34 34 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE › HOUSING & BROODING MEASURING CROP FILL Crop measuring is an excellent tool in ascertaining the feeding behaviour of any flock through rear into production. However it is of particular relevance here. The first two days of drinking and feeding are crucial, and it can often be difficult to assess the feeding behaviour due to the abundance of feed we offer in those first few days. To ensure the birds are taking to the feed, crop checking should begin on day one of housing. A simple way to check this is to manually check the size and shape of the crops. Repeat this procedure during first hours and days after placement throughout the house. Select a random sample of chicks in the house. Gently feel the crop. You should notice a round, full sac filled with water and feed. Create a simple table to record your sampling. If you notice any of chicks are not taking to the water and feed, gently dip their beaks in water and place them near the feed and water source. Make sure that the chicks have reached the optimal body temperature of 40–41°C. 1 2 3 This information should be documented in your monitoring records. As time progresses, you should observe an increasing number of chicks with feed in their crops. By the 24-hour mark, all chicks should have taken to the water and feed, which will be evident in their crops. The effort you invest in crop checking now will yield significant benefits for the flock later on, reducing the first week mortality. Example of Recording Crop Fill Number of chicks with full crops 4 h 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 14 h 24 h 50 chick control group (as an example) Hours since placement 42 = 50 % 42 = 85 % 50 = 100 %
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