LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

CATCHING

• Catching and handling cause stress to broilers. Most causes of downgrading observed at slaughter occur during the period when the birds are being caught and handled. Carefully plan catching in advance and closely supervise all stages.
• The handling of birds and operation of machinery, such as harvesters and fork lifts must be carried out by appropriately trained, competent personnel. Minimize bird activity to avoid bruising, scratching and other injuries.
• Mortality during the catching and transport process should not be more than 0.1%.

Pre-catch

• Calculate the time it will take to catch and to transport. Start the catch according to when the birds are scheduled to be slaughtered.
• Calculate the number of crates and trailers needed to transport the birds before the process commences.
• Ensure all equipment used (including vehicles, crates, fencing and nets), are clean, disinfected and in good condition.
• Broken or damaged crates may injure birds.
• Raise all feeding equipment above head height of 2 m (6.6 ft), remove it from the house or re-position it to avoid obstruction to the birds or personnel. Separate birds into pens within larger houses to avoid unnecessary crowding. Whenever possible, decrease the light intensity during catching to reduce stress.
• For night-time catching, which is preferred, reduce light intensity within the house to a minimum. For day-time catching, reduce light intensity as much as possible.
• In all cases light intensity must be sufficient to allow safe and careful catching.
• Blue light has been found to be satisfactory for this purpose. The best results are achieved when birds are allowed to settle after lights have been dimmed and when there is minimum disturbance. The use of curtains on the sides of the house is helpful when catching during daylight hours.
• At the same time carefully monitor ventilation system throughout the catching procedure to reduce stress on the broilers and to prevent heat build-up within the house.

Fig.11.2. Blue lighting as a preparation for catching

Catch

• Broilers should be caught and held by both shanks (never the thighs) to minimize the distress, damage and injury that might otherwise result if they are able to struggle and flap.
• Carefully place the birds into the crates or modules, loading from the top down. Modules have been shown to result in less distress and damage than conventional crates.
• Crates or modules should never be overfilled as this can result in overheating, stress and increased mortality. Reduce the number of broilers per crate or module in high temperatures.
• Improperly operated catching equipment can cause stress and damage to the broiler. Operate mechanical equipment used to catch birds at moderate speeds to prevent damage and stress to broilers.
• Never crowd or force the birds into the catching equipment. Properly align the opening chute of the catching equipment with the opening of the crate or module to prevent damage to the broiler.

Fig.11.3. Catching of broilers

Fig.11.4. Loaded transport vehicle leaving the production unit

Fig.11.5. Automatic broiler catching machine