARENTSTOCK022018 ROSS PS Management Handbook : This HandbookThe purpose of this Handbook is to help Aviagen customers to optimize the performance from their parent stock. It is not intended to provide definitive information on every aspect of parent stock Management , but to draw attention to important issues, which if overlooked or inadequately addressed, may depress flock performance. The Management techniques contained within this Handbook have the objectives of maintaining flock health and welfare, and achieving good flock performance.

2 IntroductionAviagen produces a range of genotypes suitable for different sectors of the broiler market. All Aviagen products are selected for a balanced range of parent stock and broiler characteristics. This variety allows our customers to choose the product that best meets the needs of their particular operation. As parent stock, all Ross genotypes are selected to produce the maximum number of vigorous day-old chicks by combining high egg numbers with good hatchability, fertility and welfare. This combination is achieved by mating together male lines that are bred in a balanced way with emphasis on fast growth, feed efficiency, and high meat yield, with females that are selected for the same health, welfare and broiler characteristics, and to lay high numbers of eggs.

3 This Handbook summarizes best practice parent stock Management for all Ross parent stock, taking into account the ongoing selection for improved broiler traits. Additional Management advice for specific Ross products can be found on the Aviagen most common Management strategy worldwide is for birds to receive first light stimulation after 21 weeks (147 days) of age and achieve 5% production at 25 weeks of age, as this gives distinct advantages in early egg size, chick numbers and broiler chick quality. However, poultry production is a global activity and across the world, differing Management strategies may need to be adapted for local conditions.

4 The information presented is a combination of data derived from internal research trials, published scientific knowledge, and the expertise, practical skills and experience of the Aviagen Technical Transfer and Technical Service teams. However, the guidance within this Handbook cannot wholly protect against performance variations that may occur for a wide variety of reasons. Aviagen therefore accepts no ultimate liability for the consequences of using this information to manage parent stock. Customer ServicesFor further information, please contact your local Ross representative or visit the website at Preface032018 ROSS PS Management Handbook : Using this HandbookFinding a TopicBlue tabs appear on the right-hand side of the Handbook .

5 These tabs allow readers immediate access to those sections and topics in which they are particularly Table of Contents gives the title and page number of each section and alphabetical Keyword Index is given at the end of the Points and Useful Information Look for this symbol to find Key Points that emphasize important aspects of husbandry and critical procedures. Supplements to this HandbookSupplements to this Handbook contain performance objectives that can be achieved with good Management , as well as nutritional, environmental and health control. Nutrition specifications are also available.

6 All Management information can be found online at , by contacting your local Ross representative, or by emailing for this symbol to find suggestions for further Useful Information on specific topics in this Handbook . These documents can be found in the Resource Center of the Aviagen website unless otherwise PS Management Handbook : Table of Contents7 Key Management Timetable10 StockmanshipSection 1 - Rearing (0-105 days/0-15 weeks)15 Management Requirements for Males and Females During Rear17 Chick Management30 Equipment and Facilities37 best Practice in the Absence of Beak Treatment38 Grading to Manage Uniformity39 General Procedures for Grading42 Flock Management After Grading (Post 28 Days)Section 2 - Management into Lay (15 Weeks to Peak Production)49 From 105 Days (15 Weeks)

7 To Light Stimulation49 Management Considerations60 Management of Females Post Light Stimulation Until 5% Production60 Management Considerations61 Floor Eggs62 Nest Box Set-up63 Management of Females from 5% Hen-day Production Until Peak Egg Production63 Management Considerations64 Feed Clean-up Trends65 Egg Weight and Feed Control67 Management of Males Post Light Stimulation Until Peak Egg Production67 Feeding Considerations68 Mating Ratio69 Over-matingSection 3 - Management in Lay (Peak to Depletion)71 Management of Females After Peak Production Through to Depletion71 Factors for Post-peak Management72 Procedures72 General guidelines for Post-peak Feed Reductions Based on Target Performance Characteristics76 Monitoring Post-peak Feed Reduction78 Post-peak Feed Reductions and Environmental Temperature79 Management of Males After Peak Production Through to Depletion79 ProceduresContents052018 ROSS PS Management Handbook .

8 Section 4 - Monitoring Broiler Breeder Growth81 Monitoring Broiler Breeder Growth81 Body-weight Weighing Methods83 Methodology for Sample WeighingSection 5 - Assessment of Bird Physical Condition89 Assessment of Bird Physical Condition89 Assessing Bird Condition90 Assessment of Male Condition97 Assessment of Female ConditionSection 6 - Care of Hatching Eggs on Farm101 Care of Hatching Eggs101 Why Do Hatching Eggs Need Care?102 The Egg's Protection System104 best Practice for Care of Hatching EggsSection 7 - Environmental Requirements109 Housing109 Farm Location and Design111 House Design113 Ventilation113 Air114 Housing and Ventilation Systems117 Minimum Ventilation124 Transitional Ventilation126 Tunnel Ventilation128 Evaporative Cooling Systems132 Light Baffles133 Lighting133 Lighting During Brooding133 Lighting Programs and Housing Type142 Wavelength (Light Color)

9 And Lamp TypeSection 8 - Nutrition143 Nutrition143 Broiler Breeder Nutrition143 Supply of Nutrients147 Feeding Programs and Diet Specifications149 Feed Manufacturing151 WaterContents062018 ROSS PS Management Handbook : Contents and IntroductionSection 9 - Health and Biosecurity153 Health and Biosecurity153 The Relationship Between Management , Disease Expression and Bird Welfare154 Hygiene Management159 Water Quality161 Dead Bird Disposal162 Health Management165 Health Monitoring ProgramsAppendices167 Appendix 1 - Records169 Appendix 2 - Useful Management Information171 Appendix 3 - Conversion Tables174 Appendix 4 - Grading Calculations178 Appendix 5 - Dew Point or Condensation Table181 Appendix 6 - Calculations for Ventilation Rates182 Appendix 7 - Troubleshooting - Vitamin Deficiency183 Appendix 8 - Nutrient Composition of Some Commonly Used Feed IngredientsKeyword Index184 Keyword Index072018 ROSS PS Management

10 Handbook : Key Management TimetableThe critical age objectives for parent stock are summarized in the table (days)ActionBefore chick deliveryAll housing and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected and effectiveness of biosecurity operations verified prior to chick the house. Temperature and relative humidity (RH) should be stabilized for at least 24 hours, prior to the chicks being delivered. House set-up should be completed prior to chick arrival. Litter should be evenly spread on the floor, that has been preheated to a temperature of 28-30 C (82-86 F). Litter temperature should also be 28-30 C (82-86 F).