WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Biosecurity as a foundation for health Biosecurity forms a critical component of the Natural Power framework, particularly within the health pillar. The preparation of the poultry house before chick placement plays a decisive role in preventing disease and ensuring a healthy start for the flock. Effective cleaning and disinfection procedures must be carried out thoroughly and systematically to remove organic matter and eliminate pathogens. The cleaning process involves both dry and wet cleaning stages, followed by the application of disinfectants. Organic material left in the house can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants, allowing harmful microorganisms to persist. In addition, a rest period between flocks is essential to break disease cycles and allow the environment to stabilise. Biosecurity also extends to personnel and equipment. Individuals handling chicks during placement must follow strict hygiene protocols, including wearing clean clothing and disinfected footwear, to prevent the introduction of pathogens. By maintaining high biosecurity standards, producers can significantly reduce disease challenges, thereby improving both animal welfare and production efficiency. Chick placement and the importance of a good start The placement of day-old chicks into the broiler house marks a critical transition from the controlled conditions of the hatchery to the farm environment. At this point, chicks must quickly adapt to their surroundings, locate feed and water, and begin developing their immune and digestive systems. The success of this transition is determined by how well the house has been prepared and how effectively management practices are implemented during the first few hours after placement. A commonly used indicator of successful brooding management is the body weight achieved at seven days of age. Ideally, chicks should reach approximately four times their initial body weight within this period. This reflects adequate feed and water intake, proper environmental conditions, and minimal stress. If chicks fail to reach this target, it often indicates underlying issues in pre-placement preparation or early management. Chicks are particularly vulnerable at placement because they are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively and rely heavily on external heat sources. In addition, their energy reserves are limited, making early access to feed and water essential. Stress experienced during this period may not immediately be visible, but can manifest later as poor growth, uneven flock development, and increased mortality. This highlights the importance of providing a well-prepared environment that supports rapid adaptation and minimises stress. Water management and its role in early growth Water is often overlooked in broiler production, yet it is the most important nutrient during the early stages of life. Chicks require immediate access to clean, cool, and fresh water upon placement, as this stimulates feed intake and supports metabolic processes. During the first week, water consumption is typically two to three times higher than feed intake, emphasising its importance in early growth. Effective water management involves ensuring that drinkers are correctly positioned and functioning properly. At placement, a small droplet of water can be visible at the end of each nipple drinker to attract chicks and encourage drinking. The height of the drinkers must be adjusted to match the chicks’ size, initially at eye level and gradually raised as they grow. Water pressure must also be carefully controlled to prevent both spillage and insufficient supply. Figure 1: Drinker height and water pressure management across broiler growth stages Figure 1 (Breeder Management Guide, Cobb) provides a guide on how the drinker height, along with the water pressure, should be managed during the life cycle of a broiler. www.agribonus.co.za Winter 2026 BONUS 77