Maximising Productivity and Eliminating Campylobacter in Broilers by Manipulating Stocking Density and Population Structure Using ‘Biosecurity Cubes’

• DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040492
• Publication Date: 2021-04-19T15:21:38Z
• Authors: Genevieve Greene; Leonard Koolman; Paul Whyte; Helen Lynch; Aidan Coffey; Brigid Lucey; John Egan; Lisa O’Connor; Declan Bolton
• Keywords: Flock; Biosecurity; Population density

This study investigates the effect of stocking density and population dynamics on broiler growth rates productivity, while further validating ability biosecurity cubes (BC) to protect birds from Campylobacter. In our methodology, six BC were constructed in a commercial house containing approximately 28,500 birds. During three trials, stocked at densities 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 22 birds/m2, with main flock (20 birds/m2) considered control. Periodically, 10 per weighed examined. The Campylobacter status was monitored via faecal samples using ISO 10272: 2017. for maximum calculated yield (trials 1 2) or birds/m2 (trial 3), followed by 14 12. At rate pen grew faster than those same achieving 2 Kg 3–6 days faster. Birds observed be generally healthier, some cases, remained negative, even after infected. Our results conclude that dividing into sub-flocks could increase productivity up 20%, preventing