What different systems of brooding are being practised in poultry? How would you prepare a brooder house to receive chicks?

Systems of Brooding in Poultry

Brooding systems can be broadly categorized into natural, artificial, intensive, and semi-intensive systems. Each system has its own merits and demerits.

1. Natural Brooding

This method relies on hens for warmth and protection. It’s a traditional method suitable for small-scale poultry farms.

• Advantages: Low cost, natural behavior, minimal infrastructure.
• Disadvantages: Limited chick capacity, risk of hen mortality, unpredictable temperature control, potential for disease transmission from the hen.

2. Artificial Brooding

This system utilizes artificial heat sources like electric brooders, gas brooders, or radiant heaters to provide warmth.

• Advantages: Higher chick capacity, precise temperature control, reduced risk of hen-related problems.
• Disadvantages: Higher operational costs (electricity/fuel), potential fire hazard, requires careful monitoring of temperature and humidity.

3. Intensive Brooding

This is a highly controlled environment where chicks are raised in large numbers with automated temperature, humidity, and ventilation control. Often coupled with battery cages or deep litter systems.

• Advantages: Maximum chick output per unit area, efficient resource utilization, reduced labor requirements.
• Disadvantages: High initial investment, potential for disease outbreaks due to high density, ethical concerns related to animal welfare, increased reliance on antibiotics (though efforts are being made to reduce this).

4. Semi-Intensive Brooding

This system combines elements of both artificial and natural brooding. Chicks are housed in a brooder house but have access to outdoor space for grazing and exercise.

• Advantages: Combines benefits of both systems – controlled environment with some natural behavior.
• Disadvantages: Requires more space than intensive brooding, exposure to predators, potential for disease transmission from the outdoor environment.

System	Cost	Capacity	Control	Labor
Natural	Low	Low	Poor	High
Artificial	Moderate	Moderate	Good	Moderate
Intensive	High	High	Excellent	Low
Semi-Intensive	Moderate	Moderate	Fair	Moderate

Preparing a Brooder House

Proper brooder house preparation is crucial for chick survival and growth. A well-prepared brooder house ensures a healthy and comfortable environment.

1. Site Selection and Construction

• Choose a dry, well-drained, and predator-proof location.
• The brooder house should be simple, well-insulated, and easily cleanable.
• Floor can be earthen, concrete, or wooden (raised platform is preferable).

2. Sanitation and Disinfection

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect the brooder house before chick arrival.
• Use disinfectants like formaldehyde (2% solution), bleaching powder (1%), or phenolic compounds.
• Remove all debris and organic matter.

3. Temperature Control

• Maintain a temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week, gradually reducing it by 5°F (2.8°C) each week until it reaches 70°F (21°C).
• Use heat lamps, infrared bulbs, or gas brooders to maintain the desired temperature.
• Monitor temperature with thermometers placed at chick level.

4. Ventilation

• Ensure adequate ventilation to remove moisture, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.
• Avoid drafts, which can chill chicks.
• Use screened windows or vents that can be adjusted.

5. Lighting

• Provide adequate light for chicks to find food and water.
• Initially, use 24 hours of light, then reduce to 14-16 hours per day.
• Use low-wattage bulbs.

6. Feeder and Waterer Placement

• Place feeders and waterers strategically to ensure easy access for all chicks.
• Use chick-sized feeders and waterers.
• Elevate feeders and waterers as chicks grow.

7. Litter Management

• Use clean, dry, and absorbent litter material like wood shavings, rice husk, or straw.
• Regularly rake and replace wet or soiled litter.

Example: The National Avian Disease Control Programme (NADCP) emphasizes bio-security measures in poultry farms, including proper brooder house preparation to prevent disease outbreaks. Case Study: The poultry farms in Punjab, India, frequently face challenges due to fluctuating temperatures. Farmers have adopted the use of insulated brooder houses with automated temperature control systems to mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions and ensure chick survival. This has led to improved production efficiency and reduced mortality rates.