Brooding and rearing chicks for the family flock

"Buy quality chicks from a reliable hatchery. There are some advantages in buying from local sources if they can provide quality chicks, information and service to their customers."--First page.J.M. Vandepopuliere (Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture)Revised 5/90/5

Control of poultry disease outbreaks (1993)

Poultry owners should immediately begin an investigation if a disease is suspected in a flock. Obvious disease signs and symptoms can be identified on the farm, while others may require laboratory assistance for proper diagnosis. Missouri poultry owners have several state-operated and commercial laboratories available. The services of these laboratories are generally available at minimal cost. They are equipped to identify disease problems and make recommendations for control

Managing land application rates of to optimize economic value and water quality

Annual broiler processing capacity in southwestern Missouri is expected to increase from 127 million birds in 1989 to 245 million birds in 1995, or 93 percent. Much of this growth is expected to occur in Barry county where an additional 42,400 acres, almost double current land requirements, will be needed for land disposal of broiler litter. Rapid expansion in broiler production in southwestern Missouri can increase the risk of surface and ground water contamination from land application of broiler litter because the area has karst topography and large openings in the aquifer. Contamination of water in this region could have adverse economic and health impacts because water-based recreation is a significant sector of the regional economy and groundwater is the major source of drinking water. This study: determines the amount and composition of litter removed from seven broiler houses; develops a geographic information system for determining how spatial variability in land use, soil types and hydrogeologic features, and limits on the locations and application of broiler litter to protect water quality affect the amount of litter applied and the number of broilers grown in the watershed; and develops an economic optimization model that determines the locations and rates of litter application on areas of the watershed that maximize the economic value of applied litter while protecting water quality. The study area is the Shoal Creek watershed located in Barry County.Project # G-1572-04 Agreement # 14-08-0001-G-157

Effect of varying ratios of dietary calcium and phosphorus on performance, phytate P and mineral retention in Japanese quail (Coturnix cotnurnix Japonica).

The effect of different ratios of dietary calcium (Ca) to total phosphorus (tP) on the performances and retention of minerals and phytate phosphorus (pP) by quails were studied using 600 unsexed broiler quails from 1 to 21 days of age. Treatments consist of five corn and soybean meal (CSM) based diets with variable ratios of Ca:tP (1.96, 1.81, 1.66, 1.53 and 1.39) with four replicate of 30 birds each. Diets contained 3g chromium oxide (Cr2O3)/kg as marker. All ratios of Ca and P had no significant effect on feed consumption of birds. There were pronounced differences (P < 0.05) in body weight gain of chicks among treatments at second and third week of age. Improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio was observed at 3 wk of age. Higher ratios of Ca:tP (1.96 and 1.81) increased (P < 0.05) the retention of P compared to other treatments while ratio of 1.96 decreased (P < 0.05) the retention of Ca and phytate. In conclusion, Ca:tP ratio of 1.81 showed positive effect on most of parameters measured in this study

Thiocarbamide: A Growth Regulator to Control House Flies in Cage Laying Operations

The life cycle of the common house fly (Musca domestica, L.) is supported in an optimum condition within the commercial cage laying unit. The manure and waste feed provide an ideal media for breeding, egg laying, hatching and larvae development. The mature larvae pupate and hatch into adult flies. The reproductive cycle requires 5 to 10 days, depending on the temperature, humidity and light

How to build a poultry disposal unit

Date taken from similar guides rather than printed date"A properly constructed poultry disposal pit is a convenient, sanitary and practical way of handling dead birds. The pit is an inexpensive disposal method. It requires little maintenance and can be used year-round. If the pit becomes filled, you can build another pit and the two can then be used on an alternate basis."--First page.Glenn Geiger and Joseph M. Vandepopuliere (Department of Poultry Husbandry, College of Agriculture