Causes of trauma in broilers
Grattan, D.A.
Veterinary Record 132(2): 48
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8442345 Document Number: 407521
Unfavourable weather conditions are suggested as the cause of death of broilers before, during transport and after arrival at processing plants. Significant reduction in losses could be achieved by: (1) reducing waiting time at the plant in roofed, open ended sheds covered in at the sides down to the lowest modules with a large fan to circulate air on windless days; this shed also provides protection in winter when hot air can be circulated; (2) reducing the density of heavy cockerels in module crates down to as low as 20 birds per crate; (3) leaving the top row of module crates empty so that at no time is hot sun heating metal just above the birds and provision is also made for circulation of air.