Code Of Practice

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Code Of Practice

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Foreword | Breeding Stock and Production of Hatching Eggs | Chick Hatcheries | Rearing of commercial Laying Pullets
Commercial Egg Production in Cage Systems | Free Range and Barn Egg Production | Broiler Production
Free Range Broiler Production | Food and Safety Poultry Slaughter and Processing | Food and Safety for Egg Packing and Processing | Appendix 1 | Appendix 2 | Appendix 3

SOUTHERN AFRICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION CODE OF PRACTICE 2011

1. FOREWORD

This is the fifth version of the Code of Practice compiled by the Southern African Poultry Association.

All members of SAPA, by agreeing to be members of SAPA, bind themselves to follow this Code which, as with previous versions, is established as a minimum set of standards for local poultry production.

Members are encouraged to use higher standards wherever they see fit and none of these standards trump any local laws or regulations.

This Code has been drawn up by the Animal Welfare Working Group of SAPA’s Technical Committee. Two members of the NSPCA were part of this group and a number of their inputs have been included in this new version. The NSPCA have since decided to disassociate themselves from the work of SAPA and this Code does not, as did the last version, carry their qualified approval.

No Code such as this can be seen as a final document. As new knowledge is defined by science this Code will be amended. The loose-leaf format is designed to allow for this to be easily done.

For the first time the Code is intended to cover Food Safety aspects of production. The final draft is not yet ready and will be added when complete and approved.

Comments and advice from members will keep this document alive and relevant. You are all invited to comment as you see fit. The role of the poultry industry in feeding the nation is likely to grow due to the nutritious and affordable nature of our products. We are duty bound to produce safely, responsibly and with as little harm to the environment as possible.

1.1 Background and Introduction

This Code of practice has been compiled by the South African Poultry Association as an objective guide for all poultry and poultry products produced in South Africa and it is an endeavor to lay down accepted norms for the poultry industry, incorporating various legal requirements where necessary and applicable.

Where possible the Code provides defined minimum standards for wellbeing of poultry in commercial operations, research and educational facilities. The recommendations are to be used as a guide and do not necessarily consider all possible conditions.

The minimum standards outlined in this Code are intended to assist producers and people involved in the care and management of poultry to adopt standards of husbandry that are acceptable in the light of current knowledge and changing attitudes. It is intended to serve as a guide for people responsible for the welfare and husbandry of domestic poultry and recognizes that the basic requirement for welfare of poultry is a husbandry system appropriate for their physiological needs.

The Code considers safe and wholesome food for human consumption to be of the highest priority and therefore fully supports the implementation of applicable measures to comply with the requirements for safe food of poultry origin, as approved by the relevant Health Authorities and Regulations.

Adequate facilities and resources must be available to supply proper housing, the supply of quality feed and water, attendance to sick and injured chickens and all else to ensure the wellbeing of the animals. Financial costs should not considered a reason for neglecting of chickens that are obviously in distress or for failing to secure prompt and appropriate medical treatment or other care which may be necessary.

The Code emphasizes that, whatever the form of husbandry, managers, employees and others responsible for the day to day needs of the stock have a responsibility to care for the birds under their control. The importance of good stockmanship in animal welfare cannot be over-emphasized. Persons responsible for the care of poultry should be well trained, experienced and dedicated. Staff should be encouraged to undertake appropriate training in poultry management and husbandry. Knowledge of the normal appearance and behavior of the birds under their control is essential for the stock to be treated effectively and efficiently and with consideration.

Assistance in the establishment of poultry farms and production facilities and on the management of poultry should be obtained from qualified advisers with experience in private or government employment. Veterinary advice should also be sought when birds are in ill-health.
The Code is based on practical and scientific knowledge and technology in poultry production available at the time of publication but does not replace the need for experience and commonsense in the husbandry of domestic poultry.

The Code does not substitute any regulatory requirements and should where applicable, be read and applied in conjunction with all relevant laws, by-laws, regulations and compulsory specifications including the following:

Animal Improvement Act (Act no 62 of 1998)
Animal Disease Act (Act no 35 of 1984)
Animal Protection Act (Act no 71 of 1962)
Meat Safety Act (Act no 40 of 2000)
Agriculture Products Standards Act (Act 119 of 1990)
Foodstuffs, Cosmetic and Disinfectant Act (Act 54 of 1972)
National Health Act (Act 62 of 2003)
Occupational and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993)
Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agriculture Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 19947)
GMO Act and Regulation (Act 36 of 1983)
Livestock Brands Act (Act 25 of 1977)
Sterilization Facility Act (Act 36 of 1947)
Water Treatment Chemicals for Use in the Food Industry (SANS 1827)
Cleaning Chemicals for Use in the Food Industry (SANS 1828)
Disinfections and Detergent – Disinfections for use in the Food Industry (SANS 1853)
Application of Pesticides in Food-Handling, Food-Processing and Catering Establishments (SANS 10133)
Food Hygiene Management (SANS 1049)
Food Safety Management Systems – Requirements for Organizations throughout the Food Chain (ISO 22000)
Requirement for HACCP Systems (SANS 10330)

2. Breeding and Production of Hatching Eggs

2.1. Introduction

This section covers the process of importation of breeding stock as well as local breeding of poultry stock of both which the progeny is intended to be used in the production chain of commercial poultry and poultry products. It also covers the process of producing hatching eggs which are intended to be used in the production of commercial day old chicks for the industry.
Poultry producers involved in the production of breeding material and hatching eggs should be aware of the responsibility to produce disease free stock. An effective program should be in place to prevent infectious and vertically transmittable diseases being transmitted within the poultry production chain.

The Committee which advises the authorities on the need for the importation of genetic material under the Animal Improvement Act (Act No 62 of 1989) will abide by the following guide in considering the importation of breeding material.

2.2.1 Grand Parent and Pure Lines

Breeding stock intended for use in the Layer Industry shall be at least at the breeding level of Great-Grandparents or Grandparents.Breeding stock intended for the use in the Broiler Industry shall be at least at the breeding level of Great-Grandparents or Grandparents.

2.2.2 Parents

Stock imported at Parent level will be allowed for trial purposes only for producers who have previously imported pure lines or intend to import pure lines.
For stock intended to be tested in the Layer Industry a maximum of 10000 females every second year plus approximately 15% males will be allowed.
For stock intended to be tested in the Broiler Industry a maximum of 30000 females annually plus approximately 15% males will be allowed.

2.2.3 Turkeys, Ducks and Geese

Breeding stock intended for the use in the production of turkeys, ducks and geese shall be at least at the breeding level of Great-Grandparents or Grandparents.
Stock imported at Parent level will be allowed for trial purposes only for producers who have previously imported pure lines or intend to import pure lines.
A maximum of 5000 females every second year plus approximately 15% males will be allowed for this purpose.

2.2.4 Valid Period of Permit

Once a permit is issued it shall remain valid for a period of 12 months as from the declared expected date of importation. If this period is exceeded, the importer shall reapply (a section to be included in the forms declaring the expected date of import)

2.2.5 Sub-Committee

The Chick Producers’ Organization shall act as sub-committee as allowed for under the act and regulations and it will delegate the task to comment on imports in line with this code to the executive officer of SAPA.

2.2.6 Quarantine

Breeding stock at whatever level shall undergo a period of quarantine as stipulated in the Animal Improvement Act (Act No 62 of 1989).

2.2.7 Deadlock

In the case of a deadlock under Section 16 of the Act, an applicant can appeal to the Minister who will appoint a Board of Appeal consisting of a Chief Magistrate and two knowledgeable people to consider the implications

2.3. Breeders Involved in the Breeding of Local Breeding Stock

Breeders involved in the breeding of local breeding stock shall abide by the same Code and production practices as set out below

2.4 Housing

2.4.1 Housing of Breeders in Floor Systems

Breeder chickens raised and kept on floor systems will have enough freedom of movement to be able to stand normally, turn around and stretch their wings without difficulty.

The space guidelines for breeders that are raised and kept in floor systems are set out in Table 1 and Table 2.

Table 1: Space Requirement for Layer Grand Parent Breeder Type Birds

Age (Weeks)	Weight (g)	Hens Per m2	Feed Trough (cm/hen)	Water Trough (cm/hen)	ple Drinkers (Hens/drinker)
0 – 6 7 – 20 Mature	500 1400 1500 +	20 12 7	2.5 3.5 6.0	1.25 1.25 1.25	20 12 10

Table 2: Space Requirement for Broiler Grand Parent Breeder Type Birds

Age (Weeks)	Weight (g)	Hens Per m2	Feed Trough (cm/hen)	Water Trough (cm/hen)	Nipple Drinkers (Hens/drinker)
0 – 6 7 – 14 15 to 20 Mature	750 1600 2300 2500 +	20 10 10 6	2.5 8.0 10.0 15.0	1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25	20 12 10 10

Feed trough refers to feeding from both sides

Feed and water space for broiler breeders shall be the same as for layer type breeders except where nutritional control is practiced. In this case feeding space must be increased to allow for all birds to feed simultaneously.

Space requirements increase as the birds approach maturity.

Round feeders (tube feeders or pans) can replace open troughs and the guide for these type of feeders is 14 to 16 broiler breeders and 20 to 30 layer breeders for the standard 35 cm pan feeder.Nesting space shall be provided to accommodate hens without crowding.

Twenty individual nests shall be provided per 100 hens.

For colony nests at least 1 M2 of nest box area shall be provided per 100 hens. Nests should have a floor substrate that encourages nesting behavior and should be kept clean and dry.

Chicken house flooring shall allow for effective cleaning and disinfecting, preventing significant buildup of parasites and other pathogens. Where possible the floor should be concrete that is well maintained.

Bedding of suitable quality should cover the entire floor area at a depth of around 5 cm to allow for dilution of faeces in the case where part of the floor is not slatted. Wood shavings is the preferred substrate.

Where slatted floor systems are used the design of the slats should be such that they adequately support the birds. The gaps between the slats should not exceed 25 mm and the materials used should be smooth and not harm the birds in any way. In such systems at least 25% of the floor area should be conventional litter.

2.5. Housing of Breeders in Cage systems

Where breeders are kept in cage systems for breeding purposes the following space allowance shall apply.

When layer type breeders with body weight less than 4.5 kg are housed in cage systems the space allowed per bird shall be not less than 450 cm2 per bird when housed in 3 or more birds per cage, 600 cm2 per bird when housed in 2 bird cages and 1000 cm2 per bird when housed in single bird cages.

When broiler breeder type birds with body weight more than 4.5 kg are housed in cage systems the maximum live weight per unit of floor area shall be 46 kg/m2 when 3 or more birds per cage are housed, 40 kg/m2 when 2 birds are housed per cage and 26 kg/m2 when birds are housed in single cages.

2.6 Preparation of Poultry Houses

2.6.1 Cleaning, Disinfection and Sanitary Break

Establishment of a cleaning regime after completion and depopulation of a previous flock will help in avoiding future health problems.
Attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of the buildings following depopulation and should include complete removal and disposal of litter from the poultry building and surrounding area.
Following cleaning and disinfecting of the building (including all equipment contained within the building) a sanitary break will assist in avoiding any carry-over of disease to the next flock.

2.6.2 House Preparation

Preparation of the building and equipment for the next batch of chickens should always be complete and all equipment fully maintained and operational in time to receive the next group of birds.

2.7 Management Practices in Rearing of Birds to Point of Lay

2.7.1 Receiving of Chicks

2.7.2 Temperature Control

Subject to housing insulation, breed and seasonal variations supplementary heat at gradual decreasing levels is to be applied until no longer required.
Bird behavior is the best indicator of bird comfort.
As birds mature and become fully feathered, they can withstand and adapt to wider temperature fluctuation (5 to 33 °C). Where extreme high temperatures are experienced, especially under climatic conditions of high humidity, procedures such as increased ventilation and air flow over birds, evaporative cooling equipment, reduced stocking density and supply of cool water, should be considered to deal with such extremes.
Low temperature conditions should not be overcome at the expense of minimum rates of ventilation.
Recognizing the extremes possibilities of weather conditions, house conditions within temperature range of 5 to 33°C and maximum relative humidity of 80% should be aimed at for fully feathered birds.
It is advisable to have a temperature alarm system installed to warn operators of high and low temperature conditions for corrective action to be taken.
It is advisable to record daily maximum and minimum house temperature levels.

2.7.3 Ventilation Control

A minimum rate of ventilation is required at all times to provide fresh air and to remove moisture and other metabolic gases from the building.

This minimum rate of ventilation would be dependent on the biomass in the building and the operator shall be aware thereof. In rearing of birds the minimum ventilation rate required therefore needs regular adjustment as the birds grow and increase in body weight.

Carbon dioxide levels should be kept below 3000 ppm (3%).

The presence of ammonia is usually a reliable indicator of build-up of noxious gasses. A level of 10 to 15 ppm of ammonia can be detected by smell and once this level is reached, corrective action should be taken.

Mechanical ventilated buildings should have a back-up power supply or alternative emergency ventilation systems linked to an alarm system to warn operators of power failure.

2.7.4 Light Control

Chicks are started at higher light intensity around (20 lux) for the first couple of days in order to learn to find the feed and drinker systems.
Thereafter breeder birds are reared on varying light intensity down to 2 lux depending on the housing conditions and breed. The light intensity should be adequate to allow for birds to be feed normally and allow for thorough inspection of the flock.
Sudden changes in intensity should be avoided as this could lead to flight reaction in some strains.
Various rearing light programs are prescribed by suppliers of breeding stock. Total light period of less than 8 hours during rearing of breeder birds should be discouraged.

2.7.5 Feed

Newly hatched breeder birds must be provided with food within 48 hours of hatching.
Breeder birds during rearing must have access to feed at least once in each 24 hour period.
In order to maintain good health and productivity during rearing, “skip-a-day” feeding of broiler breeder birds is an accepted industry practice.
Breeder birds in rear should receive a diet that contains adequate nutrients to meet the daily requirement for good health and vitality and in sufficient daily quantities to enable an increase in body weight gain which is in accordance with the breed specifications.
Where controlled feeding practices are applied in order to maintain correct body weight gain during the rearing period, sufficient feed space should be allowed for all birds to feed simultaneously.
Feed should preferably be stored in closed containers and not allow access to vermin and wild birds.

2.7.6 Drinking Water

Newly hatched chicks should receive water within 48 hours of hatching but sooner during hot weather.
Birds should have access to sufficient potable water to meet their physiological requirements.
Water should be below a temperature at which birds refuse to drink.
The water should be regularly tested for chemical content as well as microbial contamination.
Where water is restricted due to poor litter conditions, birds should not be deprived of water for more than 6 hours.

2.7.7 Beak Trimming

The practice of professionally performed beak-trimming is internationally recognized as being a humane alternative to the appalling effects of cannibalism. The continuing need for beak-trimming is being constantly reassessed and it is accepted that as soon as the causes and possible alternate means of preventing cannibalism have been identified, the phasing out of this practice will be a welcome development.
When beak trimming is to be applied it should be done at as young an age as possible.
Beak trimming must be performed only by a trained operator who is completely competent in the procedures using equipment that has been properly maintained.

2.7.8 Supervision

Bird supervision should only be performed by adequately trained staff.

Chicks being brooded should be inspected at least twice every 24 hours and corrective action taken to correct any husbandry deficiencies detected.

Although the frequency and level of inspection should be in accordance with the welfare risk of the birds, a thorough inspection should occur at least once a day for every flock once the critical period of brooding has been completed.

Inspection frequency should be increased during periods of adverse conditions such as high or low temperature or ill health.

During such checks particular attention should be given to bird comfort and proper functioning of all equipment. Any malfunctioning equipment should be attended to and corrected immediately.

In floor systems any wet litter should be removed immediately and corrective action taken as to the cause of the wet litter. Litter should not be allowed to become caked and hard.

During flock inspection any sick or injured birds are to be treated promptly or killed humanely by dislocating the neck by personnel who have been trained to do so.

Dead chickens are to be removed daily and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Flock supervision should include periodic checks for the presence of internal and external parasites. Should such parasites be detected, corrective treatment must be administered immediately.

Live chickens with clinical signs of disease or flocks with abnormal high mortality rates shall be handed over to a veterinarian or diagnostic laboratory for diagnosis and recommendations for treatment should be followed immediately.

In the event where administration of a suitable drug for strategic treatment of a disease is necessary, only drugs registered in terms of the relevant Acts will be used and the prescribed withdrawal period that may be applicable will be adhered to.

The use of antimicrobials is covered more comprehensively in Appendix 3.

2.7.9 Transfer of Birds to Breeder Houses

Where breeder birds are to be moved from rearing to breeder facilities, the following principles in birds transfer shall be applied.

The driver of the vehicle transporting poultry shall be a responsible person with a valid and appropriate driver’s license.

The drivers of vehicles used for transporting livestock shall be trained in the transporting of livestock and shall have telephone numbers of the owners of the animals and emergency telephone numbers at all times during a journey.

Drivers shall at all times be able to perform their duties in an expert and responsible manner.
Drivers shall not handle a vehicle in a manner that might cause the transported animals to slip, fall or suffer injury. The safety and welfare of the animals shall never be ignored or disregarded.

Chickens shall be transported in roadworthy vehicles.

Stops en-route shall only be made when absolutely necessary. When stops are made in hot weather, the vehicle must be parked in the shade where possible or for very short periods when in the sun.

In the case of a truck breakdown without a standby facility causing a subsequent rise in temperature in the load space, the load shall be off-loaded if the system permits or at least spaced to accommodate the circumstances where possible.

Vehicles used for the transportation of live poultry over long distances must be constructed to protect the poultry against adverse weather conditions during transportation.

The chickens should be loaded into clean standardized transporting crates (770 mm long x 500 mm wide x 300 mm high) or purpose-made wire mesh cages in trolleys.

All the containers should have a lid that can be secured to prevent the chickens from escaping.
Birds should be caught individually and handled by both legs or by the full support of the body. Not more than 4 birds may be carried per person at any one time.

The container should prevent protrusion of the head, wings and legs.

The number of chickens per crate should correspond to the floor space and body size of the transported chickens, with due regard to environmental conditions and duration of transport.

The maximum density should not exceed 55kg body mass per square meter.

The journey should not exceed 24 hours.

Portable transporting crates with live chickens should preferably be moved in a horizontal position. Crates should not be thrown or dropped.

A tie-down device preventing containers from overturning is advisable.

2.8 Management Practices of Breeder Birds in Lay

2.8.1 Receiving of Breeder Birds

Before receiving breeder birds from the rearing facilities the building should have been prepared in accordance with above.

All equipment should be fully serviced and operational.

Birds shall be removed carefully from the transport containers by supporting them under the body or grabbing by both legs. This is of special importance in the case of heavy breed birds.

2.8.2 Temperature Control

Recognizing the extremes possibilities of weather conditions, house conditions within temperature range of 5 to 33°C and maximum relative humidity of 80% should be aimed at for fully feathered adult birds. Bird behavior is the best indicator of bird comfort.

Where extreme high temperatures are experienced, especially under climatic conditions of high humidity, procedures such as increased ventilation and air flow over birds, evaporative cooling equipment, reduced stocking density and supply of cool water, should be considered to deal with such extremes.

Low temperature conditions should not be overcome at the expense of minimum rates of ventilation.

It is advisable to have a temperature alarm system installed to warn operators of high and low temperature conditions for corrective action to be taken.

It is advisable to record daily maximum and minimum house temperature levels.

2.8.3 Ventilation Control

A minimum rate of ventilation is required at all times to provide fresh air and to remove moisture and other metabolic gases from the building.

This minimum rate of ventilation would be dependent on the biomass in the building and the operator shall be aware thereof.

With forced air ventilation systems the operator shall be fully trained in how to set up and control the ventilation system.

With open sided buildings the operator shall be fully trained in how to set the curtains or whatever natural ventilation system under varying climatic conditions.

Carbon dioxide levels should be kept below 3000 ppm (3%).

Mechanical ventilated buildings should have a back-up power supply or alternative emergency ventilation systems linked to an alarm system to warn operators of power failure.

2.8.4 Light Control

Various light programs and light intensity for breeder birds are prescribed by suppliers of breeding stock and the operator shall be aware of the appropriate program to be applied.

Notwithstanding the above the total light period (artificial plus natural light in open sided houses) shall not exceed 20 hours in the 24 hour day.

A minimum artificial light intensity of 10 lux shall be aimed for.

Sudden changes in intensity should be avoided as this could lead to flight reaction in some strains.

2.8.5 Feed

Breeder birds in lay must have access to feed at least once in each 24 hour period.

Breeder birds in lay should receive a diet that contains adequate nutrients to meet the daily requirement for good health and vitality of the birds themselves as well as for the chicks that will hatch from the fertile eggs produced.

Where controlled feeding practices are applied in order to maintain satisfactory production efficiencies and control of body weight in heavy breeds, sufficient feed space as prescribed by the breeder or at least in accordance with Table 2 should be allowed for all birds to feed simultaneously.

Feed shall be stored in closed containers and access for vermin and wild birds not allowed.

2.8.6 Drinking Water

Birds should have access to sufficient potable water to meet their physiological requirements and drinker space required should at least be in accordance with Table 2.

Water should be below a temperature at which birds refuse to drink.

The water should be regularly tested for chemical content as well as possible microbial contamination and declared suitable for use in poultry by a reputable laboratory.

2.8.7 Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination is a highly skilled procedure and should be carried out only by competent, trained personnel maintaining a high standard of hygiene and taking care to avoid injury or unnecessary disturbance of birds.

2.8.8 Supervision

Bird supervision should only be performed by adequately trained staff.

Birds should be inspected at least twice every 24 hours immediately after placement and corrective action taken to correct any husbandry deficiencies detected.

Although the frequency and level of inspection should be in accordance with the welfare risk of the birds, a thorough inspection should occur at least once a day for every flock.

Inspection frequency should be increased during periods of adverse conditions such as high or low temperature or ill health.

During such checks particular attention should be given to bird comfort and proper functioning of all equipment. Any malfunctioning equipment should be attended to and corrected immediately.

In floor systems any wet litter should be removed immediately and corrective action taken as to the cause of the wet litter. Litter should not be allowed to become caked and hard.

During flock inspection any sick or injured birds are to be treated promptly or killed humanely by dislocating the neck by personnel who have been trained to do so.

Dead chickens are to be removed daily and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Flock supervision should include periodic checks for the presence of internal and external parasites. Should such parasites be detected, corrective treatment must be administered immediately.

The use of antimicrobials is covered more comprehensively in Appendix 3.

2.8.9 Hatching Egg Collection and Storage

Eggs produced by breeding stock contain live embryos and should be handled accordingly.

Eggs should be collected regularly from the nests (at least 2 times per day) and placed in clean and dry handling equipment.

Nest material should be kept clean and dry and adequate in quantity.

Hatching eggs are to be handled gently

Dirty, broken, cracked leaking and any other abnormal eggs should be collected in separate equipment and should not be used for hatching purposes.

Hatching eggs should be sanitized as soon as possible after collection be an appropriate method prescribed by a veterinarian or knowledgeable person.

Clean sanitized hatching eggs should be stored in suitably constructed cool rooms that will ensure that the air temperature remains below the embryonic threshold temperature of 24°C.

2.8.10 Disposal of End of Lay Birds

The disposal of end of lay birds is covered more comprehensively in the Live Bird Sales Code of Conduct (Appendix 1).

Of particular note for producers involved in the production of parent stock is to conduct live bird sales away from the breeder farm, especially in the case of multi aged operations and not allow live bird buyers onto or close to the farming operations.

2.9 Health Control

2.9.1 Breeding Establishment

Breeder facilities should preferably be well separated and isolated from other poultry.

Breeder facilities should preferably be single purpose entities and ideally operated on an all-in, all-out replacement basis with single age groups.

The establishment should be fenced off by at least a stock fence and no grazing animals allowed within the perimeters of such fence.

The area immediately surrounding the poultry houses should be free of vegetation and debris and if grass is grown between buildings, it should be kept short.

For establishments importing breeding material into South Africa, the quarantine site regulations and rules as prescribed in the Animal Improvement Act shall apply.

Appropriate security measures for all staff and visitors entering the premises, which could include showering and changing of clothes should be adopted.

Buildings housing breeding stock should be free of vermin and not accessible to wild birds.
Vermin and wild birds should not have access to feed storage.

Stores where hatching eggs are kept should be free of vermin and wild birds.

Domestic animals should not be allowed access to the fenced area.

2.9.2 Flock Health

For establishments importing breeding material into South Africa, the certification of disease status of the flock of origin under the import regulations and rules as prescribed in the Animal Improvement Act shall apply.

Management should have ready access to a competent Veterinarian.

The environment provided must be conducive to good flock health as well as providing the necessary protection from pain, injury and disease.

Operators responsible for the care and wellbeing of poultry should be aware of the signs of ill-health or distress and corrective action implemented immediately.

Where causes of ill-health or distress cannot be identified professional advice from veterinarians or other trained and qualified advisers should be sought.

All medication should be prescribed by a qualified veterinarian and such medication should be applied strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction unless otherwise advised by the veterinarian concerned.

The use of antimicrobials is covered more comprehensively in Appendix 3.

Birds with an incurable sickness should be removed from the flock and destroyed humanely by a competent person properly trained to do so.

2.9.3 Records

Vaccination, health and any laboratory records shall be kept for all breeder flocks.
Such records shall be kept for inspection for the normal expected lifetime of the progeny of such breeder flocks.

2.9.4 Vaccination

Producers involved in the production of parent stock should operate an effective program to prevent infectious disease.

Vaccinations and other treatments applied should only be undertaken by properly trained and skilled staff.

2.9.5 Disease Status of Flocks of Origen

Serological testing of flocks under quarantine is controlled under the rules of the Animal Improvement Act.

Acceptable control measures must prevail in all flocks producing hatching eggs to assist in the prevention of vertical (transovarial) transmission of diseases. Breeding flocks of which the progeny is intended for local distribution should be serologically tested at regular intervals to confirm the negative status of the flocks before onset of lay and during the following production cycle for:

Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Mycoplasma synoviae
Salmonella pullorum, S. gallinarum, S. enteritides and S. typhimurium.
Avian encephalomyelitis
Egg Drop Syndrome
Avian Influenza
Newcastle disease
Leucosis

For this purpose, a representative sample is deemed to be at least:

15 samples from a house with up to 5000 chickens, or 30 samples from a house with over 5000 chickens.

The health status of chicks delivered should be notified to the customer as soon as a change in status has become apparent.

2.9.6 Parasite, Vermin and Insect Control

Breeder birds kept on litter floor systems are prone to internal parasite infection. Appropriate control measures as advised by a veterinarian should be in place to combat such infestation.
Effective control of coccidiosis is possible by including suitable medication via the feed or vaccinating the flock at a young age.
Birds should be constantly monitored for other internal parasites such as worms and corrective treatment measures taken as prescribed by a veterinarian.
A well planned vermin control program should be in place taking in account particular circumstances of the operation.
Fly breeding should be controlled to the very minimum and.
The cleaning and disinfecting program followed at the end of the cycle should incorporate the application of an insecticide to control litter beetle infestation.

2.9.7 Biosecurity on Breeder Farms – People

Biosecurity on breeder operations is of the utmost importance to ensure healthy flocks perform according to the required standards and to prevent transition of diseases to the progeny.
People movement is one of the main means of transmitting disease between flocks or farms. There are different aspects of biosecurity relating to people movement in poultry operations including physical biosecurity and procedural biosecurity.
Appendix 2 set out a general practice to be followed.

3. Chick Hatcheries

3.1 Introduction

This section covers the process of incubation of fertile hatching eggs to produce day old chicks within the production chain of commercial poultry and poultry products.
Poultry producers involved in the production of day old chicks should be aware of the responsibility to produce disease free chicks. An effective program should be in place to prevent infectious and vertically transmittable diseases being transmitted within the poultry production chain.
Staff shall be able to understand and accept responsibility to prevent unnecessary suffering of chick embryos and live chicks. Hatchery operators shall be satisfied that staff responsible for handling eggs and live chicks have the skills necessary to perform any required procedure without causing suffering.

3.2 Hatchery Buildings

3.2.1 Location of Hatcheries

The choice of a suitable isolated geographical location will facilitate hygiene and disease control and the hatchery building should therefore be preferably located as far away from other poultry and livestock.
The hatchery building should be fenced off or constructed in such a way to facilitate control of traffic and access to the facilities.
Wild birds, domestic and other animals must be excluded from the hatchery area.

3.2.2 Building Design

The hatchery should be designed to enable suitable workflow and air circulation principles.
The work flow of the incubation process should preferably be in one direction from hatching egg receiving and storage to dispatching of chicks and disposal hatchery debris.
Flow of air through the hatchery should also preferably be in this direction.
Wash water drains should also divert wash water in this direction.
The building should include physical separation of the main work areas comprising egg receiving and storage, incubation rooms, chick hatching rooms, chick handling rooms and hatchery debris disposal area.
The materials used in constructing the building should be smooth and easily cleaned to facilitate hygiene control and disinfecting.

3.3 Egg Quality and Hatching Egg Storage

3.3.1 Egg Quality

The hatchery should source hatching eggs only from reputable breeder farms of which the disease status of the birds is known and documented.
Dirty, broken, cracked, leaking and any other abnormal eggs should be not be used for hatching purposes.
Only clean, sanitized hatching eggs received in a clean and suitable handling system and that have been properly stored at temperatures below the embryonic threshold temperature of 24°C should be used.

3.3.2 Handling Hatching Eggs

Hatching eggs should preferably be handled as little as possible and when handled this should be gentle.
Personnel handling hatching eggs should wash their hands with soap and water before handling eggs or use an appropriate hand disinfectant such as alcohol gel.

3.3.3 Sanitation of hatching Eggs

Hatching eggs should be sanitized by either fumigation with formaldehyde or spraying with or immersion in and egg shell disinfectant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Staff should be aware of and skilled in the application of such procedures.

3.4 Hatchery Hygiene and Chick Health

3.4.1 Chick Health

Chicks should only be incubated from eggs sourced from reputable breeder farms of which the disease status of the birds is known and documented by a veterinarian or competent laboratory.

The hatchery operator must ensure that acceptable control measures prevail in all flocks from which hatching eggs supply is sourced to assist in the prevention of diseases. Breeding flocks of which the progeny is intended for local distribution should be serologically tested at regular intervals to confirm the negative status of the flocks before onset of lay and during the following production cycle for:

Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Mycoplasma synoviae
Salmonella pullorum, S. gallinarum, S. enteritides and S. typhimurium.
Avian encephalomyelitis
Egg Drop Syndrome
Avian Influenza
Newcastle disease
Leucosis

In addition chick hatcheries shall do regular tests for Salmonella spp.
The health status of the chicks delivered should be made known to the customer at the hatchery or as soon as a change in status has become apparent.

3.4.2 Building Hygiene

The hatchery should have a comprehensive cleaning, disinfecting and hygiene monitoring system in place as advised by a competent veterinarian or knowledgeable person.

All staff involved in the incubation processes should be aware of and fully skilled in the application of the hygiene program as may apply to their respective areas of responsibility.

Corrective action should be taken immediately that the monitoring process indicates any deviation from the required norm..

3.4.3 Staff and Visitors

Clean overalls, hair cover nets (or other suitable headgear) and footwear should be provided for all personnel and visitors entering the hatchery.

A disinfectant foot-bath at strategic points within the hatchery as advised by a veterinarian will assist in combating the possible transfer of bacteria from one section to another with the building.

Frequent washing of hands in a disinfectant solution or the use of alcohol gel should be encouraged.

During chick take-off especially staff movement from the hatching section to the egg rooms and setter section should be discouraged.

3.5 Handling of Chicks

3.5.1 Chick Take-off

Every person working in the hatchery shall be able to understand and accept responsibility to prevent any unnecessary suffering.

Hatchery operators shall be satisfied that staff responsible for handling live chicks have the skills that are necessary to perform any required procedure without causing suffering to the chicks.

During take-off, hatching trays with chicks shall be handled in the horizontal position only and chicks removed from the hating tray as gently as possible without excessive jarring of trolleys and handling systems.

Staff handling chicks should wash and disinfectant their hands before commencing work as well as frequently as is practically possible between different lots of chickens.

Any cull or malformed chicks should be removed as soon as possible and humanly disposed of by neck dislocation or gassing by utilizing suitable bottled gas.

During the chick take-off process chicks the body temperature of the chicks should not be allowed to drop unduly.

3.5.2 Chick sexing

In hatcheries where vent sexing is applied, this should be performed only by skilled and appropriately trained staff.

Feather and color sexing requires less skill than vent sexing but staff performing such acts should be adequately trained and competent in performing these tasks as gently as possible.

3.5.3 Chick Holding

Only first grade chicks with no deformities or other abnormality are to be boxed into clean containers specifically designed for the transport of chicks.
Rooms in which chicks are to be held before dispatch should be adequately ventilated and temperature controlled to ensure that chicks remain comfortable.
Chicks should be dispatched as soon as possible but not later so as not to result in chicks the not receiving food and water within 48 hours of hatching.

3.6 Morphological Alteration of Chicks

3.6.1 Dubbing

Dubbing of male chicks should only be done when advised to be necessary by a veterinarian or the supplier of the applicable genetics.

Should this practice be deemed necessary it must only be carried out by a skilled person who is competent and trained in this procedure.

The procedure should be well documented and underwritten by the veterinarian.

3.6.2 Toe Removal

The removal of the terminal segment of each inward pointing toe of breeding male chicks may be removed at the advice of a veterinarian or the supplier of the applicable genetics.

Should this practice be deemed necessary it must only be carried out by a skilled person who is competent and trained in this procedure.

The procedure should be well documented and underwritten by the veterinarian

3.6.3 De-Spurring

The cauterizing of the spur of breeding male chicks to avoid damage to females during mating may be performed at the advice of a veterinarian or the supplier of the applicable genetics.

Should this practice be deemed necessary it must only be carried out by a skilled person who is competent and trained in this procedure.

The procedure should be well documented and underwritten by the veterinarian

3.7 Euthanasia and Disposal of Non-Saleable Chicks

Cull and surplus hatchlings awaiting disposal must be treated as humanely as those intended for retention or sale. They must be disposed of humanely by either of the two accepted procedures below.

Decapitation or cervical dislocation of individual chicks when performed by trained and competent personnel is accepted.

3.7.1 Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide gassing is an accepted method.

Chicks disposed of through this method must be placed in such a way in the container so as to ensure good penetration of the gas and prevent suffocation.

Containers or chambers must be designed to allow continual refilling of carbon dioxide to maintain the correct levels of the gas.

Chicks must be exposed to the gas for a long enough period so as to cause death.

3.7.2 Maceration

High speed maceration of chicks using properly designed macerators is a practical and accepted method of euthanasia.

3.8 Disposal of Un-hatched Chicks and Hatch Debris

Drowning, smothering and thermal exhaustion or any other inhumane methods are not acceptable under any circumstances.

High speed maceration is a practical and humane method of euthanizing large numbers of un-hatched chicks that are still within the egg at the time of removing the rest of the chicks from the chick trays.

This procedure should be carried out as soon as is practically possible after removal of the chicks from the hatcher machine so as to avoid undue suffering of the chicks that are still within the egg shell.

Rapid cooling and freezing are also accepted.

All un-hatched chicks must be dead before disposal.

Hatch debris should be transported in closed containers to approved municipal dumps or other storage facility which would not allow for any contamination of ground water.

3.9 Transportation of Chicks

Only healthy and vigorous chicks shall be dispatched in clean containers or boxes specifically designed for handling and transport of day old chicks.

Containers must be stacked in such a manner that free airflow between stacks of containers is not hampered.

As a rule the chick box/container should allow for 20 cm2 per chick but environmental temperature, duration of the journey as well as design of the chick truck shall be considered when determining the density of chicks in the containers.

Containers with live chicks shall not be tilted from more than 20 degrees from horizontal during any stage of loading or unloading.

Containers should always be moved smoothly and never thrown or dropped.

A tie-down device preventing containers from overturning is advisable in the chick truck.

Chick trucks should be designed in such a way that sufficient airflow is achieved to all containers within the truck and that adequate temperature control is achieved for the duration of the delivery.

The driver of the vehicle transporting chicks shall be a responsible person with a valid and appropriate driver’s license and trained in the transporting of chicks.

The drivers shall have telephone numbers of the owners of the chicks and emergency telephone numbers at all times during a journey.

Drivers shall at all times be able to perform their duties in an expert and responsible manner.

Drivers shall not handle a vehicle in a manner that might cause the chick containers to slip or fall causing suffering. The safety and welfare of the chicks shall never be ignored or disregarded.

Chicks shall be transported in roadworthy vehicles.

Stops en-route shall only be made when absolutely necessary. When stops are made in hot weather, the vehicle must be capable of maintaining sufficient ventilation and temperature within the truck.

Vehicles used for the transportation of live chicks over long distances must be constructed to protect the chicks against adverse weather conditions during the journey.

3.10 Biosecurity in Chick Hatcheries – People

Biosecurity in chick hatcheries is of the utmost importance to ensure healthy chicks.

People movement is one of the main means of transmitting disease between farms and hatcheries. There are different aspects of biosecurity relating to people movement in chick hatcheries including physical biosecurity and procedural biosecurity.

Appendix 2 set out a general practice to be followed.

4. Rearing of Commercial Laying Pullets

4.1 Introduction

This section covers the process of rearing commercial pullets from day old till point of lay for the production of commercial eggs and egg products.
Poultry producers involved in the production of commercial pullets should be aware of the responsibility to produce disease free birds. An effective program should be in place to prevent infectious and vertically transmittable diseases being transmitted within the poultry production chain and especially diseases and pathogens which could affect consumers of eggs and egg products.
Staff shall be able to understand and accept responsibility to prevent unnecessary suffering of birds in their care. Operators shall be satisfied that staff responsible for birds have the skills necessary to perform any required procedure without causing suffering.

4.2 Housing

Pullets that are being reared for commercial egg production may be reared in specially designed rearing cage systems or on the floor as would apply for breeder birds in Section 2.

4.2.1 Housing of Pullets in Cage Systems

The space guidelines for pullet rearing cages are set out in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Space Requirement for Commercial Layer Type Birds

Age (Weeks)	Weight (g)	Cm2 per bird	Feed Trough (cm/bird)	Water Nipples (Birds/nipple)
0 – 6 7 – 18	500 1450	150 300	2.25 4.5	15* 8*

Birds must have access to at least two nipple drinkers
Space requirements increase as the birds approach maturity.
Houses and Cages shall be designed to provide chickens with a safe environment.
Cage height shall permit standing chickens free head movement.
The cage doors shall allow for easy insertion and removal of birds.
Cage floors shall not cause any injury or deformity during the rearing of pullets.
Cage floors shall preferably be covered with temporary supportive flooring such as paper or matting for the chicks during the early brooding period.
Chicken house flooring shall allow for effective cleaning and disinfecting, preventing significant buildup of parasites and other pathogens. Where possible the floor should be concrete that is well maintained.

4.2.2 Housing of Pullets in Floor Rearing Systems

Where commercial pullets are reared in conventional floor systems the density as per Table 4.2 shall apply.

Age (Weeks)	Weight (g)	Hens Per m2	Feed Trough (cm/hen)	Water Trough (cm/hen)	Nipple Drinkers (Hens/drinker)
0 – 6 7 – 20	500 1450	20 12	2.5 3.5	1.25 1.25	20 12

Space requirements increase as the birds approach maturity.

The houses shall be designed to provide chickens with a safe environment.

The house floors shall preferably be concrete to facilitate cleaning and good hygiene control.
Round tube or pan feeders could be used and as a rule 3 feeders of 35 cm diameter would apply for birds up to 18 weeks of age.

Bedding of suitable quality should cover the entire floor area at a depth of around 5 cm to allow for dilution of faeces. Wood shavings is the preferred substrate

4.3 Preparation of Poultry Houses

4.3.1 Cleaning, Disinfection and Sanitary Break

4.3.2 House Preparation

Preparation of the building and equipment for the next batch of chickens should always be complete and all equipment fully maintained and operational in time to receive the next group of birds.

4.4 Management Practices in Rearing of Birds to Point of Lay

4.4.1 Receiving of Chicks

Before receiving chicks the building should have been prepared in accordance with above.

The equipment should be operational and the building should have been pre-warmed to the required temperature.

Optimum temperature varies for different species and breeds and the operators should be aware of the specific requirement for the species/breed under their control.

Chicks shall be removed carefully from the containers and placed in the brooding cages specifically designed for the rearing of chicks or spread evenly over the brooding area in the case of floor rearing.

In the case of cage rearing the appropriate number of chicks shall be placed in the brooding tiers.

Chicks shall be prevented from crowding or piling in corners in floor rearing systems.

4.4.2 Temperature Control

Subject to housing insulation, breed and seasonal variations supplementary heat at gradual decreasing levels is to be applied until no longer required.

Bird behavior is the best indicator of bird comfort.

As birds mature and become fully feathered, they can withstand and adapt to wider temperature fluctuation (5 to 33 °C). Where extreme high temperatures are experienced, especially under climatic conditions of high humidity, procedures such as increased ventilation and air flow over birds, evaporative cooling equipment, reduced stocking density and supply of cool water, should be considered to deal with such extremes.

Low temperature conditions should not be overcome at the expense of minimum rates of ventilation.

It is advisable to have a temperature alarm system installed to warn operators of high and low temperature conditions for corrective action to be taken.

It is advisable to record daily maximum and minimum house temperature levels.

4.4.3 Ventilation Control

A minimum rate of ventilation is required at all times to provide fresh air and to remove moisture and other metabolic gases from the building.

Carbon dioxide levels should be kept below 3000 ppm (3%).

Mechanical ventilated buildings should have a back-up power supply or alternative emergency ventilation systems linked to an alarm system to warn operators of power failure.

4.4.4 Light Control

Chicks are started at higher light intensity around (20 lux) for the first couple of days in order to learn to find the feed and drinker systems.

Thereafter commercial rearing pullets are reared on varying light intensity down to 2 lux depending on the housing conditions and breed. The light intensity should be adequate to allow for birds to feed normally and allow for thorough inspection of the flock.

Sudden changes in intensity should be avoided as this could lead to flight reaction in some strains.

Various rearing light programs are prescribed by suppliers of breeding stock. Total light period of less than 8 hours during rearing of breeder birds should be discouraged.

4.4.5 Feed

Newly hatched chicks must be provided with food within 48 hours of hatching.

Commercial layer pullets in rear would preferably have free access to fresh feed.

Birds in rear should receive a diet that contains adequate nutrients to meet the daily requirement for good health and vitality and in sufficient daily quantities to enable an increase in body weight gain which is in accordance with the breed specifications.

Where controlled feeding practices are applied in order to maintain correct body weight gain during the rearing period, sufficient feed space should be allowed for all birds to feed simultaneously.

Feed should preferably be stored in closed containers and access for vermin and wild birds should not occur.

4.4.6 Drinking Water

Newly hatched chicks should receive water within 48 hours of hatching but sooner during hot weather.

Birds should have access to sufficient potable water to meet their daily physiological requirements.

In cage rearing birds should have access to a minimum of two nipple drinkers.

Water should be below a temperature at which birds refuse to drink.

The water should be regularly tested for chemical content as well as microbial contamination.

4.4.7 Beak Trimming

When beak trimming is to be applied it should be done at as young an age as possible.

Beak trimming must be performed only by a trained operator who is completely competent in the procedures using equipment that has been properly maintained.

4.4.8 Supervision

Bird supervision should only be performed by adequately trained staff.

Chicks being brooded should be inspected at least twice every 24 hours and corrective action taken to correct any husbandry deficiencies detected.

Inspection frequency should be increased during periods of adverse conditions such as high or low temperature or ill health.

During such checks particular attention should be given to bird comfort and proper functioning of all equipment. Any malfunctioning equipment should be attended to and corrected immediately.

In floor systems any wet litter should be removed immediately and corrective action taken as to the cause of the wet litter. Litter should not be allowed to become caked and hard.

In cage systems manure will be removed in accordance with the particular system in use.

During flock inspection any sick or injured birds are to be treated promptly or killed humanely by dislocating the neck by personnel who have been trained to do so.

Dead chickens are to be removed daily and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Flock supervision should include periodic checks for the presence of internal and external parasites. Should such parasites be detected, corrective treatment must be administered immediately.

The use of antimicrobials is covered more comprehensively in Appendix 3.

4.4.9 Transfer of Birds

When commercial pullets close to onset of lay are to be moved from rearing to laying facilities, the following principles in birds transfer shall be applied.

The driver of the vehicle transporting poultry shall be a responsible person with a valid and appropriate driver’s license and trained in the transporting of livestock.

Drivers shall at all times be able to perform their duties in an expert and responsible manner.

Drivers shall not handle a vehicle in a manner that might cause the transported animals to slip, fall or suffer injury. The safety and welfare of the animals shall never be ignored or disregarded.

Chickens shall be transported in roadworthy vehicles.

Stops en-route shall only be made when absolutely necessary. When stops are made in hot weather, the vehicle must be parked in the shade where possible or for very short periods when in the sun.

Vehicles used for the transportation of live poultry over long distances must be constructed to protect the poultry against adverse weather conditions during transportation.

The chickens should be loaded into clean standardized transporting crates (770 mm long x 500 mm wide x 300 mm high) or purpose-made wire mesh cages in trolleys.

All the containers should have a lid or door that can be secured to prevent the chickens from escaping.

Birds should be caught individually and handled by both legs, or fully support of the body. Not more than 4 birds may be carried per person at any one time.

The containers should prevent protrusion of the head, wings and legs.

The number of chickens per crate should correspond to the floor space and body size of the transported chickens, with due regard to environmental conditions and duration of transport. The maximum density should not exceed 55kg body mass per square meter.

The journey should not exceed 24 hours.

Portable transporting crates with live chickens should preferably be moved in a horizontal position. Crates should not be thrown or dropped.

A tie-down device preventing containers from overturning is advisable.

4.4.10 Rearing Establishment

Pullet rearing facilities should preferably be well separated and isolated from other poultry.
Pullet rearing facilities should preferably be single purpose entities and ideally operated on an all-in, all-out replacement basis with single age groups.
On facilities with more than one age group, the age groups should be well separated from one another and measures should be in place controlling the movement of staff between the age groups.
The sites or age groups should be fenced off by at least a stock fence and no grazing animals allowed within the perimeters of such fence.
The area immediately surrounding the poultry houses should be free of vegetation and debris and if grass is grown between buildings, it should be kept short.
Appropriate security measures for all staff and visitors entering the premises, which could include showering and changing of clothes should be adopted. Change of clothes is regarded as being the absolute minimum measure to be applied for pullet rearing farms.
Buildings should be free of vermin and not accessible to wild birds.
Vermin and wild birds should not have access to feed storage.
Domestic animals should not be allowed access to the fenced area.

4.4.11 Flock Health

Management should have ready access to a competent Veterinarian.
The environment provided must be conducive to good flock health as well as providing the necessary protection from pain, injury and disease.
Operators responsible for the care and wellbeing of poultry should be aware of the signs of ill-health or distress and corrective action implemented immediately.
Where causes of ill-health or distress cannot be identified professional advice from veterinarians or other trained and qualified advisers should be sought.
All medication should be prescribed by a qualified veterinarian and such medication should be applied strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction unless otherwise advised by the veterinarian concerned.
The use of antimicrobials is covered more comprehensively in Appendix 3
Birds with an incurable sickness should be removed from the flock and destroyed humanely by a competent person properly trained to do so.

4.4.12 Records

Vaccination, health and any laboratory records shall be kept for all breeder flocks.
Such records shall be kept for inspection for the normal expected lifetime of the birds or flock.

4.4.13 Vaccination

Producers involved in the production of commercial pullets intended for the use in producing eggs for human consumption should operate an effective program to prevent infectious disease, especially diseases and pathogens which could affect humans..
Vaccinations and other treatments applied should only be undertaken by properly trained and skilled staff.

4.4.15 Blood testing

Regular serological testing of flocks as may be prescribed by a qualified veterinarian is advisable in disease control.
The health status, serological test results and vaccination program applied should be made available to the customer.

4.4.16 Parasite, Vermin and Insect Control

Rearing birds kept on litter floor systems are prone to internal parasite infection. Appropriate control measures as advised by a veterinarian should be in place to combat such infestation.
Effective control of coccidiosis is possible by feeding drugs via the feed or vaccination the flock at a young age is advisable for birds being reared on floor systems.
Birds should be constantly monitored for other internal parasites such as worms and corrective treatment measures taken as prescribed by a veterinarian.
A well planned vermin control program should be in place taking in account particular circumstances of the operation.
Fly breeding should be controlled to the very minimum.
The cleaning and disinfecting program followed at the end of the cycle should incorporate the application of an insecticide to control litter beetle infestation.

4.4.17 Biosecurity on Commercial Pullet Rearing Farms – People

Biosecurity on commercial pullet rearing farms is of the utmost importance to ensure healthy flocks perform according to the required standards and to prevent transition of diseases to the layer farms.
People movement is one of the main means of transmitting disease between flocks or farms. There are different aspects of biosecurity relating to people movement in poultry operations including physical biosecurity.
Appendix 2 set out a general practice to be followed.

5. Commercial Egg Production in Cage Systems

5.1 Introduction

This section covers the process of keeping birds in intensive cage systems for the production of eggs for domestic consumption as well the use in the production of egg products.
Poultry producers involved in keeping birds in cage systems should be aware of the responsibility to produce eggs that at all times are fit for human consumption. An effective program should be in place to prevent infectious and vertically transmittable diseases being transmitted within the poultry production chain and especially diseases and pathogens which could affect consumers of eggs and egg products.
Staff shall be able to understand and accept responsibility to prevent unnecessary suffering of birds in their care. Operators shall be satisfied that staff responsible for birds has the skills necessary to perform any required procedure without causing suffering.

5.2 Housing of Birds in Cages

Layers in intensive egg production systems are to be kept in specially designed cages in which birds are safe and in which they have free access to feed and water.
The space guidelines for pullet rearing cages are set out in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1: Space Requirement for Commercial Layer Type Birds kept in cages

Age (Weeks)	Weight (g)	Cm2 per bird	Feed Trough (cm/bird)	Water Nipples (Birds/cup or nipple)*
18 weeks plus	1500 g plus	450	10	5

Birds must have access to at least two nipple drinkers
Houses and Cages shall be designed to provide chickens with a safe environment.
Cage height shall permit standing chickens free head movement.
The cage doors shall allow for easy insertion and removal of birds and be free of protrusions permitting the removal of birds without causing injury. Doors shall not be less than 20cm wide and 20 cm high.
Cage floors shall not cause any injury or deformity during the rearing of pullets.
The cage floor shall allow eggs to roll out freely without getting stuck or damaged
Chicken house flooring shall allow for effective cleaning and disinfecting, preventing significant buildup of parasites and other pathogens. Where possible the floor should be concrete that is well maintained.

5.3 Preparation of Poultry Houses

5.3.1 Cleaning, Disinfection and Sanitary Break

Establishment of a cleaning regime after completion and depopulation of a previous flock will help in avoiding future health problems.

Attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of the buildings following depopulation and should include complete removal and disposal of litter from the poultry building and surrounding area.

Following cleaning and disinfecting of the building (including all equipment contained within the building) a sanitary break will assist in avoiding any carry-over of disease to the next flock.

House Preparation

Preparation of the building and equipment for the next batch of chickens should always be complete and all equipment fully maintained and operational in time to receive the next group of birds.

5.4 Management Practices of Birds in Cage Systems

5.4.1 Receiving of Pullets

Before receiving pullets at the point of commencement of production, from the rearing facilities the building should have been prepared in accordance with above.
All equipment should be fully serviced and operational.
Birds shall be removed carefully from the transport containers by supporting them under the body or grabbing by both legs.
Birds shall not be carried by more than three birds in one hand and both legs shall be held in the hand.

5.4.2 Temperature Control

Bird behavior is the best indicator of bird comfort.

Low temperature conditions should not be overcome at the expense of minimum rates of ventilation.

It is advisable to have a temperature alarm system installed to warn operators of high and low temperature conditions for corrective action to be taken.

It is advisable to record daily maximum and minimum house temperature levels.

5.4.3 Ventilation Control

A minimum rate of ventilation is required at all times to provide fresh air and to remove moisture and other metabolic gases from the building.

This minimum rate of ventilation would be dependent on the biomass in the building and the operator shall be aware thereof.

With forced air ventilation systems the operator shall be fully trained in how to set up and control the ventilation system.

With open sided buildings the operator shall be fully trained in how to set the curtains or whatever natural ventilation system under varying climatic conditions.

Carbon dioxide levels should be kept below 3000 ppm (3%).

Mechanical ventilated buildings should have a back-up power supply or alternative emergency ventilation systems linked to an alarm system to warn operators of power failure

5.4.4 Light Control

Various light programs and light intensity for commercial layer birds in cages are prescribed by suppliers of breeding stock and the operator shall be aware of the appropriate program to be applied.

Notwithstanding the above the total light period (artificial plus natural light in open sided houses) shall not exceed 20 hours in the 24 hour day.

A minimum artificial light intensity of 10 lux shall be aimed for within any given point in the cage layer system

Sudden changes in intensity should be avoided as this could lead to flight reaction in some strains.

5.4.5 Feed

Commercial layers in cage systems shall have free access to fresh feed at all times.

Birds in lay should receive a diet that contains adequate nutrients to meet the daily requirement for good health and vitality of the birds themselves as well as for the production of eggs.

Feed shall be stored in closed containers and access for vermin and wild birds not allowed

5.4.6 Drinking Water

Birds should have access to sufficient potable water to meet their physiological requirements.
Water should be below a temperature at which birds refuse to drink.

The water should be regularly tested for chemical content as well as possible microbial contamination and declared suitable for use in poultry by a reputable laboratory.

5.4.7 Supervision