Broiler Arbor Aikres: description of the breed of chickens and characteristics, rules of keeping

The Arbor Acres broiler is considered quite popular. These birds are highly productive and have dietary meat. To achieve success in their cultivation, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of specialists. To do this, it is recommended to properly organize the house, provide birds with quality care, and choose a balanced diet. Timely vaccination is important.

Characteristics and description of Arbor Acres broilers

The Arbor Aikres breed is considered the result of joint tests by French, American and British scientists.As a result, it was possible to obtain a bird without the use of transgender technologies. The key advantages of the breed are impressive size, excellent performance and excellent meat quality

Appearance of the breed

These birds have a strong body and large size. They are covered with white feathers that fit snugly to the body. The skin has a yellow tint. On the head is a leaf-shaped scallop. It is characterized by a rose-red hue.

The neck and legs are quite short. The head is small. The eyes are a rich orange tint. This breed is characterized by a wide chest, which allows you to get a large amount of dietary meat.

There are also other broiler breeds. Popular breeds include Cobb-700, Ross-308. Hubbard chickens are popular.

Productivity

These birds are considered highly productive. They are rapidly gaining mass. Thanks to this, they can be sent for slaughter literally in 2-3 months. Initially, the cross was bred as a meat breed. Therefore, scientists have focused on the rapid increase in body weight.

Growth dynamics and weight gain

In 1 month of life, chickens weigh 2 kilograms. The total body weight can reach 5-6 kilograms. With a balanced diet, weight gain after the first month can happen in just a week.

Puberty and egg production

Chickens mature only by 8 months. 1 bird brings no more than 120 eggs. They are characterized by small size and weigh no more than 55 grams. The shell is white and has a smooth surface.

Bird Character

These birds are peaceful. They do not conflict with other birds, therefore they get along well with other representatives of the livestock. Experienced farmers claim that the birds are shy. But with the right arrangement of the house, they will not worry. Birds are friendly to people.

Pros and cons of the breed

This hybrid has many benefits:

high growth and weight gain;
natural yellow skin tone;
he althy meat;
big breasts.

The key disadvantages of chickens include thermophilicity and high sensitivity to infectious pathologies.

Content rules

Chickens of this breed require compliance with the basic conditions of detention. The he alth and development of birds depends on them.

Poultry Requirements

When organizing a room for chickens, it is worth considering the following features:

ensure a suitable microclimate - birds can hardly tolerate drafts;
use ventilation and control humidity parameters - they should not be too high;
control the cleanliness of the room - systematically disinfect.

The key requirement for a chicken coop is cleanliness. Before settling birds, it is important to put the room in order. Subsequently, it is worth systematically cleaning. It is recommended to carry out disinfection procedures every month. At the same time, you should not use economic means for processing.

Experts advise using special solutions that are designed for the chicken coop. Chemicals can lead to poisoning of birds. There are no aggressive components in the composition of special solutions. Because they are completely harmless to birds.

After cleaning is completed, the floor should be covered with bedding. It should include hay or straw. These ingredients are mixed with wood shavings.

Maintaining the optimum temperature is important. It should be +20 degrees. The humidity index should not exceed 70%. The chicken coop should be well ventilated. This will help to avoid the active development of pests and bacterial microorganisms.

Arrangement and dimensions of the courtyard

It is recommended to protect the area for walking birds from other animals and birds. It should be borne in mind that chickens of this breed are quite disturbing. Therefore, it is recommended to protect them from the influence of stress factors.

Shelt and lay break

The first time birds change their feathers at an early age. In this case, the first fluff is replaced by hard feathers. Chickens usually do not live up to the seasonal molt, since large carcasses can be obtained in just 2-3 months.

If the herd is kept for a long period of time, molting occurs at the beginning of autumn - at the moment of decreasing daylight hours. There is no active egg laying at this time. It takes 2-3 months to resume plumage.

Planned herd replacement

Birds go to slaughter in 2-3 months. Therefore, there are no specific dates for the replacement of livestock. It is important to bear in mind that keeping broilers for more than 1 year is unprofitable. Even with low feed intake, feed costs after the growth phase is quite high.

Feeding Features

Broilers grow fast. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully select the diet of birds.

Adult birds

The menu of adult birds consists of 80% of the final compound feed. It is allowed to give to chickens older than 1 month. This food is considered the basis. It is recommended to mix additional components with it - 30% wheat, 10% barley, 20% millet.

Also use waste in the form of dry bread crusts, vegetables, eggshells. Broilers need dairy products. 1 bird should be given 15 grams of cottage cheese per day.

During the entire period of development, the bird consumes 6 kilograms of feed. It is recommended to introduce valuable additives into the diet - for example, yeast. For 1 bird, you should use 1 gram of the product.

Cabbage and carrots can be sources of vitamins. They should be introduced gradually, starting with 5 grams per day. Gradually, this volume is increased to 30 grams.

For better digestion of food, it is worth placing fine gravel in a separate bowl. Drinkers should always have clean and fresh water. It is recommended to change it twice a day.

Chickens

Chickens do not take natural food well. Only specialized compound feeds are suitable for them. If this recommendation is violated, there is a risk of severe digestive disorders.

Food for chicks should be selected according to age. It is recommended to take into account the information on the packaging. At 1-5 days old, the chicks are fed with ready-made pre-start food, at 6-30 days they switch to the starting one. It is recommended to buy compound feed in specialized stores. In this case, it is worth considering the expiration date and the integrity of the package.

From the 3rd day the chicks are given fresh herbs. In winter, it is permissible to use germinated cereals. Herbal flour is also a good option.

It is important to have enough liquid. When eating dry food, chicks should drink plenty of water. In addition to compound feed, it is worth using vitamin supplements. They are given according to age.

Chickens need decontamination solutions that protect the weak body from viruses and bacteria. On the 3rd day of life, the chicks are given Baytril. This antibacterial drug is used for preventive purposes.

For the prevention of coccidiosis on the 14th day, birds should be given Baycox. To do this, 1 gram of the substance is mixed with 1 liter of water. In addition, fish oil is given as a vitamin supplement to birds. 1 chicken requires approximately 1 gram of the substance per day.

2 weeks after birth, chicks need calcium. To do this, use crushed chalk or eggshells. Seashells are also good. For 1 kilogram of feed, it is recommended to use 10 grams of such substances.

Chicken breeding

Studying the characteristics of the breed indicates that these chickens are not suitable for home breeding. They are distinguished by a poorly developed incubation instinct. In addition, the maternal instinct in laying hens is lost. Also, chickens do not adopt the genetic characteristics of their parents. Therefore, incubation is considered absolutely meaningless.

Diseases to which the breed is susceptible

These birds are not very he althy. They are especially susceptible to viral infections. To avoid bacterial pathologies, experienced farmers use antibiotics. Such funds are recommended to be given to chickens. This will help minimize the risk of dangerous diseases

If an infected individual is detected in the livestock, it is recommended to isolate it from other chickens. To avoid the development of pathologies in the cold season, it is worth controlling the temperature parameters in the house. This will help minimize the chance of developing viral infections. Hygiene and a balanced diet are essential.

Arbor Icres broilers are popular with farmers. A characteristic feature of the breed is considered to be rapid growth and the possibility of obtaining dietary meat.

In order for chickens to develop normally and not get sick, they are recommended to provide quality care.