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Factors associated with mortality in Norwegian broiler flocks
B T Heier1, H R Høgåsen, J Jarp
1Department of Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway. berit.heier@vetinst.no
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
|February 1, 2002
Summary
Farm management and housing factors significantly impact broiler flock mortality. Optimizing ventilation, heating, and stocking density can reduce losses, but effective strategies vary by production stage.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Husbandry
- Veterinary Epidemiology
Background:
- Broiler mortality represents significant economic losses in the poultry industry.
- Understanding factors influencing mortality is crucial for improving flock health and farm profitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify farm- and flock-level factors associated with cumulative mortality in broiler flocks.
- To analyze mortality during the first week post-housing and the subsequent growout period (weeks 2-5).
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study using production database records from 1996-1999.
- Inclusion of 1664 broiler flocks across 132 farms.
- Least-squares regression modeling to identify significant factors.
Main Results:
- First week mortality associated with study year, flock size, stocking density, feeding underlay, and interactions of ventilation, drinking systems, and insulation.
- Second to fifth week mortality linked to broiler house age, heating, and air intake control, with interactions with house age.
- Significant differences in mortality observed between flocks from different hatcheries.
Conclusions:
- Adjustments in housing factors and management routines can mitigate broiler mortality.
- The effectiveness of these interventions is production-stage dependent.
- Hatchery origin is a significant factor influencing flock mortality rates.