So the season is going well, the birds are flying high and we finally have some cold weather to bring the birds home! Release pens and alterations is the last thing you want to think about. However, to combat the encroaching in feed prescription restrictions, as a sector, we must begin to look at ways of improving these areas.
I have been looking into clients that have been using in feed medications over the past three years on a regular basis. This is a common picture, and as a result, there is a large list of sites. We have approximately two years to show the government our voluntary self-regulated antibiotic reduction achievements. If it is not substantial enough, then we may have legislative restrictions placed upon us. With this in mind, we must adapt now in order for the birds post release to survive and thrive.
Making pen adaptations is a one to five year approach, and for this reason we must start the process now. We, as a practice, have decided to approach our clients and offer phone and on site advice to target every pen and work out why specifically that pen(s) on their shoot break down with diseases year on year. We have already undertaken this approach with several large and small shoots and have made great headways into reducing medicating of poults released, in fact some of the clients who were using high volumes have said their birds have flown the best in years since not having medication.
It seems every pen is different and there are no one set of rules that works for them all. For this reason, we have found this tailored on site visit approach works best. We can justify the use of medications if we are physically trying to prevent the diseases from entering the birds via various strategies advised. Each release pen health plan will include tailor made advice covering the following areas, there are of course several hundred ways to improve pens but these are the best and most common we are finding:
1. Quantity, location and type of feeders and drinkers that are best to use.
2. A robust and practical programme of change
3. Predator prevention/management techniques
4. Proactive preventative programme of alternatives to antibiotics for use in water and feed.
5. Water system, hygiene and approach.
I have provided some simple points to think about next time you walk around a pen. We are able to offer pen assessments for our clients to help you adapt to the challenging industry changes ahead of us. If we have not been in touch regarding this and you wish to discuss this further, do not hesitate to contact us on 01392 872932.
