The tables in this Factsheet provide basic husbandry information for commercial broiler breeders. Proper care and management of birds and their environment result in fewer mortalities and improved production. Additional information on poultry production can be found at Ontario.ca/livestock.

Table 1. Fan Dimensions
Fan Diameter (in.)Range of Airflow (CFM) all airflows measured at 0.10 in. static pressureAverage Airflow (CFM) all airflows measured 0.10 in. static pressure
121,400-1,8001,600
141,900-2,2002,050
162,500-3,0002,750
183,000-4,0003,500
20-223,000-5,0004,000
24-265,000-7,0006,000
368,000-12,00010,000
4818,000-22,00020,000
5019,000-27,00023,500

CFM =cubic feet per minute

Source: Agricultural fan performance test results from Bio-Environmental Structural Systems (BESS) labs at the University of Illinois.

Table 2. Recommended feeder space for broiler breeders
AgeMales (cm/birdFemales (cm/bird)
0-5 weeks
  • Track Feeder: 5 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 5 cm
  • Track Feeder: 5 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 4 cm
6-10 weeks
  • Track Feeder: 10 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 9 cm
  • Track Feeder: 10 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 8 cm
11-20 weeks
  • Track Feeder: 15 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 11 cm
  • Track Feeder: 15 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 10 cm
21 weeks to depletion*
  • Track Feeder: 20 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 13 cm
  • Track Feeder: 15 cm
  • Pan Feeder: 10 cm

* The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Poultry, 2003, recommends that, during feed restriction, feeder space should allow all birds to feed at the same time. Feed interruption should not exceed 48 hr.

Adapted from Ross Parent Stock Manual, 2013.

Table 3. Recommended minimum ventilation rate per broiler breeder
AgeCFM/bird
1-8 weeks0.10
9-15 weeks0.25
16-35 weeks0.35
36 weeks to depletion0.45

CFM = cubic feet per minute

Adapted from Ross Parent Stock Handbook, 2013.

Values in this Factsheet are in imperial measurements, reflecting common usage in the ventilation industry.

Table 4. Husbandry Guidelines for Commercial Broiler Breeders
CriteriaRearing (0-20 weeks)In Lay (20 weeks-depletion)Troubleshooting Checklist
Air Temperature (at bird's height)
  • Day-old: 30°C
  • Two days to 27 days old: Decrease by 1°C every 3 days until 20°C.
  • Balance relative humidity vs. dry bulb temperature when assessing air temperature.
  • 20°C-22°C
  • Balance relative humidity vs. dry bulb temperature when assessing air temperature.
  • Too high: panting, wing spreading/flapping, pasty cloacas
  • Too low: feather ruffling, huddling, rigid posture, piling near heat source
Relative Humidity
  • 60%-70%
  • 50%-70%
  • Too low: dehydrated, dusty
  • Too high: damp litter, high ammonia
Ventilation
  • See Table 2 and Table 3.
  • See Table 2 and Table 3.
  • N/A
Ammonia
  • Maximum of 25 ppm (parts per million)
  • >10 ppm: damage to lung surface
  • >20 ppm: increased respiratory issues, human eyes affected
  • >50 ppm: reduced growth rate
  • Maximum of 25 ppm (parts per million)
  • >10 ppm: damage to lung surface
  • >20 ppm: increased respiratory issues, human eyes affected
  • >50 ppm: reduced growth rate
  • Too high: higher incidence of respiratory problems and burns (eyes, feet, breast)
Lighting
  • Intensity
    • 0-3 days: 80-100 lux
    • 4-9 days: 30-60 lux
    • 10 days-21 wk:1--20 lux
  • Maximum dark hour intensity: 0.4 lux
  • Duration of photoperiod
    • 0-3 days: 23 hr
    • 4-10 days: gradually decrease to 8 hr
    • 11 days-21 wk: 8 hr
  • Light entering through inlets, fans and doors can disrupt dark period.
  • Intensity
    • 30-60 lux
  • Maximum dark hour intensity: 0.4 lux
  • Duration of photoperiod
    • Do not exceed 13-14 hr.
  • Light entering through inlets, fans, and doors can disrupt dark period.
  • Intensity too high: cannibalism, flighty, nervous behaviour
  • Photoperiod too long: delayed/uneven sexual development, reduced egg numbers, increased egg weight
  • Photoperiod too short: increased number of floor eggs
Water Source
  • Bell drinkers
    • 1.5 cm/bird
  • Nipple drinkers
    • 8-12 birds/nipple
  • Cups
    • 20-30 birds/cup
  • Bell drinkers
    • 2.5 cm/bird
  • Nipple drinkers
    • 6-10 birds/nipple
  • Cups
    • 15-20 birds/cup
  • Not enough drinker space: poor intakes, poor growth rate, poor egg production
Feeder Space
  • See Table 1.
  • See Table 1.
  • Not enough feeder space: poor intakes, poor growth rate, poor egg production, increased injury due to competition at feeders

Density

(floor space)

  • Males
    • 3-4 birds/m2
  • Females
    • 4-7 birds/m2
  • 3.5-5.5 birds/m2
  • 1 nest/5 birds
  • Too few nests: high number of floor eggs
  • Too dense: feather picking, cannibalism, drop in egg production, higher mortality, more injuries

Adapted from Ross Parent Stock Manual, 2013, and Codes of Practice, 2003.