Lina Paola Pardo Quevedo
MemberForum Replies Created
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When certain breeds are crossed, sex linkage allows the sex of the chicks to be established at a day old by a difference in down colour, which is useful when producing hens for laying since it reduces the rearing costs to the breeder and ultimately the price you pay
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What Happens to the Chicken
When a chicken loses weight, it’s a sign that its body is not getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. This can lead to a range of issues:
* Weakened Immune System: A malnourished chicken has a weaker immune system, making it more susceptible to various diseases and infections.
* Decreased Egg Production: In laying hens, weight loss often leads to a halt in egg production, as the bird’s body prioritizes survival over laying eggs.
* Lethargy and Weakness: The chicken may become less active, appear weak, and isolate itself from the flock.
* Poor Physical Condition: You may notice physical signs such as a prominent breastbone (keel bone) and a lack of muscle mass. The chicken’s feathers may also appear ruffled, dull, or brittle.
* Pale Comb and Wattles: The comb and wattles of a healthy chicken should be bright red. If they appear pale, it can be a sign of anemia, which is often linked to malnutrition.
* Increased Mortality Rates: If the weight loss is severe and left untreated, it can ultimately lead to death.What Happens to the Chicken
When a chicken loses weight, it’s a sign that its body is not getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. This can lead to a range of issues:
* Weakened Immune System: A malnourished chicken has a weaker immune system, making it more susceptible to various diseases and infections.
* Decreased Egg Production: In laying hens, weight loss often leads to a halt in egg production, as the bird’s body prioritizes survival over laying eggs.
* Lethargy and Weakness: The chicken may become less active, appear weak, and isolate itself from the flock.
* Poor Physical Condition: You may notice physical signs such as a prominent breastbone (keel bone) and a lack of muscle mass. The chicken’s feathers may also appear ruffled, dull, or brittle.
* Pale Comb and Wattles: The comb and wattles of a healthy chicken should be bright red. If they appear pale, it can be a sign of anemia, which is often linked to malnutrition.
* Increased Mortality Rates: If the weight loss is severe and left untreated, it can ultimately lead to death. -
1. Specification Development:
Nutrient specifications – protein, fat, fiber, moisture, minerals, amino acids, etc.
Physical characteristics – particle size, color, odor, texture.
Anti-nutritional factors – trypsin inhibitors, tannins, gossypol, phytates, etc.
Contaminants – mycotoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, pathogens.
Purpose: Acts as a benchmark for ingredient acceptance.
2. Sampling Procedures:
Use representative sampling methods (e.g., probe sampling, grab sampling, composite sampling).
Follow consistent frequency (every batch, random lots, supplier deliveries).
Correct sampling is critical — poor sampling = inaccurate results.
3. Laboratory Analysis:
Proximate analysis (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, NFE).
Specialized analysis – amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals.
Anti-nutritional/toxin testing – mycotoxins, cyanide, alkaloids, tannins.
Microbiological testing – Salmonella, E. coli, mold counts.
4. Supplier Approval & Audit:
Evaluate supplier’s quality assurance systems.
Check sourcing, storage, and transport conditions.
Approve suppliers based on compliance with standards.
5. Receiving Inspection:
Visual checks – color, odor, presence of mold, insects, foreign material.
Rapid tests – moisture meters, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR).
Cross-check delivery documentation vs. specifications.
6. Storage & Handling Control:
Store under conditions that prevent spoilage, contamination, or nutrient loss.
Separate ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
Monitor temperature, humidity, and pest control in storage areas.
7. Record Keeping:
Document analysis results, supplier performance, and rejected batches.
Maintain traceability for all ingredients.
8. Corrective Actions:
Reject substandard materials.
Investigate cause (supplier issue, transport, storage).
Implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
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Good information
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Great, thanks for sharing
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Thanks for the information
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Positive Effects:
a. Improved Feed Intake and Digestion:
Some phytochemicals can stimulate appetite and improve feed palatability, leading to increased consumption. They can also enhance nutrient digestion and absorption, potentially boosting growth rates.
b. Enhanced Animal Health:
Phytochemicals can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress, contributing to overall better health and potentially reducing the need for antibiotics.
c. Antimicrobial Properties:
Certain phytochemicals, like those found in essential oils, can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in the gut, reducing the risk of infections and improving gut health.
d. Growth Promotion:
By improving feed efficiency and nutrient utilization, some phytochemicals can contribute to increased weight gain and overall productivity.
e. Reduced reliance on antibiotics:
Phytochemicals offer a natural alternative to antibiotics for disease prevention and growth promotion in animals.
f. Modulation of Rumen Fermentation:
In ruminants, phytochemicals can influence rumen fermentation, potentially improving the efficiency of feed digestion and reducing methane emissions.
Potential Negative Effects:
a. Reduced Palatability:
Some phytochemicals, especially at high concentrations, can have strong odors or tastes that may deter animals from eating, especially in sensitive species like pigs.
b. Variability in Effectiveness:
The composition and effectiveness of phytochemicals can vary depending on the plant source and extraction methods.
c. Limited Research:
While many studies show promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal dosages of different phytochemicals in various animal species.
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Great, thanks for the information
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Thanks for the information

