The reasons for the increase in mortality rate of broiler chickens in summer are multifaceted, mainly including environmental factors, improper feeding and management, and the impact of diseases. The following is a detailed analysis of these reasons: 1. Environmental factors
1. High temperature and humidity: In summer, the weather is hot, and when the temperature exceeds 25 ℃, the feed intake and resistance of broiler chickens will decrease; When the temperature exceeds 30 ℃, broilers may experience heat stress, and the feed to meat ratio, incidence rate and mortality will increase significantly. The high temperature and high humidity environment is also conducive to the reproduction and growth of various pathogens, increasing the risk of disease in broiler chickens.
2. Poor ventilation: Poor ventilation in chicken coops can lead to air pollution, decreased oxygen levels, and increased concentrations of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, affecting the respiratory system and health of broiler chickens. 2、 Improper feeding and management
1. Excessive feeding density: Excessive feeding density can lead to difficulty in dissipating heat in the chicken coop, increase competition among chickens, affect the feeding and drinking habits of broiler chickens, and ultimately increase mortality rates.
2. Feed issues: Unbalanced nutrition, mold and spoilage, or contamination of feed can all affect the health of broiler chickens. Especially moldy feed, harmful substances such as aflatoxin can damage the liver and immune system of broiler chickens.
3. Insufficient or polluted water source: Clean and pollution-free cold water is crucial for the growth of broiler chickens. Short term dehydration can affect the growth of broiler chickens, while prolonged dehydration may lead to heatstroke and death in broiler chickens. If the water source is contaminated, it can also cause diseases. 3、 Disease impact
1. Sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens: This is one of the most serious diseases in the summer broiler farming process. The disease often occurs in broilers aged 14-21 days, with high incidence rate and mortality. There are no obvious symptoms before death, sudden onset of illness, loss of balance, supine or lying on the ground, flapping wings, muscle spasms, etc.
2. Heat stress: In high temperature environments, broiler chickens are prone to heat stress reactions, manifested as restlessness, muscle spasms, weakness, and other symptoms. Severe heat stress can lead to the death of broiler chickens.
3. Other diseases such as coccidiosis, colibacillosis, Newcastle disease, etc. are also common diseases in summer broiler chickens. These diseases will further increase the mortality rate of broiler chickens. Response measures
1. Strengthen ventilation and cooling: reduce the temperature of the chicken house by increasing the ventilation volume of the chicken house, using wet curtains, spray cooling, etc.
2. Reasonably adjust the feeding density: Adjust the feeding density according to the conditions of the chicken house and the growth stage of the broiler chickens to avoid excessive density.
3. Ensure the quality of feed and water sources: choose high-quality feed to avoid feeding moldy and spoiled feed; Ensure that the water source is clean and pollution-free, and regularly check whether the water line is leaking and clean.
4. Strengthening disease prevention and control: regular vaccination and drug prophylaxis; Strengthen the disinfection of chicken coops and feeding equipment; Timely detect and isolate sick chickens for treatment.
5. Adjust the dietary structure: During the high temperature season, appropriately reduce the protein content in the feed and increase the addition of anti stress substances such as vitamins; Change the feeding of chickens from daytime to nighttime to reduce the impact of heat stress.
The reasons for the increase in mortality rate of broiler chickens in summer are multifaceted, and farmers need to take comprehensive measures from environmental factors, feeding management, and disease prevention and control to cope with it.