56 56 CROP CHECKING Crop checking is an essential part of feed training in poultry management. It involves physically examining the crop, which is a part of the bird's digestive system where food is stored before digestion. LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE › EARLY MANAGEMENT WHEN SHOULD I DO IT ? The first 24 hours It's very important that the chicks take to the feed and water as early as possible. By 24 hours, most of the chicks should have food in their crops. During the rearing stage C rop checking should be done regularly to monitor intake development and ensure that the birds are consuming balanced meals. This helps in maintaining uniformity and achieving higher production peaks. During the preparation period R egular crop checking is essential to gauge the efficacy of the feeding program. It helps you balance the feeding program, making adjustments if necessary to ensure the hens are utilising the feeding regime effectively. WHY SHOULD I DO IT ? Monitoring Intake C rop checking helps in monitoring the birds' intake capacity and ensuring they are consuming the right amount of feed. This is crucial for developing proper feeding habits and ensuring that the birds are meeting their nutritional requirements Evaluating Feeding Program R egular crop checking allows for the evaluation of the efficacy of the feeding program. By checking the crop, you can determine if the birds are eating balanced meals and if the feeding programme needs any adjustments Balancing Feed Delivery C rop checking helps in balancing the feed delivery based on each bird's requirements. It ensures that all birds are receiving a balanced meal and reduces the ability for selective eating Supporting Growth & Development C ontinued crop checking through important developmental stages is a useful tool in evaluating uptake of the feed which in turn helps you support the growth and development of the chicks, allowing you to make any necessary changes to your feed and feeding routine. WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR ? Full Crop A full crop indicates that the bird has consumed enough feed. It should feel soft and pliable, not hard or empty. Uniformity C hecking the uniformity of crop fill across the flock is important. Ideally, all birds should have a similar crop fill, indicating that they are all eating a balanced meal. Consistency T he consistency of the crop contents can provide insights into the type of feed consumed. It should be a mix of different feed particles, not just fines or large particles. Timing C rop checking should be done at specific times, such as after feeding, to gauge the efficacy of the feeding programme and ensure that all birds have had the opportunity to eat.
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