WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Table 1 (Ross Broiler Management Handbook, 2025) demonstrates the recommended temperature set points at different relative humidity increments and body weight. Air quality and ventilation are equally important. Proper ventilation ensures the removal of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and ammonia while maintaining adequate oxygen levels. It also helps distribute heat evenly throughout the house. However, ventilation must be carefully controlled to avoid drafts, as young chicks are highly sensitive to air movement. Poor air quality and ventilation can lead to respiratory problems, reduced growth, and increased mortality. Environmental stressors, including temperature fluctuations and inadequate ventilation, can have significant negative effects on chick welfare. Maintaining stable and optimal environmental conditions is therefore essential for supporting the health and performance of the flock. Figure 3 (Arbor Acres broiler management handbook, 2025) displays the visual behaviour of broiler chicks during specified environmental conditions. Lightingmanagement and behavioural development Lighting plays a vital role in regulating chick behaviour and promoting early development. During the first 24 hours after placement, continuous lighting is recommended to encourage chicks to locate feed and water. This initial period of constant light helps stimulate activity and ensures that chicks establish feeding and drinking patterns quickly. After the first day, a gradual introduction of darkness until you reach 4–6 hours of darkness by day seven is beneficial for improving feed efficiency and promoting normal behavioural patterns. Light intensity must also be carefully managed to ensure even distribution throughout the house. Uneven lighting can lead to clustering and uneven feed intake, which negatively affects flock uniformity. Avoid continuous extended dark hours; split the dark period into two sections within the 24 hours, for example, implementing 8 hours of darkness. Inappropriate lighting conditions can act as a stressor, disrupting feeding behaviour and sleep patterns. By implementing a well-structured lighting programme, producers can enhance both the welfare and productivity of broiler chicks. Stress management inmodern broiler production Modern broiler production systems expose chicks to a variety of stressors, including high stocking densities, environmental fluctuations, and handling during transport and placement. These stressors can weaken the immune system, reduce feed efficiency, and increase susceptibility to disease. Stress management is therefore an essential component of the Natural Power approach. By providing a stable and supportive environment, minimising handling, and ensuring consistent access to resources, producers can reduce stress levels and improve overall flock performance. Addressing stress during the early stages of life is particularly important, as its effects can persist throughout the production cycle. Conclusion The successful placement and brooding of broiler chicks require a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses all aspects of the production environment. The De Heus Natural Power concept provides a valuable framework for achieving this integration by combining nutrition, management, and health into a unified strategy. By focusing on key factors such as biosecurity, water and feed management, environmental control, and lighting, producers can create conditions that support optimal chick development and minimise stress. The brooding period represents a critical window of opportunity to influence the future performance of the flock, and careful attention to detail during this stage can yield significant long-term benefits. In conclusion, Natural Power is not merely a theoretical concept, but a practical approach that aligns all elements of broiler production to achieve healthier birds, improved efficiency, and sustainable outcomes. For more information, contact your local De Heus technical advisor – https://www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com Figure 3: Broiler chick behaviour under different environmental conditions (Arbor Acres, 2025)