SUMMER MANAGEMENTOBJECTIVE:

This procedure explains the steps to be initiated for reducing the heat stress of the birds in summer.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON BIRDS:

55 ˚ - 75 ˚ F ( 12.7 ˚ - 23.8 ˚C)

Thermal neutral zone. The temperature range in which the bird does not need to alter its basic metabolic rate or behavior to maintain its body temperature.

65 ˚ - 75 ˚ F ( 18.3 ˚ - 23.8 ˚C)

Ideal temperature range

75 ˚ - 85 ˚ F ( 23.8 ˚ - 29.4 ˚C)

A slight reduction in feed consumption can be expected.

85 ˚ - 90 ˚ F ( 29.4 ˚ - 32.2 ˚C)

Feed consumption falls further. Weight gains are lower, production may be reduce, mortality occur in heavy birds. Cooling procedures should be started before this temperature range is reached.

90 ˚ - 95 ˚ F ( 32.2 ˚ - 35.0 ˚C)

Feed consumption continues to drop. At these temperatures, cooling procedures must be carries out.

95 ˚ - 100 ˚ F ( 35.0 ˚ - 37.7 ˚C)

Feed consumption is severely reduced and mortality will increase in heavy birds. Water consumption is very high. Emergency measures may be needed.

Above 100 ˚ F ( Above 37.7˚C)

Emergency measures are needed to cool birds. Mortality will increase in heavy birds.

MANAGEMENT OF HEAT STRESS:

1 Shed roof management:

* Covering the roof of the shed with agro waste for 3 inches thickness which will help to insulate the heat in to the shed

* White washing the roof tiles will help to reduce heat around 9˚F inside the shed.

*Fixing of sprinkler on roof top.

2) Inside shed management:

* Wetting of gunny cloth side curtains

* Fitting foggers inside the house.

3) Green vegetation around the shed:

* Shade giving trees at distance of 30 feet without obstructing airflow in the house. It will reduce shed temperature around 5˚F

* Allow the grass to grow outside the shed up to 6 inches height to reduce the heat radiation.

4) Pedastrial fan installation:

* Switch “ON “the fans when temperature increases or any abnormal behavior such as panting is found in the birds.

5) Aerial spray:

* Do aerial spray inside the shed with disinfected water.

* Fogging spray to maintain the coolness inside the shed. Cleaned & sanitized water is only recommended for fogger water spray.

6) Feed management:

* Change the feed type from mash to pellet.

* Start feeding early in the morning i.e. 3.30 am (cooling hour of the day)

7) Water management:

* Avoid tank water getting heated by direct sunlight during summer.

* To allow the cool water in the pipeline, clean the drinkers flush out the water from pipeline frequently in the nipple system.

* Adjust the nipple line height & monitor all the birds are drinking water comfortably. Also maintain the drinker height at the level equal to the backside height of the bird. Provide extra drinkers to motivate the birds to drink more water. Walk gently inside the shed to disturb the bird, it will motivate birds to drink water.

8) Egg collection:

* Increase the frequency of egg collection more than 8 times in a day and transfer the hatching eggs as early as possible to cool room i.e. with 30 minutes.

ACTIVITIES:

* Stress activities such as grading, vaccination, deworming has to be carried out in the cool hours only.

* Do not open cool room door frequently. Use only the window gate for transferring the hatching eggs.

* Cool room temperature should be maintained between 60˚F - 62˚F and RH % between 70% - 75%. Hand spray disinfected water inside the cool room to maintain the required RH% and temperature.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION:

* Carryout AI during the cool hour (Around /after 4.30 pm)

* Hold the funnel with wet cotton in the hand after semen collection and inject it within 5 minutes.

TIPS TO CONTROL TEMPERATURE:

* Maintain sufficient summer medicine stock i.e. electrolyte, glucose, jiggery, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Vitamin B-complex in water.

* Keep one extra person inside the farm for managing foggers, fans and checking the water availability in nipple, tank etc.

* Maintain the sufficient no of spare fans, foggers, motors, MCBs to meet the emergency situation.