Management essentials of turkey breeders

management essentials

for Breeder Turkeys

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Biosecurity 2

SectionI: Brooding 4

Pre-placement 4

PlacementofPoults&DayOne 7

TroubleshootingPoultProblems 9

DayTwothroughSix 10

SectionII: WeightControlforHeavyStrains 12

SectionIII: Growing 14

SectionIV: Conditioning 16

SectionV: EggProduction 18

SectionVI: SemenProduction 21

SectionVII: Insemination 24

SectionVIII:BroodyControl 27

SectionIX: EggHandling 30

SectionX: VaccinationPrograms 32

SectionXI: Cleaning&Disinfection 35

Tables 38

Email:[email protected]

ForfurtherinformationonraisingNicholasturkeys,contact

yourlocaltechnicalservicerepresentativeoraNicholas

sales office.

NicholasTurkeys

31186MidlandTrail,East

Lewisburg,WV24901

USA

Tel: +13047932680

Fax:+13047932684

NicholasEurope

18BayviewRoad

AberdeenAB154EY

Scotland,UnitedKingdom

Tel: +44(0)1224322244

Fax:+44(0)5601130353

Introduction

NicholasTurkeysisaprimarybreedingcompanythat

developspedigreelinesofbirdsfortheglobalturkey

industry.Throughtheapplicationofadvancedtechnologies

anduniquesystemsinthebreedingprogram,Nicholasis

abletoutilizeabalancedapproachtogeneticprogress.

Thisallowsforcontinuousimprovementinbothreproductive

andcommercialtraitssuchaspoultproduction,liveweight,

feed efficiency, and meat yield, as well as welfare-related

traits such as fitness, cardiovascular health, and leg

strength.

Achievingthisincreasinggeneticpotentialdependson:

•Anappropriateenvironment,includingtemperatureand

airquality,whichmeetsthebirds’requirements.

•Adietaryregimethatprovidesnutrients,inbothfeedand

water, in an appropriate profile.

•Aneffectivebiosecurityanddiseasecontrolprogram.

Alloftheseareinterdependent.Ifanyoftheseelementsare

sub-optimal,performancewillsuffer.

TheaimofthisbookletistoassistproducersofNicholas

turkeystoachieveoptimumperformancefromtheirbirds.

Itdrawsattentiontoessentialmanagementissues,whichif

overlooked, may depress flock performance.

Informationpresentedinthisbookletcombinesthecollective

data derived from internal research trials, published scientific

knowledge,andtheexpertise,practicalskills,andexperience

oftheNicholastechnicalserviceteam.

Whileeveryattempthasbeenmadetoensuretheaccuracy

andrelevanceoftheinformationpresented,Nicholas

acceptsnoliabilityfortheconsequencesofusingthisturkey

managementinformation. 1

Biosecurity

Maintaining a healthy flock is a challenge in the best of

circumstances.Therearenumerouswaystointroduce

disease organisms into a flock as well as many diseases

whichaffectturkeys.Producersmusthaveastrictsetof

rulesdesignedtopreventpoultryfrombeingexposedto

infectious diseases. This is the very definition of biosecurity.

Aneffectivebiosecurityprogramrequiresidentifyingthe

mostlikelysourcesofdisease,andestablishingpractices

designedtosuppresstheintroductionandspreadofthese

pathogens into flocks.

Followingareafewimportanttipsformaintainingthistypeof

rigorousbiosecurityprogramatyourfacility.

•Educateyourstaff.Peoplecanbeoneofthemost

effectivevectorsofpoultrydisease.

•Avoidcontactwithbackyardchickens,waterfowl,quail,

wild turkeys, pheasants, companion birds, fighting

cockerels,andotherbirds.DONOTvisitlivebird

markets (flea markets) or people associated with them.

•Practiceanall-in/all-outpolicyforstockingfarmsif

possible.Iftheintroductionofnewbirdsinanexisting

flock is unavoidable, first seek information on the health

statusofthenewbirds.

•Monitormortalitycloselyandreportanysuspicionof

diseasetoproductionmanagersand/orcompanypoultry

veterinarians.

•Permitonlyessentialstaffandvehiclestoenterthe

farm.

• Keep vehicle traffic (egg and feed trucks and farm staff

transportation)toaminimum.

•Ensureanyvehiclethatmustenterafarmisclean.

2

Spraytireswithdisinfectantbeforeentrytothefarm.

Disinfect the floorboard if any occupant is allowed out of

thevehicleonthefarm.

•DONOTsharestaffbetweendifferentspeciesfarms

andpreferablynotevenbetweenpoultryfarmshousing

thesamespecies.

•Ensurethatallpersonnelandvisitorsenteringfarms

follow the specific sanitation procedures for that facility

(showers,changingintocleanfarmclothing,etc.)and

thattheirentryisrecorded.

•Usefootbathswithdisinfectantattheentrancetoall

poultrybuildings.

•Ensureallpoultryhousesarewildbirdproof.

3

Section 1. Brooding

Objectives

To provide an environment from day one that will encourage

activity, feed consumption, and growth.

To minimize stresses that negatively impact future growth or

reproductive potential.

Pre-placement:Facility

•Placeonsingle-agefarmstoreducediseaserisk.

• Properly clean and disinfect house after each flock.

•Ensurethereisarodentandpestmanagementplanin

placeforthefarm.

•Allowonlyauthorizedvisitorsthathavemetbiosecurity

requirementsonthepremises.

Shavings

• Use a clean, dry mixture of coarse and fine softwood

shavings.Avoidhardwoodshavingsandwetsawdust.

• New shavings are recommended for every flock.

•Spreadevenlyat3to4inches(75to100mm)depth.

•Smoothtolevelwithinringspriortosettingup

equipment.

Rings

•Usenew12or15-inch(300or400mm)solidcardboard

materialforringconstruction.DONOTreusecardboard.

•Wiremeshmayalsobeusedforringswhichcan

improveventilation,particularlyinhotweather.When

usingwire,avoiddraftsandcarefullycleananddisinfect

beforereuse.

•Ringsizeshouldbeaminimumof14feet(4.25m)in

diameterwithanareaof150ft2(14m2)forasinglestove.

•Oneortwostovescanbeincorporatedintoeachring,

dependingonthesituation.

•Designshouldberoundorovalandhavenocorners.4

Brooding:Pre-Placement

•Suspendstoveleveltothelitterandinthecenterof

theringtoprovideauniform“hotspot”aswellasa

uniformtemperatureatedgeofring.Remember to use

safety chains in case a cable breaks.

•Nomorethan400hensor300tomsshouldbeplaced

perstove.Fewerpoultsperstovewillreduce

competitionforresources.

•Constructoneextraring(“hospitalring”)forevery5,000

poultshoused.Raisebrooderstove12inches(300mm)

higher,andplacesupplementalfeederstocreatean

environment sympathetic to weak or “flip-over” poults.

Water

• Clean and disinfect waterlines after every flock. (See

Section11,CleaningandDisinfection,Water)

•DONOTaddvitaminsorantibioticatplacement(unless

for a specific, known problem).

•Provideonebell-typedrinkerper100poultsor

manufacturerrecommendednumberofpoultspernipple

ifusingnippledrinkers.

•Positioneachdrinkeratleast12inches(300mm)from

thestoveand/orbrooderguard.

• Level drinkers to avoid floods while making sure poults

havegoodaccesstodrinkers.

• Adjust automatic depth to 3/4 inch (20mm); hand fill to lip

priortoplacement.

•Ifusingnippledrinkers,usedoublerings(tworings

combined)toavoidnipplesattheedgeoftherings.

•Allowpoultstosettledownafterdeliverybeforelowering

nipplelinesintorings.

Feed

•Pre-startercrumbleshouldbeconsistentinsizewith

minimal fines.

•Provideone48inch(1.2m)trough-typefeederper100

poultstoequal1linearinch(25mm)perpoult;orprovide

acombinationof18inch(0.5m)supplementalfeeders

andbuckettype-100poultsperonebucketandone18

inch(0.5m)supplementalfeeder. 5


•Positionfeedersatleast12inches(300mm)fromstove

and/orbrooderguard.

•Fillfeederswithfreshfeedimmediatelypriorto

placement.

•Considersupplementing48inch(1.2m)trough-type

feederswith18inch(0.5m)redfeederswhilepoultsare

inringsforoptimumfeedconsumption.

•Removeanywetorsoiledfeedfromfeedersdaily.

Brooder Stoves

• Confirm that each stove is operating properly.

•Lightstoves24hourspriortopoultarrivaltowarm

roomandshavings.Ataminimumof12hourspriorto

poultarrival,setstovestoreachstartingtarget

temperature.

•Targeta3to4foot(1.0to1.3m)“hotspot”of110to

115°F(43to46°C)inthecenterofthering.

•Adjustallstovestodesiredheightabovethelitter:

>Conventional-24inches(0.6m)

>Infrared-40inches(1m)

• Confirm that the cycling of each stove provides a hot

spotofnolessthan105°F(40°C)andnomorethan

115°F(46°C)atanytime.

•Setzonecontrolledsystemssothatthemajorityof

stovesarewithintargetrange.Stovesthatarehotteror

coolerthanthetargetshouldbephysicallyraisedor

loweredtoachievethedesiredtemperatures.

•Stoveandventilationadjustmentsshouldresultin

atemperaturegradientofamaximumof30°F(12°C)

betweenthehotspotandtheperimeteroftheringwhen

thestoveisrunning(measuredatbirdlevel).

•Checkpropanelevelintank.

Ventilation and temperature control

• Confirm that stoves are properly set and that all

ventilationequipmentisoperational.

•Calibrateallthermostatstoprovideaccuratesettings.

6


•Setfanthermostatsaccordingtotargettemperature,

seeTable1.Thermostatfansshouldbegintocomeon

at2°F(0.75°C)abovetargettemperature.

•Adjustventilationtoprovidetheminimumcubicfeetper

minute(CFM)requiredaccordingtothelowest

anticipatedoutsidetemperatures.

•Withfantimers“off”,theminimumventilation

thermostatsshouldnotoperatedesiredfansformore

than20%ofthetime.Ifminimumventilationfans

(stage1)runfor:

>morethan20%,adjusttargettemperatureupin

incrementsof2°F(0.75°C).

>lessthan20%,adjusttargettemperaturedownin

incrementsof2°F(0.75°C).

•Adjustallventstothesamesizeopening.For

wintertimeventilationaportionofventsmayneedtobe

closedoffcompletely.

•Sealcracksandareaswhereaircanleakincausing

draftsandheatloss.

•Setbackgroundheatsource(s)at3°F(1.0-1.5°C)

lessthantargettemperature.

Lighting

•Useone75or100wattbrooderlightperstoveto

preventshadowsandattractpoultstoheatsource.Use

onlywhilepoultsareinrings.

•Provideaminimumof5footcandles(50lux)oflightin

house.

• Provide poults with full light for the first 24 hours.

Afterwards,provide6to8hoursofcontinuousdarkness

pernight.

Placement of Poults & Day OnePlacement

•Placeasearlyinthedayaspossibleandprovidepoults

with full light for the first 24 hours.

7

Brooding:PlacementofPoults&DayOne

•Movequicklythroughhouseeveryhour(ormore

if needed) to check activity of poults, confirm that all

equipmentisoperatingcorrectly,andmakeany

necessaryadjustments.

• Remove weak poults and “flip-overs” from rings and

placein“hospitalrings.”(seeSection1,Rings)

•Minimizeexcessivenoiseandactivityinthe

broodingarea.

Water

• Hand-fill drinkers at least twice daily as needed to keep

themfreshandfull.

•Cleanasneededthroughoutthedaytoremove

shavingsandmanure.

•Adjustheightaslittersettlestoensureeasyaccessibility.

• Empty, clean, and refill drinkers prior to the end of

theday.

Feed

•Adjustandlevelasneededtoensureconstant

accessibility.

•Minimizeshavingsandmanureinfeeders.

• Add fresh feed by the end of the first day, or sooner if

needed.

Heat

• Confirm each stove is working properly. Hot spot

temperatureshouldnotfallbelow105°F(37°C)during

thehottestpartofthedayorriseabove115°(46°C)

duringthecoolestpartoftheday.

•Adjustindividualstovesettingsaccordingtopoult

activityandfeedandwaterconsumption.

Ventilation

•Maintaintargetbackgroundtemperatureandstatic

pressure.

Lights

• Provide poults with full light for the first 24 hours.

• Provide a minimum of 6 to 8 hours light after first 24 hours.

•Allowpoultstobeddownwithnaturallight(ifapplicable).

8

Brooding:PlacementofPoults&DayOne

Trouble-shooting poult problems Poults huddling or chirping loudly

• Excessive house temperatures make it more difficult for

poults to find the hot spot provided by the brooder stove.

• Excessive heat may be radiating up from the floor to

the poults. If the floor is too hot, add more shavings or

expandtheringdiameter.

• Confirm that there is a minimum 10° F (5°C) variation

fromhottesttocoolestareasoftheringwhenthestove

isnotrunning.

•Adjuststoveheightand/orthermostatandventilationto

targetpropervariation.

•Ensurethatmaximumtemperatureunderthestovedoes

notexceed115°F(46°C)duringthecoolesttimeofday.

Excessive flip-overs or weak poults

•Canbecausedbyover-heatinginhatching,transport,or

earlybroodingofthepoults.

• Place all weak or flip-over poults in “hospital rings.” (see

Section1,Rings)

•Ensureamplewaterandfeedsupply.

•Temperatureshouldnotexceed100°F(37°C)within

thering,exceptinthehotspot.

•Returnrecoveredpoultstogeneralpopulation.

Poults are not drinking

•Eithertheycannotdrinkordonotfeellikedrinking.

•Ensuredrinkerheightanddepthareadjustedproperly

andthatwaterisfresh.

• Manually fill bell type drinkers to the top (running water

will attract poults, as will the reflection on the top of the

filled drinker).

•Testchlorinelevelindrinkerstoensurenomorethan

3to5PPMfreechlorine.IfusinganOxidation

ReductionPotential(ORP)meter,thereadingshouldbe

aminimumof650.

•Ensurenoresidualdisinfectantorotherchemicalsare

inthesystem.

9

Brooding:Trouble-ShootingPoultProblems

•Ensurethattheenvironmentintheringprovides

adequatetemperature,freshair,andlighting.

Poults are not eating

•Eithertheycannoteatordonotfeellikeeating.

• Manually fill all feeders to the top to enable poults to see

feed.

•Stir,top-off,orreplacefeedinfeeders.Thesmellof

freshfeedwillattractpoults.

•Checkforexcessivelevelofsaltinfeed.

•Ensurethattheenvironmentintheringprovides

adequatetemperature,freshair,andlighting.

•Avoidattemptstostimulatepoultswithhumanactivity;

thismaymakethesituationworse.

Days Two through SixLitter

•Removecakedandwetlitterdaily.

•Stirlitteraroundandunderneathequipment.

•Addnewshavingsasneeded.

Water

•Empty,clean,andmovedrinkersatleastdaily.

•Adjustdepthtomaintain3/4inch(20mm).

•Adjustheighttomaintainlipofdrinkerattheaverage

poults’back.

•Graduallyremovesupplementaldrinkers(25%perday)

andadjustasneededtokeepcleanandmanageable.

•Minimizespillage.

Feed

•Doeverythingpossibletoencouragetheconsumption

offeed.

•Disposeofcontaminatedfeeddaily.

•Movefeedersasneededtominimizelitterbuildup.

• Refill and top off feeders in the morning and evening

(moreoftenifneeded)tohelpdevelopeatingpatterns.

•Minimizespillageoffeedintothelitter.

10

Brooding:DaysTwoThroughSix

•Assumingautomaticfeedersareaccessible,gradually

removesupplementalfeeders(25%perday)beginning

onthe4thday.

Heat

•Maintaintemperaturegradientandpoultactivity.

•Makeadjustmentsduringthecoolestpartoftheday.

Ventilation

•Maintainminimumventilation.

•Adjustasneededtomaintainbackgroundtarget

temperatureandstaticpressure.

•Makeadjustmentsduringthecoolestpartoftheday.

Lights

•Provideaminimumof14hoursoflightper24hour

period.

•Reduceintensitydependingonactivity,feed

consumption,andcannibalism.

Rings

•Combineringsasappropriate(after3days).

•Utilizeringsthroughaminimumof5days.

• Make all changes in ring configuration early in the day.

11

Brooding:DaysTwoThroughSix

Section II. Weight Control for Heavy Strains

Objective

To control body weight to achieve optimum reproductive

performance.

Hens •Heavystrainhensshouldfollowtheweighttargetsas

detailedintheBreeder Weight and Feed Consumption

table in the product leaflet.

•At3weeksofagestartweighingarandomsampleofat

least30hensweeklytomonitorgrowthagainsttarget.

•Adjustfeedingprogrambasedongrowthtrend.DO

NOTattemptrapidweightadjustments.

>Heavy flocks – accelerate move to next ration

>Light flocks – hold on higher protein ration longer

>Weightgainstallsduetohighambienttemperature

– move to higher protein ration to maintain desired

growth

•Keyagesandweightsareat6,16,and22weeks.

Ensurehensareontracktohitthesetargetweights.

•At16weeksifbirdsareheavierthantargetdrawanew

targetthatrunsparalleltotheoriginalline.DONOT

forcebirdsbacktotheoriginaltarget.

•Ensurehensaregainingweightatstimulatorylighting,

eveniftheyareslightlyheavy.

Toms •Tomsshouldfollowtheweighttargetsasdetailedinthe

Breeder Weight and Feed Consumption tableinthe

product leaflet.

•Tomsmustfollowafeedingschedulenutritionally

matchedtotheirneeds.

• Feed toms on the starter ration for at least the first 4

weeks.12

WeightControlForHeavyStrains

•Monitorweightagainstthetargetandadjustthefeeding

programasnecessary.

• Following final selection, feed diets which allow weekly

weightgainswithoutthetomsbecomingoverlyfat.

• Ensure toms are at least 50 lbs (22.5 kgs) at time of first

semencollection.

Formoreinformationonweightcontrolforreplacement

breeders,contactyourNicholasTechnicalRepresentative.

13

WeightControlForHeavyStrains

Section III. Growing

Objectives

To provide an environment that allows the bird to reach

performance goals.

To minimize stressors that negatively impact growth or


Litter

•Tillweeklyorasneededtomaintainlitterqualityandto

optimizefootpadandlegintegrity.

•Considerusingalitteramendmentforammoniacontrol

incoldweatherconditions.

•Utilizestaticpressureventilationtocontrollittermoisture

anddust.

•DONOTcompromiselitterconditionsforfuelsavings.

Water

•Provideonebelltypedrinkerper100malesandper

150females.

•Changedrinkerstoadultbellby5to6weeksofage.

•Maintaindepthat1/2to3/4inch(12to20mm),depending

ondrinkerstyle,drinkingactivity,andlitterconditions.

•Maintainlipofdrinkerevenwithheightoftheaverage

birds’backs.

•Continuetochlorinatetotarget3to5PPMfreechlorine

inthedrinkerfurthestfromthesource.Ifusingan

OxidationReductionPotential(ORP)meter,thereading

shouldbeaminimumof650.

•Cleandrinkersdaily.

• During hot weather, flush overhead lines to provide

fresh,coolwater.

Feed

•Ensurefeedisavailablewhenthebirdsaredelivered.

14

Growing

• Feed to achieve the target weight profile. (see Breeder

Weight and Feed Consumptiontableintheproduct

leaflet).

•Provide1feedpanper75birds.

•Changetoadultequipment(usuallyby6to8weeks

ofage)andadjustfeeddepthbasedonspillageandbird

activityatfeedpans.

•Maintainlipoffeedpanevenwiththeheightofthe

averagebirds’backs.

•Checkbins,augers,hoppers,etc.regularlyfor

accumulationofmoldyfeed.

•Inextremeheatconsiderwithdrawingfeedduringthe

hottestpartofthedaytolowermetabolictemperature

andallowbirdstohandleheatbetter.

Heat

•After7days,begintoreduceheatinputinincrements

ofnomorethan2°F(0.75°C)toachievetargetroom

temperatures.(seeTable1)

•Usebackgroundheaterstohelpmaintainroom

temperatureonceringsareremoved;setthermostatsat

3°F(1.5°C)belowtargetroomtemperature.

•Utilizeheatasneededtoreducelittermoisture(with

increasedventilation).

•DONOTcompromisetemperatureorairqualityforfuel

savings.

Ventilation

• Confirm that all ventilation equipment is operational.

•Calibrateallthermostatstoenableaccuratesettings.

•Adjustfanthermostatsaccordingtotargettemperature.

(seeTable1)Thermostatfansshouldbegintocomeon

2°F(1°C)abovetargettemperature.

•Increaseminimumventilationtomaintainairquality,

reducelittermoisture,andtocontrolammoniaanddust.

15

Growing

Section IV. Conditioning

Objectives

To provide an environment that will encourage proper

development of reproductive organs and body reserves.

To minimize any stresses that negatively impact future


Hens Conditioning

• Provide adequate floor space to encourage activity

and maintain fitness (see Breeder Floor Spacetablein

the product leaflet).

•Feedtoachievetargetbodyweightsnotbasedon

ageoramountoffeed.(seeBreeder Weight and Feed

Consumption table in the product leaflet)

•Maintainlitterandventilationtominimizedustand/or

ammonia levels, optimize respiratory fitness, and

promoteactivity.

Selection

•Removebirdswithphysicaldefectsthatmayeffect

productionbetween16and18weeksofage.

Lighting

•SeelightingscheduledetailedinTable2.

•Provideaminimumof12weeksofreduceddaylength

priortolightingofhens.

•Maximizethedifferentialinlightintensitybetweenlight

anddarkperiodsoftheday.

•Ensureintegrityofdarkout;inspecthouseregularlyfor

lightleaks.

•DONOTallowhenstoreceiveextradaylengthor

increasedlightintensityatanytimeduringthisperiod.

16

Conditioning

TomsConditioning

• Provide adequate floor space to encourage activity

and maintain fitness (see Breeder Floor Space tablein

the product leaflet).

•Afterselection,minimumtargetweightmustbeachieved

toensureoptimumsemenproduction(seeBreeder


leaflet).

•Maintainlitterandventilationtominimizedust,

ammonia,andotherrespiratorychallenges.

Selection

•Selectbirdsbetween16and18weeks,dependingon

specific program requirements.

•Targetselectionof25to50%ofthedayoldnumberof

tomseliminatingbirdsbasedon:

>Fitness – defects affecting production and/or health

problems.

>Leg Structure – mobility, gait, and posture

>Weight – light birds

Lighting


•Controllighttopreparebirdsforproduction.

•Increasedaylengthtoaminimumof14hoursbetween

16and18weeksofage.

•Ensureintegrityoflightcontrol;inspecthouseregularly

forlightleaks.

•DONOTallowtomstoreceiveextradaylengthor

increasedlightintensityatanytimeduringthisperiod.

Formoreinformationonphysicalselectionofmalebreeder

candidates,contactyourNicholasTechnicalRepresentative.

17

Conditioning

SECTION V. Egg Production

Objectives

To provide the nutrition, management, and environment

required for optimizing the production of quality hatching

eggs and poults.

To minimize stresses that reduce reproductive performance.

See EggsandHatch table in the product leaflet.

Facility

•Onlyhouseoneageoflayinghensinanyonefacility.

• House dimensions should provide floor space according

totheBreeder Floor Space table in the product leaflet

and should complement specific ventilation and

equipmentrequirements.

•Placebirdsincompletelycleanedanddisinfected

houses.

Ventilation

•Open-sidedhousingprovidesnaturallightand

ventilationandissuitableforlayinghensexceptin

extremeconditions.

•Providesidewallorcirculatingfansinhenhousesto:

>maintainairqualityandaidinlittermoisturecontrol

duringcoolerseasons

>increaseevaporativecoolingandremovalofbody

heatfromthehouseinwarmerseasons

•Positioningoffanswilldependonhousedimensions,

equipmentlayout,andsizeoffans.

•Operatefanstotargetmaximumdifferentialindaytime

versusnighttimetemperatures,particularlyduringhot

seasons.

Feed

•SeetheFeeding Program table in the product leaflet

fornutritionalrecommendations.

18

EggProduction

19

• Overhead fill systems are preferable for minimizing

injuriestobirdsandforlogisticalreasons.

•Provideadequatefeederspace.Thenumberofbirds

perpanisdependentuponthetypeofequipmentused.

•Feedequipmentshouldminimizepelletdamage,and

provideforfrequentturnoveroffeedtomaintain

freshness.

•Positioningoffeedersshouldencouragehen

movementandshouldnotexposefeedtosunlightor

moisturefromsidewallsormistingsystems.

•Regularlyinspectbins,augers,andfeedpansforcaked

ormoldyfeedandoperation.

Water

• Clean and disinfect waterlines after every flock. (See


•Providewaterwithbellorpantypedrinkersatnomore

than100hensperdrinkers.

•Positioningofdrinkersshouldencouragebirdmovement

andshouldnotexposewatertodirectsunlight.

•Emptyandwashdrinkersatleastdaily,moreoften

duringhotweather.

• Plumbing should allow for flushing of system with cool

waterduringhotweatheranddrainingofsystemduring

coldweather.

Nests

•Providenestspaceatnolessthanonesemi-trapped

nestboxper5or6hens.

•Positionneststomaximizeaccessibilityandallowfor

broody identification and control procedures.

•Makenestsavailable24hoursperdaybeginningno

laterthan7dayspost-lighting.

•Tieopenspring-typesemi-trapsfromthetimenestsare

openeduntileggproductionreaches25to35%.

Thereafter,untiethemgraduallyover3to4days.

•Havecleananddrybeddinginconventionalnestboxes.

EggProduction

20

• Specific advice regarding mechanical nest management

isavailablefromthenestmanufacturerandyour

NicholasTechnicalRepresentative.

•Restrictingthehens’accesstonestsand/ornesting

area by using nets or panels will influence egg lay

patternandbroodybehavior.

Lighting


• Lighting fixtures should provide a light intensity of no

lessthanthatprovidedduringtheconditioning(dark-out)

stage.

• Space light fixtures to minimize shadows, particularly

alongwallsandincornersofthepens.

•Determinebreederhenlightingbasedonthefollowing

considerations:

>DONOTlighthenspriorto29weeks,orbefore

theyhaveachievedtherecommendedlighting

weight.

>Provideaminimumof14hoursdaylengthat

lighting,withthemaximumdeterminedby

naturaldaylength.

>DONOTexposehenstoadecreaseinday

lengthorintensityafterlighting.

>Whenchangingthelightperiod,target

maximummorninglight,witheveninglightsnot

extendingmorethan1hourpostsunset.

>Alwaysmakeincreasesinthelightperiodinthe

morning.

Early (pre-peak) Management

•Increasefrequencyofnesteggcollectionsasthe

numberofeggsincreases,pushinghenscompletelyoff

ofandawayfromnests.

•Beginhourlyeggcollectionsbythetimeeggsaresaved

forsetting.

•Beginsavingeggsontheday(24hours)followingthe

2ndinsemination.

EggProduction

21

•Minimumsettableeggsizeshouldbe71gramsfor

heavystrainsand68gramsformediumstrains.

SECTION VI. Semen Production

Objectives

To provide the nutrition, management and environment

required for optimizing the production of quality semen.

To minimize stresses that reduce the reproductive

performance of breeder toms.

Facility

•Breederstudfacilitiesrequiremultipleagestobe

housedtogether.

•Biosecurityandhealthprogramsmustbeconsidered

duetotheincreasedriskposedbymulti-agefacilities.

•Placebirdsincompletelycleanedanddisinfected

houses.

• House dimensions should provide floor space according

totheBreeder Floor Space table in the product leaflet

and should complement specific ventilation and

equipmentrequirements.

Ventilation

•Forbreedertoms,closed,powerventilatedhousingis

recommendedtoprovideoptimumcontroloverair

qualityandlighting.

•Colddraftsmustbeavoidedatalltimes.

•Thehousetemperatureshouldnotfallbelow58°F

(14°C)becauselowertemperatureswilladverselyeffect

semenproduction.

Feed

•SeeFeeding Program table in the product leaflet for

nutritionalrecommendations.

SemenProduction

22

•Controlfeedtomstomanagebodyweightandoptimize

semenproduction.

•Provideaminimumof14linearinches(35cm)offeeder

spacepertomiftheyarecontrolfed.

•Provideonefeederperpenoftomsthatarefullfed.

•Feedequipmentshouldminimizepelletdamage,and

provideforfrequentturnoveroffeedtomaintain

freshness.

•Regularlyinspectbins,augers,andfeedpansforcaked

ormoldyfeedandoperation.

•Whenfeedrestrictionisused;regularlyre-calibrate

weighingequipment.

Weight

•FollowtheweighttargetsoutlinedintheBreeder


leaflet in the leaflet for optimum reproductive

performance.

•Ensuretomsweighatleast50lbs(22.5kgs)atthetime

of first semen collection.

Formoreinformationonweightcontrolforreplacement

breeders,contactyourNicholasTechnicalRepresentative.

Water

• Clean and disinfect waterlines after every flock (See


•Providewaterwithbellorpantypedrinkersatone

perpen.

•Positioningofdrinkersshouldencouragebirdmovement

andshouldnotexposewatertodirectsunlight.

•Emptyandwashdrinkersatleastdaily,moreoften

duringhotweather.

• Plumbing should allow for flushing of system with cool

waterduringhotweatheranddrainingofsystemduring

coldweather.

SemenProduction

23

Lighting


• Lighting fixtures should provide a light intensity of no

lessthanthatprovidedduringtheconditioning(dark-out)

stage.

• Space light fixtures to minimize shadows, particularly

alongwallsandincornersofthepens.

•Determinebreedertomlightingbasedonthefollowing

considerations:

>Ensureintegrityoflightcontrol;inspecthouse

regularlyforlightleaks.

>Providegradualincreasesinday-lengththroughout

theproductionperiodtomaintainsemenproduction.

Ifmulti-agetomsareinthesamehouse,thisproceduremay

need to be modified.

•DONOTexposetomstoareductionindaylengthor

lightintensityduringtheproductionperiod.

SemenProduction

24

Section VII. Insemination

Objectives

To collect the maximum quantity and quality of semen from

breeder toms.

To inseminate the required dosage of livespermatozoa into

each hen.

To ensure optimum fertility of eggs produced with minimal

loss of egg production due to the stress of the process.

Pre-milking

•Firm,butgentle,handlingofthetomsthroughoutthe

productioncyclewillimprovelongevityofsemen

production.

•Clipfeathersimmediatelysurroundingtheventarea.

•Usepropercloacalmassagetechnique,anduseonly2

“squeezes”pertomduringanyonecollection.

•Pre-milkalltoms1to2timespriortotheirsemenbeing

usedtoinseminatehens.

Semen Collection

•Foroptimumsemenproduction,milktoms1to2times

perweekthroughouttheproductioncycle.

• Ensure the milking process is confined to the normal

flock day-length and that adequate light is available.

•Wipecleantheventareapriortocollectingsemen.

•DONOTcollectyelloworbloodysemen,oranysemen

containinguratesorfecalmaterial.

•Ensuresemencollectionequipmentissterile,dry,and

warmedtoroomtemperaturepriortocollectingsemen.

• Semen filtering equipment doesnotreducethe

importanceofcollectingonlyqualitysemen.

•DONOTallowsementocontacttheskinaroundthe

vent or the collectors’ finger while milking.

Insemination

25

•Collectsemendirectlyintosterile,roomtemperature

extender,generallyresultingin33to50%extender.

Semen Handling

•Eachvialofsemenmustbethoroughlyandevenly

mixedafteritiscollectedbeforecheckingcell

concentration.

•Foroptimumfertility,completelyusesemenwithin30

minutesfromthestartofmilking.

•Semencanbestoredforupto6hourspriorto

insemination,butthisrequiresstrictcontrolofholding

conditions and modification of dosage calculations.

Contact your Nicholas Technical Representative for detailed

information on ratio of semen extender, semen quality

evaluation, and calculation of proper semen dosages.

Insemination

•SeeTable4forrecommendedsemendosagesrelative

to age of the flock.

•Ideally,scheduleinseminationtobecompleteda

minimumof4hourspriorto,orbeginafter,the

day’speakeggproduction.

• Coincide the first insemination with the majority of hens

squatting, and immediately prior to first eggs. Generally,

thiswillbebetween14and16daysafterlighting.

•Atleast95%ofhensshouldbeeasilyevertedat

1stinsemination.DONOTbreakthroughhymenwith

inseminationstraw.

•Dothesecondinseminationwithin3daysofthe

first, with the third scheduled for 7- 10 days after the

first. Thereafter, weekly inseminations are the standard.

• During the insemination process, handle hens firmly but

gentlytoavoidexcessivestress.

•Setuptheinseminationprocessbasedoneaseand

efficiency of operation for both people and hens.

Insemination

•MonitorandrecordALLdetailsoftheinsemination

process,frommilkingtoinsemination,toassistin

troubleshootingpotentialfertilityissues.

Insemination

26

Section VIII. Broody Control

Objectives

To prevent broodiness.

To identify and effectively treat individual hens that exhibit

broody characteristics in a timely manner, and without

excessively stressing the flock.

To maintain and maximize the egg production performance

of the flock as a whole.

Characteristicsofbroodiness(listedsequentially)

• Difficulty pushing the hen off of the nest

•Peakeggproductionshiftstolaterintheday

•Reducedlayfrequency

•Shrinkingofwidthbetweenpelvicbones

•Lossofweight,includingabdominalfatpad

•Cessationoflay

Methods of identifying broody hens Option 1

•Markallnestinghensafterthe1stcollectionoftheday.

Allmarkedhensthatarestillfoundonthenest6to8

hourslaterarepotentiallybroody.

Option 2

•Markallnestinghensbeforethelasteggcollectionof

theday.Thenextmorning,afterallroosteggshave

beencollected,allmarkedhensfoundonthenest

before the first egg collection are potentially broody.

Procedures to mark hens

• Begin 7 to 10 days after first egg is laid (earlier during

warmweather).

•Usewaterbasedfoodcoloring.

BroodyControl

27

•Mixsolutionsoresidualcoloronhenslastsnolonger

than7days.

•Useadifferentcoloronadifferentpartofthehenseach

day(i.e.,wing,neck,back,andtail)toimproveaccuracy

andeffectivenessoftheprogram.

•Ensureallstaffknowsthesequenceofcolorsbyusing

colorchart.

Treatments

(listed based on least amount of stress on the flock)

•Restrictaccesstonests:dropanetorclosetrapsat

night starting at the first day of saving eggs.

•Penswitch:movebroodyhensand/orlatelayerstoa

differentpeninthesamehouse.

>Movetoapenthatisoppositeordiagonalfromthe

originalpen

>Onthe21stdayofsavingeggs,penswitch“late

layers”twotimesperweek(threetimesperweekin

summermonths).

•Broodypens: move identified broody hens to remote

pens,providingachangeinenvironment.

>Use3separatebroodypens,1foreachof3days.

> Move broody hens from the main flock to the Day 1

broodypen.

>Walkthroughthebroodypenshourlyandmove

squattersorhenswhichareabouttolayanegg

back to the main flock.

>Attheendoftheday,movehenswhicharestill

broodyintheDay1pentotheDay2pen;move

broodyhensintheDay2pentotheDay3pen.

>After3daysinthebroodypens,eitherreturnhens

to the main flock or return them to the Day 1 broody

penforcontinuedtreatment.

BroodyControl

28

Broody Pen Design

>Providebroodypenspaceatthesamesquare

footageastherestofthehouse.Warning:Over-

crowdedhenswillgooutofproductiondue

tofloorhuddling,excessiveheatanddamage

tohens.

>Providefreshfeed,freshwater,goodventilation,

and light intensity at least as bright as the flock

pens.

>Floorsofbroodypensmaybedifferentfromthe

flock pens only if legs or footpads are not harmed.

>DONOTprovidenestsinbroodypens,especiallyin

theDay1andDay2pens.

•Penswitchingtheentireflockmaybeusedasa

methodforcontrollingbroodiness,howevertimingand

proceduresarecritical.Contact your Nicholas Technical

Representative for more information if you believe this

method is required.

BroodyControl

29

Section IX. Egg Handling

Objectives

To maximize the quality of eggs collected, processed, and

delivered to the hatchery.

To provide an environment that minimizes stresses to which

the embryo is exposed.

To optimize the potential for each egg to produce a quality

day old poult.

Nest Management

•Implementaweeklyprogramformaintaininghygieneof

beddingandpads.

•Promptlyremovebrokeneggsandfecalmaterialfrom

nests.

•Managepenlittertominimizemoistureandreducethe

amountofbacteriatrackedintothenests.

Floor Eggs

• Minimize the incidence of eggs laid on the floor:

>Trainhenstothenest

>Eliminatepencornersanddarkareas

• Only collect warm and clean floor eggs. DONOT

attempttocleandirtycontaminatedeggs.

Pre-sanitizing handling

•Initiallyhandcleanandgradeeggsinthehouse.

•DONOTuseabrasivematerialsortoolstocleaneggs.

•Separatecracked,dirty,andmisshapeneggsfromthose

tobesanitized.

•Removeorganicmaterialfromeggstominimizeamount

introducedintotheeggroom.

•Transporteggstotheeggroomassoonaftercollection

aspossibletominimizecoolingpriortosanitizing.

EggHandling

30

Egg sanitizing (Dirty area)

•Minimizeamountoforganicmaterialintroducedtoany

eggsanitizingsystem.

•Water-typeeggsanitizingsystemsrequiremonitoring

andrecordingofwatertemperature,disinfectantlevels,

andequipmentcleanliness.Failuretoproperlycontrol

thesefactorscanseverelyimpacteggandpoultquality.

•Followmanufacturers’recommendationsforoperation

andmaintenanceofyoureggsanitizingsystem.

Egg holding (Clean area)

•Aftersanitizing,handleeggswithclean,sanitizedhands

orrubbergloves.

•Minimizepersonnelmovementintotheeggholding

room.

•Ifboxingeggs,alloweggstofullydryandcoolpriorto

puttinginclosedcases.

•Targetaneggholdingtemperatureof55ºto60ºF(12ºto

16°C)consistentlythroughouttheoperation.

(SeeTable5)

•Targetaneggholdinghumidityminimumof70%.

(SeeTable5)

•Monitorandrecordtemperatureandhumidityintheegg

holdingareadaily.

•Implementaprogramforweeklycleaning,disinfecting,

andmonitoringformoldsandbacteriaintheeggholding

area.

•Onceeggshavecooledtoholdingroomtemperatures,

avoidwarmingandsubsequent“sweating”ofeggs

whichcouldincreasetheincidenceofcontamination.

EggHandling

31

Section X. Vaccination Programs

Objective

To induce immunity against known disease agents, thus

reducing the impact of a field disease challenge on the

economic performance of the flock.

Factors to consider prior to vaccinating

•Vaccinationisthe“second-line”ofdefenseagainst

disease; the first-line is farm biosecurity.

•Basethedecisiontovaccinateontheprevalenceofa

diseaseagentintheareaandtheriskofexposure.

•“Flockimmunity”isrelativeratherthanabsolute,i.e.,

vaccinationmaynotinduce100%protection,butitcan

greatly reduce the severity of a field challenge.

•Avoidintroducingalivevaccineintoareaswherea

particulardiseaseisnotknowntooccurandonlyafter

seekingveterinaryadvice.

• As a general rule, the benefits of any vaccination must

beseentooutweighthecostofvaccinationand

negative impact of a field challenge on economic

performance of the flock.

Designing a vaccination program

•Typeofvaccinetouse:

>Thediseaseagentinthevaccinemustbeofthe

same (or closely related) serotype as the field

diseaseagent.

>Considerwhetherakilledorlivevaccineismost

appropriate.

>Useonlygoodqualityvaccinesfromareputable

manufacturer.

VaccinationPrograms

32

• Determine the age of first vaccination, the number

ofsubsequentvaccinations,andtheintervalbetween

vaccinationsby:

>Thepresenceofmaternalantibodies.

>Theageatwhichthebirdsaresusceptible,ormost

susceptible,toaparticulardiseaseagent.

>Thevirulence(severity)ofthediseaseagentinthe

area.

>Theneedtoprovidetheprogenywithaprotective

levelofmaternalantibodies

•Themethodofadministrationwillbedeterminedby:

>Typeofvaccine(liveorkilled).

>Laborrequirement/availability.

>Therouteofvaccinationthatinducesaprotective

levelofimmunity.

•Vaccinationtechniquemustbeproperlyestablished

and confirmed. Train personnel and develop formalized

andstandardizedproceduresfor:

>Flockmanagementandbirdhandlingtominimize

stresspriorto,during,andfollowingvaccination.

>Properstorage,mixing,andhandlingofvaccines.

>Properadministrationtechnique.

>Maintenanceofvaccinationequipment.

> Record keeping to confirm vaccine quality and

vaccinationtechnique

>Alwaysfollowthevaccinemanufacturer’s

recommendations

Why vaccinations sometimes don’t work

•Failuretoadministertherequireddoseofthevaccine:

•Errorsinvaccinationtechnique(mostcommon).

•Impropervaccinehandlingduringtransportorstorage.

•Poorvaccinequality(rare).

•Highlevelsofmaternalantibodies,whichneutralize

theantigeninthevaccine,thusinterferingwiththe

immuneresponse.

VaccinationPrograms

33

•Immunosuppression(inabilityofthebirdtomounta

goodimmuneresponse)atthetimeofvaccination.

• Strong field challenge that overwhelms the immunity of

thebird.

•Infectionbyaserotypeorvariantofthediseaseagent

thatisnotcontainedinthevaccine.

• Pre-existing infection in the flock at the time of

vaccination.

•Waningofimmunityasaresultofanexcessiveperiodof

timeaftervaccination.

•Watersanitizersnotproperlyremoved/neutralizedfrom

waterlinesbeforevaccineadministered

Allvaccinationprogramsshouldbeperiodically

monitoredandevaluated.

VaccinationPrograms

34

Section XI. Cleaning and Disinfection

Objectives

To keep the farm and the turkeys free of disease and other

pathogens.

To properly clean and disinfect the house to reduce health

risk and break disease cycles.

Procedures

•Cleananddisinfectwaterlines.(SeeWater)

Note – Manufacturer’s recommendations should be

used with all sanitizers.

•Removeallequipment(drinkers,feeders,nests,

panels,AIshoots,etc.)fromthehousetocleanand

sanitizeseparatelyfromthehousewashdownand

disinfectionprocess.

•Emptyfeedhoppersandbins.

•Removealllitteranddebrisfromhouse.

•Drycleanhouseusingbackpackblowerorbroom

payingspecialattentiontoscreens,fanhousing,vents,

andlouvers.

• Scrape or sweep down to bare floor.

•Washhousewithwaterandadetergentproductusinga

pressurewasher.

•Afterhouseisdry,disinfectusinganapproved

disinfectant.Spraytothepointofrun-off.

• Treat for insects, e.g., flies, darkling beetles, etc., as

required.Rotateinsecticideproductstoavoidbuilding

resistancetoaparticularinsecticide.

•Bringshavingsintothehouseonceitisthoroughlydry.

Applying shavings to a wet floor can promote the growth

of mold.

•Bringallcleanedanddisinfectedequipmentbackinto

house.

CleaningandDisinfection

35

•DONOTentercleanhousewithoutproperbiosecurity

procedures.Keepdoorsclosedandlockedtokeep

unauthorizedvisitorsandanimalsfromenteringhouse.

•Baitforratsandmice.Rotatetypesofbaitsused

quarterly.

•Keepvegetationgrowthnexttohousetoaminimum.

Water

Note – Manufacturer’s recommendations should be used

with all sanitizers.

•Flushwaterlinesafterbirdsareremovedfromhouse

andbeforelittercleanout.

•Prepare100gallonsofa3%cleaningsolution.If

housesarelongerthan500feet,additionalsolutionmay

berequired.

>Mix3gallonsofahydrogenperoxideproduct(Proxy

Clean,ProCleanor35%hydrogenperoxide)into

97gallonsofwater.

>Forhouseswithnoholdingtanks,preparecleaning

solutionina100gallonstocktankorbarrel.Use

asubmersible1/4horsepowerpumptopump

solutiontothelines.

•Fillwaterlineswithsolution.

•Triggernippledrinkerssothesolutionsaturatesthe

nipplemechanisms.

•Letstandinlinesfor24hoursorlongeriftimepermits.

•Flushsolutionfromlineswithcleanwater.

•Removemineralbuild-up,ifrequired(seebelow)

•Startbirdsonwaterwith3-5ppmfreechlorineresidual

atdrinkerfurthestfromtheproportioner.Ifusingan

OxidationReductionPotential(ORP)meter,thereading

shouldbeaminimumof650.

>Use4ouncesof5%bleachpergallonofstock

solutionproportionedat1ouncepergallonof

drinkingwater.

>Increaseupto6ouncesofbleachifrequiredto

achievethe3-5ppm.


36

Removing Mineral Build-up

•Cleanwaterlinesasoutlinedabove.

•Filllineswithasolutionofcitricacidandletstandin

linesfor24hours.

>Mix4packsofcitricacidpergallonofwater(Useup

to6packsofcitricacidifscaleisaserious

problem).

•Flushthecitricacidwithableachsolution.

>Prepareableachsolutionof8-12ouncesof5%

bleachpergallonofwater.

>Ensurethemedicatorispumpinginbleachsolution

as the acid is flushed from the lines.

>Leavebleachsolutioninlinesfor4hours.

•Flushbleachsolutionfromlineswithcleanwater.

•Startbirdsonwaterwith3-5ppmfreechlorineresidual

at drinker furthest from the proportioner. (Mix as defined

above.)IfusinganOxidationReductionPotential(ORP)

meter,thereadingshouldbeaminimumof650.

DONOTMixChlorineandAcidsintheSameStock

Solution


37

TARGET*

TargetEnvironmentTemperaturesforNicholasParentStock

AGEWEEKS

123456789

10

Sex

M+FM+FM+FM+FM+FM+FM+FM+FM+FM+F

ºF82807876747270686664

ºC28272624232221201918

*Target=Temperatureatwhichfanthermostatsshouldbesettomaintain.

38

Table1

ºF78767472706866646260

ºC26242322212019181716

MINIMUM***ºC30292827262423222120

ºF86848280787674727068

MAXIMUM**

**Maximum=Temperatureabovewhichallavailablefansshouldbe“ON.”***Minimum=Temperaturebelowwhichsupplementalheatshouldbeprovided.

ALLTEMPERATURESMEASURED4inches(10cm)ABOVEFLOORINCENTEROFHOUSE

39

40

Period OpenHousing&LightControlled Min. Intensity

SuggestedLightScheduleforBreederHens

Table2

Hatchto16-18weeks

16-18weeksto29weeks

29weekstomarket

8-10foot

candle80-100

lux

8-10foot

candle80-100

lux

10-12foot

candle100-120

lux

Providehenswithaminimumof14hoursofcontinuouslight.

Naturaldaylightispreferable;however,ifthenaturaldaylengthislessthan14hours, add artificial light.Ifthehensarebeinggrowninawindowlesshouse,give14hoursofartificial light.

Reducethehoursoflightthehensreceivefrom14hoursadaytoamaximumof6hoursaday.

Thepurposeofthedarkeningperiodistocontrolorsynchronizesexualdevelopmentofthehens.

Duringthisstage,thehensshouldbeinalight-proofhousesothatwhenthelightsareoutthehouseistotallydark.

Returnto14hoursofcontinuouslight.

Again,naturaldaylightispreferable;however,ifthedaylengthislessthan14 hours, add artificial light in the morning.

Ifthehensarelayinginawindowlesshouse, give 14 hours of artificial light.

Thedaylengthshouldneverbedecreasedduringthelayingperiod.

41

Period Open Light Min. Housing* Controlled Intensity Housing

SuggestedLightScheduleforControlFedBreederToms

Table3

HatchtoSelection

(16-18weeks)

16-18weeksto

endofproduction

10foot

candle100lux

10foot

candle100lux

NaturalDaylight

Artificial light to maintainatleast14L:10D

ORthelongestnaturaldaylengthbetweenselectionandtheendofproduction.

Lightsshouldnotbedecreasedatanytimeindaylengthatintensity. *Artificial light provided must be at least 10 foot candle (100 lux). **Whenmovingtomsfromopenhousingtolightcontrolled housing, the artificial daylight must be equal to or longer than theambientdaylight.

10L:140

Aconstant12L:12D**

ORthegradualincreasetoamaximumdaylightof16L:8Dbytheendofproduction.

Ifthetomsappeartobebehindindevelopment,increaselightsbyonehour.

42

RecommendedSemenDosage

WeekofProduction

0-2

3-10

11-16

17-22

23-28

MinimumLiveViableCellsRequired(Millions)

360

320

345

370

395

Table4

43

44

HatchingEggStorageRoomRecommendedTemperatureandRelativeHumidity

Table5

NormalDevelopmentBegins

DANGER!(Exposureover2-4hrs)

Severeabnormalembryodevelopmentandlossofhatchwilloccur.

WARNING!Long-termexposure(over18hrs)mayreducehatchandpoultquality.OK for:

Post lay tempering, gradual cool down after lay, or pre-set conditioning (up to 18 hrs).

SAFE!Optimumstorageconditions0-7days55-65°F(13-18°C)

7-14+days50-60°F(13-18°C)

WARNING!Exposureover6hrswillcauseembryo

tissuedamage.

DANGER!

Embryodeathoccurs

100

95

90

85

80

75

70

65

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Temperature ºF ºC

38

35

27

21

18

15

13

10

2

-18

45

%RelativeHumidity

DANGER!

Highpotentialforbacterialandmoldgrowth.

SAFE!

Optimumstoragecondition60%-80%Rh

WARNING!

Exposureover24hrswillresultinreducedpoultqualityandpotential

hatchloss.

100

95

90

85

80

75

70

65

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

ºC ºF

38

35

27

21

18

15

13

10

2

-18

An Aviagen Group Company

31186 Midland Trail East

Lewisburg, WV 24901 • USA

www.nicholas-turkey.com

Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Management essentials of turkey breeders