BONUS SPRING SUMMER 2025

Antibiotic-free broiler production in South Africa: challenges and strategies Leon Mmokela Mashiane – Technical Advisor: Poultry Winter presents significant challenges for small-scale broiler farmers in South Africa, as cold stress can harmbroiler health and productivity, leading to slower growth, poorer feed efficiency, and higher mortality. As a result, many farmers halt production to avoid losses, impacting their annual income. Small-scale and subsistence farms face unique challenges due to reliance on manual management, while larger farms benefit fromautomation. Effective winter management in open- sided houses requires careful control of environmental conditions to support optimal growth and health. This article outlines key considerations for successfully growing broilers in colder months, including maintaining the correct temperature, observing chicken behaviour, and controlling air quality. Cold stress in broilers Cold stress in broilers is closely linked to several health and management challenges, including coccidiosis, wet litter, water belly (ascites), and poor air quality, creating a cycle that can significantly impact flock health and productivity. Cold-stressed broilers tend to huddle together to conserve body heat, leading to uneven distribution of body heat within the flock. This behaviour can cause some areas of the poultry house to become excessively damp, contributing to wet litter conditions. Wet litter is a breeding ground for pathogens, particularly the protozoa that cause coccidiosis, a common and debilitating intestinal disease in broilers. Spring/Summer 2025 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 2