REASONS YOU SHOULD NOT RAISE YOUR BROILERS BEYOND 7WEEKS
It is a common practice to see farmers raise large size broilers for the market.
While some assert that they cannot consume soft meat, others have their eyes on big returns adjudging that large birds attract better bargains.
From experience garnered on the field, and in the market, it is most preferred to raise table-sized broilers that do not exceed 7weeks.
1. The market may not always offer a commensurate price for your large and tough birds. It takes a much higher cost to produce broilers that are quite big and with tough muscles.
2. Inadvertent loss of any bird at this stage implies a huge loss.
3. Most poultry farmers are fixed on administering Newcastle disease vaccines only at the brooding phase. They ignore booster doses even in the face of risk and threats.
4. Farmers who keep broilers for more than 7 to 8weeks are often faced with the temptation to compromise nutrition, thereby at the risk of health challenges and declining weight gain.
5. Heat stroke is a major challenge to big broilers.
6. Skeletal issues due to the burden of weight are usually seen.
While it is your prerogative to raise whatever size of birds you so desire, it is important to analyse your options thoroughly.
With the production of good quality chicks and high-performing nutrition, it might not be necessary to keep meat birds beyond 7weeks.
Dr. Okwulu S.D
