Optimizing the health of broilers

Publication date: 14/03/2022
Extent: 40 pages

Contributions by: Edgar Orlando Oviedo-Rondón, North Carolina State University, USA

Chapter synopsis: This chapter will present the critical infectious disease challenges faced in the top five broiler-producing countries. The current and future strategies to control these diseases will be discussed. These strategies include biosecurity, vaccination, surveillance, diagnostics, environmental management, nutritional interventions, and genetic selection. The optimization of broiler health comes with a better understanding and monitoring of the whole production system in each location. The data presented in this chapter indicates that intestinal and respiratory diseases are the main aspects to improve worldwide. There are big challenges to improving immunity against coccidiosis, Clostridium spp., IBV, and E. coli. These four pathogens are the major infectious diseases. Proper incubation and broiler-house environmental management play an important role in preventing and controlling diseases caused by these and other pathogens. Improving chick quality and reducing early mortality is a priority to enhance broiler health.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0104.11