Management Guidefor pullets in deep litter, aviaryand free-range systems

© Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH CuxhavenAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Copyright owner.

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Index

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 – 3

Deep litter system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Aviary system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 – 5

Housing of chicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Litter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

House climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 7

Equipment needed for rearing/Recommended technical facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Intermittent lighting program for chicks . . . . . 8 – 9

Grit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Treatment of the beaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10

Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11

Feeding – when and how? . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12

Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Uniformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Lighting programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 – 14

Abnormal behaviour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15

Moulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Vaccination program – Example . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Flock checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Rodents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 – 18

Parasites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 19

Change of housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 – 20

Outdoor areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 – 21

Hygiene and biological safety . . . . . . . . . . 21 – 22

Cleaning and disinfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 – 24

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 – 28

Preface

The rearing of pullets to be kept as laying hens insmall groups, deep litter, aviary and free-rangesystems requires considerably more expertise thanthe conventional battery cage system.

Pullets which are to be housed in alternative systemsafter the rearing period are to be specifically pre-pared for this during rearing. In their developmentand their behaviour they should be prepared in asideal a way as possible for the various forms ofalternative systems of laying hen management.

The rearing is to be seen as an investment phase.It cannot be dealt with in exclusively theoreticalterms. Constant controls and observation of theflock are essential in order to ensure success.

Any farmer who decides to adopt alternative pro-duction systems of keeping chicks and/or pulletsrather than battery systems should first acquire abasic knowledge of layer management in alternativesystems. This guide is intended to provide the necessary information.

Readers wishing to explore this subject in greaterdepth will find more advanced material in varioussources, including publications by the GermanKTBL and the management programs of breedingand multiplier companies for laying hens.

Before planning and building new facilities or con-verting existing buildings into deep litter or aviaryhousing, it is essential to obtain expert advice.

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This booklet includes guidelines for rearing younghens in alternative systems. Some of these guidelinesare in fact already governed by law and are thus ofa binding nature. Consideration of and adherenceto aspects of the guidelines which are not yet legallybinding is intended to improve the rearing of younghens.

References to improving hygiene and biologicalsafety are to be seen as steps to prevent epizooticdiseases such as avian influenza and bacterialinfections which are to be avoided in the interest of protecting the consumer (salmonella and campylobacter infections).

The authors

Dipl.-Ing. Peter PoterackiPoultry Specialist, Lippstadt

Reinhold WillenborgPoultry Consultant, Langförden

Dr. Hans-Heinrich ThieleLohmann Tierzucht GmbH, Cuxhaven

July 2009

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Deep litter systems■ Deep litter systems can

vary considerably so thatthey can be adapted tothe layout of an existingbuilding.

■ The housing floor shouldbe well covered in litter –because litter also serves as a source of occupationfor the birds.

■ A stocking density of max. 15 birds per m² floorspace should be respected, whereby the surfacearea of A-racks which are equipped with drinkersand feeders can be added on to the floor spacearea.

■ Chicks learn and, already at a young age, wantto fly on to racks or perches. Therefore such racksand perches should be made available right atthe beginning of the rearing period. 10 – 15 cmperching length is to be recommended per pullet.

■ Feeding and drinking facilities of adjustableheight encourage the birds to move within thesystem.

■ The classical form of deep litter systems is be -coming less significant as pullets in aviary systemscan be adapted better to the alternative systems.

Aviary systems■ In aviary rearing systems

the birds have additionalspace available to use ina second or third level. Iffeed and water is madeavailable there, theselevels may be classifiedas floor area available for use (statutory regu lations are to be observed here).

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■ In aviary systems a density of max. 20 – 25 birdsper m² floor space, or 60 pullets per m² scratchingarea should not be exceeded.

■ The levels are covered with wooden, wire meshor plastic slats and are equipped with manurebelts.

■ Aviary systems for rearing pullets must be construc tedin such a way as to enable chicks to be keptnear water and feed, as well as in an optimumhousing climate in the first few days after hatching.

■ As a result of controlled lighting and variablefeeding times, the birds learn to move aroundthe different levels.

■ Do not feed birds in the dark phase in order toavoid mechanical bird losses.

Housing of chicks■ Chicks are to be kept near

water and feed. If neces-sary, a source of heatingis to be used. In deep litter systems use chickenrings or similar forms ofseparation boundary.

■ In aviary systems chicks are to be housed on thelevels where an optimum climate can be ensuredand where the chicks can be kept under goodobservation.

■ Use additional feed pans or paper dishes tooffer additional feed during the first few days.

■ The levels should be opened when the chicks are3 or 4 weeks old – during this period the birdsmay require assistance to find their way back intothe system and have access to water and feed.

■ Aviary rearing systems should also have perches– chicks / pullets also have to learn to sit onthem and, as the case may be, to eat and drinkfrom there.

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Litter■ Straw should be of clean

and fungus-free quality –wheat straw is preferableto barley or oat straw.

■ Litter is to be stored inclosed rooms (not out-doors) – prevent conta-mination with germs.

■ Dust-free wood shavings should originate fromsoft woods and should not be chemically treated– min. particle size ≥ 1 cm.

■ Prevent chicks absorbing fine particles whichmay swell up in the digestive tract in connectionwith water – this will have a detrimental effect ontheir well-being as well as food intake.

■ Litter should be put down after the building hasbeen heated and the floor has warmed up –prevents shifting of the dew point and clumpingof the litter.

■ Take appropriate care of litter; replace litter inthe case of heavy soiling of individual areas.

House climate■ With a relative humidity

of at least 40 – 45% thefollowing house tempe -ratures at bird heightshould be aimed for:

1st – 2nd day 36 – 34 °C3rd – 4th day 34 – 32 °C5th – 7th day 31 °C2nd week 30 °C3rd week 29 – 28 °C4th week 27 – 26 °C5th week 24 – 22 °C6th week 20 – 18 °C> 6th week 18 – 20 °C

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°C

%

■ Put heating into operation in good time in accor-dance with outside weather conditions.

■ Correct control of heating and ventilationsystems guarantees constant ambient house temperature.

■ The chicks' behaviour reflects the suitability of theclimate:

❖ chicks are distributed evenly and moving aboutfreely:

temperature and ventilationare in good order

❖ chicks are cuddling togetheror avoiding certain areas ofhousing:

too low temperature ordraught

❖ chicks are lying on theground with wings spreadand gasping for air:

temperature is too high

■ Ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air – the following minimum requirements for house air should be observed:

O² not less then 20 %CO² under 0.3 %CO under 40 ppmNH³ under 20 ppmH²S under 5 ppm

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8

darkness

light

Equipment needed for rearing /Recommended technical facilities

Age inweeks

Chick fount 1 1 drinker (4 – 5 l) for 100 chicks

Round drinker up to 20 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birds

Nipple up to 20 6 – 8 birds per nipple

Chicks 1 – 2 1pan for 60 chicksfeed pans

Round troughs 3 – 10 2 troughs (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds

11 – 20 3 troughs (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds

Feed line 3 – 10 2.5 – 3.5 running metresfor 100 birds

11 – 20 4.5 rng. m for 100 birds

Perches 10 – 15 cm per bird

Intermittent lighting program for chicks■ An intermittent light program specially designed

for the first few days after hatching can synchro-nise the birds' behaviour – promote developmentof the chicks and make it easier for personnel toassess the condition of the flock.

■ The group behaviour, feed and water intake isstimulated – rearing losses lowered.

■ Lighting program for chicks of up to 10 daysold:

■ The program can be used up to the 7th or 10th

day after arrival of the chicks. Subsequentlyadapt to the regular program with weekly reduction of daylight periods.

Grit■ Insoluble grit stimulates the formation of the

crop and mastax – has a positive effect on foodabsorption capacity and should be provided asan addition.

■ Guideline for granulation and quantity:❖ 1 – 2 weeks old: once weekly 1 g/bird

(1 – 2 mm granulation)

❖ 3 – 8 weeks old: once weekly 2 g/bird(3 – 4 mm granulation)

❖ from 9 weeks old: once monthly 3 g/bird(4 – 6 mm granulation)

Treatment of thebeaks■ In deep litter and aviary

systems unfavourablefactors can lead to stressand in some cases toserious feather pickingand cannibalism.

■ In order to avoid a high rate of loss in therearing / laying period, it is recommended totreat the beaks.

■ The treatment is only to be carried out by staffwho are qualified to do so.

■ It is recommended to treat the beaks in a waywhich complies with state-of-the-art technologyand which is as gentle on the bird as possible.

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■ The EU Regulation for the housing of laying hens(Council Directive 1999/74/EC) stipulates thatbirds are to be treated within the first 10 days ofhatching. In Germany, furthermore, official veterinary authorization is required.

Nutrition■ Pullets in deep litter or

aviary systems have ahigher level of movementand activity and thusrequire more feed of thesame high dietary energycontent compared tobattery-kept hens.

■ When feeding pullets consideration is to begiven to the nutritional requirements of thebreed product in question.

■ Manufacturers of mixed feed offer four-phasefeed programs – see example of rearing feedprogram below:

Nutrient Chick Chick Feed for Pre-layStarter feed pullets ration feed

Crude protein % 20.5 18.5 15.5 17.5

Methionine % 0.48 0.40 0.33 0.38

Lysine % 1.15 1.00 0.70 0.80

Calcium % 1.00 1.00 0.90 2.00

Phosphorus % 0.75 0.70 0.60 0.65

Sodium % 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.16

ME MJ/kg 11.8 11.5 11.4 11.4

■ Development of the body weight represents thebasis for changing the feed quality. The bodyweight, rather than simply the age, determinesthe right time to change the feed.

■ Therefore chicks and pullets are to be weighedonce a week!

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■ Meal feed should be homogeneous and havesufficient structure – high proportions of very fineparticles or too coarse structure lead to selectivefeed intake and an imbalanced supply ofnutrients.

■ Fine feed reduces the birds' feed intake andleads to under-nourishment.

■ In the case of pullets in alternative housing pre-lay ration feed is to be particularly recommended– it improves uniformity of the flocks and containscalcium for shell formation of the first eggs.

■ When laying performance has reached 5 %, thefeed needs to be changed from pre-lay rationfeed to laying hen feed.

■ The foundation for sufficient feed intake in thelaying period is laid in the rearing period.

■ Feed for pullets (low protein content) with sufficientcrude fibre content (≥ 5 %) increases the abilityof pullets to take in larger quantities of feed.

■ Clean and hygienic storage of the feed is to beguaranteed at all times.

■ Request reference samples for feed batches tobe delivered from manufacturer – guaranteestraceability in case of problems.

Feeding – when and how?■ Feed maximum feed

quantity to chicks andpullets until they acquirestandard body weight in 8th to 10th week afterhatching.

■ On changing over to pullet feed, the maximumfeed quantity is to be given gradually in thesecond half of the day. If possible, troughsshould be empty (all feed consumed) for a shortperiod at midday.

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■ Feeding according to meal times – into an emptytrough – encourages a balanced intake ofnutrients and develops the feed intake capacity.

Water■ Water should be of

potable quality. Wellwater should be analysed regularly.

■ Pullet producers shouldalways ask themselves:Would I drink this watermyself?

■ Optimum water temperature – for chicks also:20 – 25 °C

■ Feed and water intake are closely correlated. Inthe temperature range of 18 – 22 °C = 1:1.4with white pullets and 1:1.6 with brown pullets.

■ If temperatures are high or hens are sick theydrink more.

■ Chicks and pullets that are unable to drinkenough water, eat less.

■ Regular inspections of the drinking system arestrongly recommended.

■ A water meter is mandatory.■ Drinking facilities should be cleaned regularly,

semi-automatic flushing should exist. Specialattention is to be paid to the supply tanks whencleaning.

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Uniformity ■ The uniformity of a flock

is an important indicatorof the quality of rearing.

■ It is an indication of theperformance to be expected in the layingperiod.

■ The uniformity is influenced by:❖ chick quality ❖ lighting program❖ flock density ❖ vaccination❖ feeding ❖ illnesses

■ Well-raised, healthy stocks are very balanced /uniform – they achieve 80 – 85 % uniformity.

Lighting programs■ Sexual maturity as well

as the laying rate areinfluenced by the lightprogram. Light programscan only be operated inan optimum way in buil-dings which have nowindows.

■ The following principle applies:❖ after housing the chicks shorten the daily

period of light step-by-step,❖ maintain a constant daily stretch of light over

a certain period,❖ and gradually increase the daily stretch of

light in order to stimulate laying activity.■ Fundamentally the following applies: Do not

extend the daily stretch of light until the intendedstimulation of a herd has been achieved and donot shorten it during the production phase!

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X

Uniformity

■ Therefore houses infiltrated by natural daylightshould be darkened – particularly in the case ofchickens which hatch in the first months of theyear.

■ Windows or openings through which naturaldaylight can enter, should be designed so thatthey can be darkened (parallel to the light program).

■ Ensure that the artificial light program and thenatural lightness of day are not staggered.

■ Coordinate the switch-on and switch-off time-settings between rearing and production!

■ Example of a light program for houses withoutwindows:

Abnormal behaviourWatch out for and monitor abnormal behaviour(feather pecking / cannibalism). A sudden onset ofabnormal behaviour can have a variety of reasons.Consider the following:■ Nutrition and health of the flock – bodyweight,

uniformity, signs of infections;■ Stocking density – overcrowding and insufficient

feeding and drinking stations cause stress;■ House climate – temperature, humidity, air

velocity, pollution by dust and/or noxious gases;

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0

5

10

15

20

25

daily

ligh

t str

etch

in h

ours

1.-2.day

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

age in weeks

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■ Light intensity / light source – excessively brightlight or flickering light (low- frequency fluorescenttubes or energy-saving lamps);

■ Ecto- and endoparasites – infested birds arestressed and have diarrhoea;

■ Feed consistency – very finely ground meal-typerations or pelleted feed encourage abnormalbehaviour;

■ Dietary protein / amino acid content – deficiencies cause problems;

■ Supply of calcium and sodium – deficienciescause stress;

■ Persons looking after the birds should behave ina calm manner to avoid the pullets becomingnervous.

Moulting■ Pullets change their plumage a number of times

– down to feathers up to 5th week after hatching– incomplete moulting in 8th – 10th week – complete moulting as from 13th/14th week afterhatching.

■ If moulting does not start in 13th week after hatching, the flock is insufficiently developed and moderately balanced – check body weightand uniformity immediately.

■ Do not increase light intensity and duration oflighting until completion of the first moultingphase (14th – 15th week after hatching).

■ Experience has shown that this is the most favourable point in time for re-housing.

■ Wings of a pulletapprox. 18 weeksafter hatching:

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Vaccination program –Example

Diseases World- Regional Vaccination Remarkswide methods

Marek’s X I One-offdisease vaccination in

the hatchery

Coccidiosis X D FNewcastle Legally disease X D / Sp / I prescribed

Gumboro X D

Infectiousbronchitis X D / Sp / I

AE X D Vaccinatepullets andparent birds

Mycoplasma gallisepticum x I

Pox x Wing prick

Pasteurella inf. x I

Poultrycoryza x I

Salmonella X D / I Legallyprescribed forflocks in excessof 250 pullets

ILT x D / ED

EDS x I

Colibacillosis X

D = Drinking waterSp = SprayI = InjectionF = FeedED = Eye drops

■ Birds raised in deep litter systems are more likelyto become infected.

■ Strains of coli bacteria and pasteurellae canoccur within clearly defined regional limitations –in such a case very specific vaccination substances(flock specific) are to be developed and used.

■ The vaccination program must be concluded twoweeks prior to moving the flock into the laying houses.

■ Vaccinations against coccidiosis are preferable toapplication of coccidiostatica because they aremore effective.

Flock checks■ A thorough tour of in -

spection should be madedaily – preferably in themornings – in order tocheck the housing climate,the flock, the constitutionand behaviour of the birds.The following should be investigated to ensurethey are in good working order:❖ Drinkers❖ Feeders❖ Lights❖ Ventilation and air conditioning.

In the case of changes in the behaviour of the birds orindications of diseases appropriate measures should betaken immediately, if necessary a vet is to be informed.

Rodents■ Housing should be free

of rats and mice. Rodentscarry disease and areoften the cause of bac -terial infections in theflock.

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■ If there is heavy rodent infestation the pestsshould be exterminated quickly and efficientlyby a trained specialist.

■ The use of suitable building materials, regularmaintenance of the fabric of the building andsealing of openings in the exterior wall (wiregrills in front of ventilation shafts) reduce rodentnumbers.

■ Broken stones and shingle (laid in a 1 – 2 mwide strip along exterior walls) are avoided byrats and can deter them from coming near thebuilding.

■ Clean outdoor facilities without any feed remainsor other refuse are the best pre-requisites foreffective combating of rodents.

■ Dogs and cats should not be used in the poultryhousing area for purposes of combating rodents.

Parasites■ Roundworms and thread-

worms occur in chickens(transmission with thedroppings).

■ If an infection is suspectedthe hens in the flockshould be examined.Worm eggs are detectable in the droppings.

■ If helminth infection is diagnosed the flockshould be de-wormed.

■ Red mite is a major problem in alternative production systems.

■ Mites damage health and reduce productivityand in heavy infestations they can be responsiblefor high mortality rates (by transmitting diseases).

■ Infestation causes stress in the flock (feather pecking, cannibalism, reduced growth rates).

■ It is advisable to check flocks regularly for mites.

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■ Common hiding places of mites are:❖ corners of the system❖ feeder legs, trough connectors❖ crossbars of perches❖ dropping boards❖ corners of walls❖ and in vertical tubes of perches.

■ Mites should be controlled with suitable insecticidesor other suitable products.

■ These should be applied in the evening as mitesfeed at night.

■ When applying insecticides take care to reach allplaces where mites hide. The quantity of productapplied is not what matters but its thorough andeven distribution is extremely important.

■ Treatments for mites and beetles should be doneas soon as the laying house has been evacuated– while the barn is still warm – otherwise theinsects crawl away into inaccessible places.

Change of housing■ Change of housing to

the laying section has to take place gently butswiftly – catching andtransporting the birds isstressful for them.

■ In the laying housing itis important for pullets to have water and feed intheir vicinity.

■ Gentle moving and careful familiarisation withthe new system are decisive and guarantee goodproduction results.

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■ Pullets from alternative rearing systems shouldbe re-housed in good time, according to com-mencement of laying. Pullets must be accustomedto their new surroundings before they start laying.

■ Pullets lose weight in the course of transport andre-housing – afterwards, therefore, the birdsshould have access to water and feed again asquickly as possible.

Outdoor areas■ Pullets may be allowed

into outdoor areas underappropriate weatherconditions and after theirplumage has been fullyformed – not before theage of 10 – 12 weeks.

■ A combination of covered outdoor closure andrange is recommended.

■ Rotational grazing and growing of grass orcereal have proved beneficial.

■ Put down coarse gravel, wood chips (of untreatedwood) or other stabilising materials in the areaclose to the barn.

■ If the outdoor area is heavily used, carry outregular ground maintenance and disinfection.

■ After rain do not allow puddles to form in therange area.

■ Drinkers in the pasture area, outdoor enclosureand barn should be of the same type.

■ Make use of trees, shrubs, mobile roofs, disusedtrailers etc. as protection against vermin and togive shade.

■ Access to outdoor areas should be managedaccording to the weather conditions.

■ Pullets going outside for the first time need to betrained in the use of the outdoor area. Pulletsvisiting a pasture with good vegetation tend to

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eat many plants, stones etc., which can greatlyreduce their feed intake.

■ It is advisable to cut the pasture before it is usedfor the first time. Young flocks should be introducedgradually to using the outdoor area.

■ Free-range systems should be protected frompredators.

Hygiene andBiological Safety *■ Hygienic measures as well

as measures to en surebiological safety of birdstocks are intended toprevent the infiltrationof bird diseases and thespreading of zoonotic diseases which represent adanger to humans.

■ Poultry rearing establishments are to be separatedfrom the outside world by means of suitable construction measures - fencing-in of the facilitiesis to be considered as the minimum requirement.

■ Construction conditions are to be fulfilled toensure housing is safe from rodents, wild birdsand, where appropriate, insects.

■ Animal stocks in rearing establishments should beof as homogeneous an age group as possible. Ifit is not possible to implement such arrangements,different age groups should be kept in separateareas.

■ Following disinfection and housing of the birds,only specific care personnel should be allowedentry – do not allow persons not belonging tothe establishment to enter the building.

* see statutory regulations

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■ Remove corpses of morbid, dead animals asquickly as possible from the flock.

■ Set up feed silos, translocation of carcasses outside the fenced areas, so they are accessiblefrom outside. Outside traffic on the premisesshould be kept to a minimum.

■ Appliances, tools and materials necessary forrepairs and other work whilst the housing is inuse should be brought into the facility prior tothe final disinfection. No such materials are tobe brought in after the birds have been movedinto the barn.

■ Work clothing, changing rooms, compulsoryshowering if appropriate, should be stipulated asroutine requirements to be fulfilled before enteringthe facilities - set up so-called hygiene sluices.

■ Set up disinfection mats in front of personnelentrance to the individual houses and take scrupulous care of these.

■ Make it compulsory to wash and disinfect handsand change shoes before entering the barn.

■ It is recommendable to conduct regular routineexaminations on employees (stool tests for salmonella).

■ If possible, animal keepers in the poultry facilitiesshould not keep poultry on a private basis.

■ Workmen, vaccination and loading helpersshould only be granted access after changinginto the establishment's own working clothes(possibly also showering). These persons representthe greatest danger to the poultry flocks.

■ Vaccination substances brought onto the establish-ment are to be dealt with in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions – hygienicallyimpeccable injections, sprayers etc. may only be used after careful checking by the personsresponsible.

■ Personnel, visitors and outside persons are to be

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instructed about the establishment's specifichygienic standards. Such instruction is to bedocumented accordingly. Any movement of persons,vehicles and material is to be recorded.

■ Records are to be kept of cleaning and disinfectionmeasures, as well as the results of controls.

Cleaning and disinfection■ As soon as the hens

have been moved out it is advisable to treatwalls and ceilings withinsecticides while thebarn is still warm.

■ All movable equipment (drinkers, feeders) shouldbe taken outside.

■ Litter and manure should be removed from thebuilding.

■ Litter must be removed completely and disposedof as far away as possible (> 1 km).

■ 24 h before the washing operation the interior ofthe building (walls, ceiling, remaining furniture)should be soaked. Use fat- and protein-dissolvingproducts under consideration of tolerance aspects.Avoid any corrosive products which may containsubstances likely to damage the equipment.

■ Clean the barn with pressure washers, startingwith the ceiling and working down to the floor(paying particular attention to ventilation elements,pipelines, edges and top surfaces of beams).

■ Make sure the barn is well lit during the cleaningoperation so that dirt is clearly visible.

■ After cleaning it is advisable to rinse surfaceswith fresh water.

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■ Stabilising materials from the section of rangejust outside the building should be removed andreplaced at the same time as the litter.

■ Any furniture taken outside and the exterior ofthe building, including outdoor concreted areas,should also be washed down.

■ Dirty drinkers are potential hazards and shouldtherefore be cleaned and disinfected.

■ Drinkers should be thoroughly flushed out afterdisinfection. Disinfectant residues in drinkersmust be avoided.

■ Remove all left-over feed from the farm – clean,wash and disinfect all parts of the feedingsystem and feed silos.

■ Carry out any necessary repair work after thecleaning operation has been completed.

■ When the facility has been completely assembledand the housing and equipment has dried off,the building should be disinfected.

■ Appropriate steps should be taken to check theefficiency of the disinfection – take adhesive filmtests and swab samples of housing equipmentand surfaces.

■ If, following cleaning and disinfection, too high agerm presence is ascertained, the above measuresare to be repeated and the moving to new housing is to be postponed.

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Notes

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26

Notes

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Notes

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Notes

L-Jh

09/

07-E

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