In many parts of the world, when a cockerel reaches certain conditions, the flock can achieve a high fertilization rate. However, to ensure optimal fertility, it's essential to manage the flock properly. This includes monitoring the cockerels' skeletal development, testicular growth, and overall uniformity at different stages of their lives. It’s also important to control feeding practices, maintain an appropriate male-to-female ratio, and manage the body condition of the roosters to avoid excessive obesity.
Breeding arrangements play a crucial role in this process. When males are kept separate from females, it becomes easier to feed them according to their ideal weight curve. However, in many cases, roosters are placed at the back of the house, making it difficult for breeders to monitor their behavior. To address this, Avigate Breeding Company recommends keeping breeding roosters near the front of the henhouse, allowing for better observation and management during the brooding and mating periods.
During the entire growth phase, it's advisable to avoid using scaffolds. From 6 to 12 weeks of age, chickens are developing their muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and scaffolding can place unnecessary stress on their joints. As roosters grow, they require more space for breeding, so it's vital to adjust feeding density and available space based on their age.
Early brooding is a critical factor in successful poultry management. The first 72 hours of a chick's life are crucial for its immune system, cardiovascular development, feather growth, and skeletal structure. A strong foundation during this time ensures that roosters can mate effectively throughout the laying period.
To give chicks a good start, they should follow the ideal weight curve within the first 14 days. Many farms use coccidiosis-free broiler chicks to support this. If any chick is weak or underweight during the first week, it could lead to poor uniformity later on. After 14 days, the key to maintaining uniformity is ensuring each rooster gets the right amount of feed. A reliable feeding system that delivers consistent nutrition is essential to promote even growth.
The ideal uniformity for roosters should be between 80% and 85% starting at 35 days old, ensuring synchronized sexual maturity when they are mixed with hens. By 8 weeks of age, about 85% of the skeleton is developed. Meeting these milestones is essential, as failure to do so can result in smaller, less mature roosters with poor physical condition. Without a solid skeleton, roosters may become overly fat, leading to reduced mating success.
Key steps to help roosters develop correctly include:
- At 7 days, aim for a target weight of 140 grams (use high-protein feed if needed).
- Weigh the whole group at 4 weeks and remove any underweight birds.
- Ensure the required weight is achieved by 8 weeks.
- At 10 weeks, conduct final selection and adjust the growth curve if necessary—avoid any further changes before mating begins.
Maintain proper stocking density (no more than 3–4 roosters per square meter) and provide enough feeding space (15 cm per bird). Feeders should operate efficiently, ideally within 2–3 minutes per column, to ensure all birds have equal access to food.
Testicular development begins between 10 and 15 weeks of age. During this time, consistent weight gain is essential; any weight loss can negatively impact testicle growth and sperm production later. From 15 weeks onward, the reproductive system develops rapidly, so feeding must align with the weight curve, especially in mixed flocks. Ensuring proper stocking density and even feed distribution between 10 weeks and mating time is crucial for long-term success.
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