Maintaining optimal hygiene standards in broiler farming is critical to ensure chick health, improving productivity and promoting sustainable poultry production. Early life environment affects behavior, welfare and gut microbiome composition.
A comprehensive cleaning and disinfection system has been developed to address the challenges posed by environmental contaminants that affect chick development, particularly during the critical phase of the first week of life. The practice is recommended between each rearing cycle/flock. It integrates training, systematic procedures and rigorous monitoring to achieve measurable improvements in flock health and performance.
The system begins with the training of farmers and cleaning crews using both printed and digital training materials, including short instructional videos. This ensures that all stakeholders are well-versed in the standardized protocols for cleaning, washing, and disinfecting poultry houses. Special attention is given to cleaning the water supply system which is a key source of contamination if not properly maintained.
After implementation, the effectiveness of the cleaning and disinfection process is verified through microbiological sampling of surfaces, water, and air. Specialized kits are provided to collect samples, which are then evaluated against stringent criteria. The results are shared with farmers to foster transparency and ensure compliance. If the results meet the required standards, air disinfection through fumigation is performed 2–3 days before chick placement to create an ideal rearing environment.
The benefits of this comprehensive system are substantial. Mortality rates are reduced by 1–2%, which has a direct impact on the profitability and sustainability of broiler farms. Furthermore, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) improves by 0.2–0.3, reflecting better feed efficiency and cost savings. These outcomes are largely attributed to the development of a healthy digestive system during the chicks’ first week, facilitated by the clean and biosecure environment.