Productive Parameters in Poultry Farming.
Productive parameters are quantitative indicators that summarize the performance of poultry flocks and allow for evaluating whether the genetic potential of the birds is being met.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION
7/2/20255 min read
Productive parameters are quantitative indicators that summarize the performance of poultry flocks and allow for evaluating whether the genetic potential of the birds is being met (1). For example, data on mortality, feed intake, body weight, and egg production are recorded for each flock (1). These indicators help detect deviations in management or health and enable timely decisions to improve productive efficiency (2, 3). Without reliable measurements and records, it's difficult to determine if farming practices are efficient or require correction (2, 3).
Key Indicators in Broiler Chickens
Average Daily Gain (ADG): This is the average daily increase in body weight per bird (e.g., in g/day). It indicates the growth rate. A typical broiler chicken reaches ~2–2.5 kg in 35–42 days, which translates to an average of about 50–70 g/day. This index must be maximized to achieve shorter cycles and higher meat production.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): This is the relationship between feed consumed and weight gained (kg feed/kg live weight). The goal is to minimize it: today, an FCR of ~1.6–1.8 is common in modern intensive systems (4). A low FCR indicates efficiency: for every kilogram of meat produced, only ~1.6 kg of feed was required. Definition: "feed conversion is defined as the amount of feed transformed (g) into live weight (g)" (5).
Mortality: Percentage of birds that die before slaughter. In technified farms, the aim is to keep daily and cumulative mortality as low as possible (ideally <5%). High mortality levels indicate disease problems, heat stress, or deficiencies in management or biosecurity.
Age and Weight at Slaughter: The age (days) and live weight at the time of slaughter are recorded. In conventional systems, the objective is usually to slaughter at 35 to 42 days of age with a weight of 2.0–2.5 kg per bird, depending on the genetic line. Reaching the target weight at the planned age is crucial to harness the strain's potential and properly schedule production cycles.
Weight Uniformity: Reflects the homogeneity of the flock. It is expressed as the percentage of birds whose weight is within ±10% of the average weight or as the coefficient of variation (CV) of the weights (6). Ideal uniformity is usually >80–85% (low CV). Highly non-uniform flocks may have feeding, management, or health problems.
Key Indicators in Laying Hens
Laying Rate (%): This is the percentage of birds that lay eggs each day. It's equivalent to eggs per bird per day; e.g., 0.90 eggs/bird-day = 90% laying rate. Modern commercial layers achieve very high production peaks (~90–95%) and average about 300–330 eggs per year (4). This indicator monitors flock productivity: a sudden drop can signal management, lighting, or nutritional problems.
Egg Weight: In commercial systems, the average egg weight is usually between 58–65 g, depending on the genetic line and the age of the bird. It is recorded at intervals to adjust the birds' diet (larger eggs require slightly more nutrients).
Age at First Egg: This is the age (weeks or days) at which the hen begins laying. It is generally between 18 and 20 weeks (approx. 125–140 days of life) in intensive lines. Reaching an adequate body weight (e.g., ~1.4–1.6 kg) at 18 weeks is crucial for a good start to laying.
Laying Persistence: Refers to how long high production is maintained after the peak. Ideally, birds should sustain high rates (>80%) during the first 60–70 weeks of laying, after which production gradually declines. Good persistence maximizes the total number of eggs per bird in the cycle.
Mortality: Similar to broilers, daily/cumulative flock mortality is recorded. In technified systems (enriched cages or high-tech aviaries), low mortality is expected: typically around 5–8% at the end of a complete laying cycle (7). For example, studies report ~5.4% in traditional cages over 52 weeks (7); free-range systems tend to have higher mortality (due to exposure to environmental factors).
Feed Intake per Bird: Measured in g/bird/day. In laying, hens eat an average of about 110–120 g daily during high production stages. This data helps verify that the ration meets energy and protein requirements.
Factors Influencing These Parameters
Productive indicators depend on multiple integrated factors:
Genetics: The line or strain determines the productive potential (heavy vs. light breeds, early laying, carcass quality, etc.). Modern genetics increase weight gain and feed efficiency but demand better management.
Nutrition: The quality and balance of the feed (energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals) are fundamental. Correctly formulated diets allow for achieving growth or laying objectives; deficiencies (or excesses) cause drops in weight gain or egg production.
Management: Includes stocking density, feeder and drinker systems, housing practices, pest control, and stress management. Good management (e.g., adequate ventilation, proper cleaning, feeding schedules, temperature control) improves feed intake and overall well-being. Elements such as feeder height and type must be adapted to the bird's size to optimize intake (8).
Environment: Temperature, humidity, and air quality in the poultry house directly affect metabolism and consumption. Extreme thermal conditions (cold or heat) worsen feed conversion and production. Therefore, ventilation and thermal insulation are controlled to maintain animal comfort (9).
Health: Diseases or parasites reduce performance. Healthy birds convert feed into meat or eggs more efficiently. Vaccination programs and strict biosecurity prevent losses in ADG or laying. Any outbreak (coccidiosis, salmonella, bronchitis, etc.) increases mortality and negatively impacts productive indicators (10).
Reference Values for Intensive Systems
In intensive technified systems, the following approximate reference values are managed:
Broiler Chickens: Average daily gain at the end of the cycle ~60–70 g/day. Total feed conversion ratio around 1.6–1.8 (kg of feed needed per kg of live chicken) (4). Target cumulative mortality <5%. Slaughter age between 35–42 days; live weight at slaughter ~2.0–2.5 kg. Flock uniformity >80–85%.
Laying Hens: Peak laying rate ≈90–95% (≈0.9–0.95 eggs/bird-day), resulting in ~300–330 eggs per bird/year (4). Average egg weight ≈60–65 g. Age at first egg ~18–20 weeks. A good technified flock maintains >80% production up to ~60–70 weeks of age. Mortality in the laying cycle in enriched cages ≈5–8% (7). Feed intake ~110–120 g/bird/day during production.
These values guide production goals: for example, in recent decades, broiler conversion has moved from ~2.5 in the 80s to ~1.6 currently (4), and marketable layers achieve ~330 eggs/year with ~2 kg of feed per kg of egg (4).
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
To ensure efficiency, these indicators must be monitored regularly. It is recommended to keep daily or weekly records (sampling weights, mortality, feed intake, eggs collected, etc.) and compare actual results with genetic standards or farm goals (3). For example, if conversion or mortality are above standard, it's necessary to review the diet, poultry house conditions, or biosecurity measures. The use of composite indicators like the productivity index (PI) can summarize the overall flock performance (calculated by combining ADG, conversion, and viability) (3).
In conclusion, knowing and recording these productive parameters allows for adjusting management and nutrition in real-time. The collected data must be continuously analyzed to identify deviations (e.g., increased mortality or sudden drop in laying) and define corrective actions. This systematic approach (benchmarking with standards) ensures continuous improvement in the production of both broiler chickens and laying hens (2, 3).
Sources: The data and indicators described here come from technical literature and commercial poultry guides (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10), adapted to intensive systems. Each farm should adjust these references to its genetic line and particular conditions.
(1, 2, 3, 6) Parámetros productivos importancia en producción avícola - BM Editores
https://bmeditores.mx/avicultura/parametros-productivos-importancia-en-produccion-avicola/
(4) RENDIMIENTO AVÍCOLA - Heering | ES
https://www.heeringholland.com/es/knowledge/avicola-rendimiento
(5, 8, 9) Conversión alimenticia en el pollo de engorde: ¿Cómo hacerla eficiente?
(7) Mortalidad de ponedoras según el sistema de alojamiento - El Sitio Avicola
(10) Pollos de engorde: conozca cuáles son los factores que influyen en la calidad de la carne - Certified Humane Latino | Bienestar animal
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