Strategies to Replace Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs)

What are these fundamental practices?

Communication

• The importance of an AGP replacement program needs to be communicated to all stakeholders.

Biosecurity

• Prevent the introduction of pathogens into the farm
• Limit entry of visitors and vehicles
• Control insects, rodents and entry of wild birds
• Maintain proper disposal of debris and dead birds

Breeder and Hatchery Management

• Breeder nutrition and health
• Remember clean eggs are the key to healthy chicks
• Maintain optimum temperature, humidity, oxygen and ventilation per standards

Farm Management

• Adequate downtime
• House preparation
• Optimum stocking density
• Good litter management
• Optimum temperature, ventilation and humidity
• Minimize stress

Water Management

• Water sanitation
• Treat with an acidifier for optimum pH
• Check water hardness

Feed Management

• Raw material quality
• Precision diet and formulation based on digestible nutrients
• Feed hygiene

Disease Management

• Proper sanitation and vaccination program
• Necrotic Enteritis (NE) and Coccidiosis control
• Surveillance of overall flock health