AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY .

AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY . The brooding phase of production is the determinant of the overall success of the venture.This is definitely hinged on procurement of healthy chicks from renowned hatcheries.The management factor is key to the success of other operations in the cycle hence extra attention must be given to birds for the first few weeks of life. The common causes of chick mortality are; 1) hatchery defects,this is common in birds that were not exposed to proper conditions of temperature and humidity in the incubator.The chicks that were brought out under such conditions,will not thrive at all,they will die off after a few days. AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY .Chocking and suffocation;these occurs when brooder lanterns/heating systems are faulty,this coupled with poor ventilation results in build up of smokes/fumes in the house.This results in inhalation of fumes by chicks resulting in chocking/suffocation. Chilling; when the brooder house is cold and the heat source is not adequate,especially on cold nights when its cold.The chicks will huddle towards light source,resulting in death from overcrowding as a result of chilling. AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY .Thirst: when inadequate drinkers are provided and also when sufficient water is not made available,this will result in dehydration leading to death of chicks. AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY . Starvation, arise when adequate feed is not provided,or when necessary feeders are not provided,the chicks will not have access to enough feed.This will encourage huddling towards feeder,where only few birds have access to feed,causing starvation and eventual death in the birds.Where the birds dont have enough water,they will not take adequate feed as well,because the chicks need twice amount of water for feed consumed. Trauma; can arise from improper handling,wrong placement of brooder equipment,or using equipment with sharp edges resulting in injuries that can result in death or deformation.This results in culling of deformed chicks. There are disease conditions that cause mortalities such as,yolk sac omphalities, aspergillosis,chronic respiratory disease,salmonellosis e.t.c.This will be discussed later.