The mating potential of meat-type roosters plays a crucial role in determining the fertilization rate of eggs and the overall profitability of poultry farming. To maximize their breeding performance, experienced breeders have developed three key stages of feeding and management that help unlock the full potential of meat-breeding roosters. These strategies are designed to ensure healthy growth, proper sexual development, and optimal fertility during egg production.
**First Phase: Brooding Period**
This stage focuses on raising strong, healthy male chicks from birth. Due to genetic factors, male chicks often start smaller than females, so special attention is needed to ensure their survival and future reproductive success.
1. **Separate Feeding for Males and Females**: From the very beginning, males and females should be raised separately. This allows for more precise management and helps control the weight of roosters, which is essential for long-term performance.
2. **Feeding Methods Similar to Hens**: Feed amounts should be adjusted based on feeding standards. For the first week, feed can be provided using trays, and after one week, buckets should be used. The bucket height should be adjusted according to the rooster’s back level to ensure easy access.
3. **Proper Beak Trimming**: Beak trimming should be done between 6 to 8 days of age by trained personnel. The cut should be made 2 mm from the nostril edge to avoid damaging the beak and affecting future mating ability. Multivitamins should be added before and after trimming to reduce stress.
4. **Early Feed Restriction**: Starting at 4 weeks of age, controlled feeding can be introduced to manage rooster weight effectively. This practice helps maintain body weight within 130-140% of the hen’s weight before mixing.
5. **Selective Culling at the End of the Brooding Period**: Only healthy, active roosters with straight legs, wide backs, and chests should be selected for breeding purposes.
**Second Phase: Breeding Period**
During this phase, the goal is to develop a strong sexual reflex in roosters through strict feeding and management practices.
1. **Controlled Feeding for Timely Maturity**: Proper feeding restrictions are necessary to ensure that roosters reach sexual maturity at the right time. This involves balancing body weight and sexual development.
2. **Standardized Nutrition**: Roosters should be fed the same nutrient-rich diet as hens, with careful attention to feeding and watering locations to prevent aggression during laying periods.
3. **Timely Group Mixing**: At around 19 weeks, when roosters are about 40% heavier than hens, they can be mixed. Before mixing, select only healthy roosters and repair any improperly trimmed beaks. Introducing roosters a few days earlier can help them adapt better to the environment and improve mating behavior.
**Third Phase: Egg Production Period**
During this stage, maintaining the quality of roosters is critical for high fertilization rates. Many breeders focus only on hens, but roosters also need proper care.
1. **Appropriate Male-to-Female Ratio**: A 1:10 ratio is commonly used to reduce fighting among roosters while maintaining a high fertilization rate (around 93%).
2. **Balanced Diets**: Roosters should receive diets with lower protein content (12–13%) and additional minerals like zinc sulfate and manganese to enhance sperm quality and fertility.
3. **Separate Feeding Practices**: Roosters and hens should be fed separately. Hens use automatic feeders with restricted access, while roosters are fed from buckets to control their weight and prevent overfeeding.
4. **Prevent Toe Damage**: If using cage systems, the spacing should not exceed 3 cm to avoid foot injuries that can affect mobility and breeding performance.
5. **Regular Culling**: Remove any roosters with physical defects, incorrect sex identification, or poor health to maintain a high-quality breeding flock.
6. **Rooster Replacement Program**: As roosters age, some may die or become less productive. Replacing them with younger roosters from different batches improves fertilization rates. New roosters should be isolated and introduced gradually to prevent disease spread.
By implementing these strategies, farmers can significantly improve the fertilization rate of eggs and increase the economic returns from chicken farming. With careful attention to each stage of development, the full breeding potential of meat-type roosters can be realized.
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