Editor's note: This article is an excerpt from the Cobb Breeder Management Guide and additional articles will follow. The Guide was designed to highlight critical factors that are most likely to influence flock performance. To read or download the complete Guide or to view Cobb's other management guides, click here.

The key to successful rearing lies in an effective management program starting with chick placement. Prior to chick placement, the equipment and facilities must be prepared to receive the chicks. All houses should be cleaned and sanitized. All microbiological monitoring and validation checks should be done pre-placement with enough time allowed so that the laboratory can process the samples and deliver results. 

Receiving imported breeding stock:

• Importation of day-old breeding stock requires team members to be familiar with the import procedures, documentation and any other national or local customs requirements to ensure expedited clearance of the chicks from customs.

• Transportation from the customs facility/airport must be in clean, sanitized, and climate-controlled vehicles.

•  Coordinate transportation schedules, track flight arrival, and chick truck at arrival at the airport, to ensure efficient customs clearance and loading of day-old chicks for timely transportation and placement at the rearing farm.

Receiving breeding stock on the farm:

• Alert farm crew and ensure the number of personnel required are present and waiting when the truck arrives so that chicks can be placed as quickly as possible.

• If the biosecurity gate does not have a full-time security guard, arrange for personnel to be present to allow the truck entrance through the gate. If the gate does have a security guard, ensure that the guard is aware that the truck will be coming.

• The technical service team member should be present to receive the shipment.

To read or download the complete Cobb Breeder Management Guide or to view Cobb's other management guides, click here.