Comprehensive Broiler Management During Low Humidity and Dusty Conditions (April–May in Pakistan)
The months of April and May in Pakistan coincide with the wheat harvesting season. During this period, wheat straw threshing becomes widespread across rural and peri-urban areas. This activity significantly increases environmental dust levels and reduces atmospheric humidity, creating unfavorable conditions for commercial broiler operations. If not managed properly, these factors can lead to increased stress, respiratory issues, compromised immunity, and performance losses in broiler flocks.
Below are comprehensive management practices that can help poultry farmers mitigate the adverse effects of low humidity and high dust exposure:
Environmental Control and Shed Management
Humidity Maintenance
- Use misters, foggers, or sprinklers inside the shed to maintain relative humidity between 55–70%.
- In open-sided houses, sprinkling water around the shed and near air inlets can settle suspended dust particles and reduce temperature.
- Place wet jute bags or straw mats in front of air inlets to act as a dust trap and humidifier.
Dust Control
- Install fine mesh or dust filters on ventilation inlets to prevent large particles from entering.
- Restrict external air during peak threshing hours (usually late morning to afternoon) using curtains or flaps.
- Avoid cleaning surroundings during peak dust times; clean shed surroundings in early morning or evening when dust levels are low.
Ventilation Management
- Maintain optimal ventilation to avoid the accumulation of ammonia, CO2, and other gases, which are common in hot, dry conditions.
- Avoid excessive airspeed that causes wind chill or stirs up litter dust.
Litter and Floor Management
- Keep the litter dry, loose, and friable but not too dusty. Use litter conditioners or lime powder cautiously to manage moisture.
- Regularly stir or rake the litter to avoid caking and promote drying from below.
- Monitor ammonia levels and apply litter amendments like zeolite, bentonite, or acid-based products if necessary.
- If litter becomes dusty, lightly sprinkle water (not soaking) to settle particles.
Bird Health and Welfare
Supportive Medications
- Supplement birds with Vitamins A, C, E, and Selenium in water to counter oxidative and environmental stress.
- Use respiratory tonics or essential oils (like eucalyptus, menthol, thymol) to soothe irritated airways.
- Consider immune enhancers or herbal adaptogens to support general health during stress.
Monitoring and Prevention
- Be vigilant for signs of Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD), Infectious Bronchitis (IB), or Colibacillosis, which are exacerbated by dust.
- Conduct necropsies and diagnostic sampling in case of unusual respiratory symptoms.
- If environmental conditions are severe, consider a booster vaccine for IB or ND, in consultation with a veterinarian.
Water and Feed Management
- Ensure uninterrupted access to cool, clean water; increase the number of drinkers if needed during hot/dry weather.
- Add electrolytes + Vitamin C in water during hot, dry afternoons to prevent dehydration and oxidative stress.
- Avoid finely ground dusty feed; use pelleted or crumbled feed that reduces the generation of fine particles.
- Keep feeders clean and avoid overfilling to reduce spillage and feed dust formation.
Biosecurity During Threshing Season
- Restrict access to sheds, especially for vehicles or workers who may have passed through wheat threshing zones.
- Use *footbaths, hand sanitizers, and *changeable footwear at all shed entrances.
- Store feed and medicines in closed, dust-free storage rooms to prevent contamination.
Labor and Operational Safety
- Provide masks and eye protection to workers during peak dust periods.
- Train staff to recognize early signs of respiratory stress in birds and to take immediate corrective actions.
- Maintain a schedule for shed cleaning, bird checks, and water/feed quality control even if external conditions are challenging.
Conclusion
The dry and dusty conditions during wheat harvesting months pose a seasonal challenge to broiler production in Pakistan. By adopting integrated environmental, health, and management practices, poultry farmers can significantly reduce the negative impact on flock health and productivity. Preparedness, regular monitoring, and timely interventions are key to sustaining performance during this period.