A new system for broiler flock-health monitoring

Abstract

Flock-health monitoring is important to optimize production efficiency, detect subclinical problems, acquire data to make valid comparisons of production practices and identify future directions of research. A flock-health monitoring system was initiated in 1982 with the cooperation of the poultry industry in Mississippi. It has evolved over time and now consists of: (a) regular, representative live-bird sampling, necropsy and scoring of gross observations; (b) a computer program for data storage and summary; (c) regular periodic preparation and distribution of reports to the industry. Of the 13 broiler-production complexes in Mississippi, nine participate in the system. From each participating flock, representative samples were taken twice (2 weeks apart) of birds between the ages of 11 and 40 days. Five body systems receive particular attention: integumentary, skeletal, respiratory, hemolymphatic and gastrointestinal. Fifteen observations are scored. The scores, weight, sex and origin of the birds are entered into a lap-top computer in the necropsy room for later transfer to a microcomputer for storage and summarization. Flock-health monitoring can be of great value to the industry and to regulatory agencies. It is used by the poultry industry to optimize its vaccination, parasite control (e.g. coccidiosis), management and nutrition programs. For example, high gizzard scores alerted one company to a flock-health problem. Reducing the level of copper sulfate in the feed reduced the gizzard scores and eliminated the problem. Thus, flock-health monitoring programs emphasize health rather than overt disease. We believe this is the future for preventive veterinary medicine.