Broiler

VETERINARY HEALTH*

Module 1

Bird anatomy and physiology
Methods of disease transmission
Disease causing agents
Recognition of normal vs abnormal
Common & current disease conditions
Ante mortem issues

Module 2

Notifiable diseases and relevant legislation  
Flock keepers’ response to disease
Management practices and how they affect disease
Occupational health and zoonoses

BIOSECURITY*

How do diseases enter the flock?
How can disease transmission be prevented?
Practical approach to cleaning and disinfection
Types of disinfectant products
Feed and water systems
Hygiene and salmonella testing; interpreting results

WELFARE*

‘Five Freedoms’
Legislative requirements
Practical welfare on the farm
Catching techniques
Transport and Slaughter

VACCINATION AND MEDICATION*

Principles of vaccination – live & inactivated
Types of vaccines
Vaccination techniques and programmes
Principles of medicating birds
Types of medication
Application of medication

BROILER REJECTS (New Module)

Overview of the Broiler Welfare Directive
Importance of productive reports and how to complete these
Common reject conditions of the poultry slaughterhouse normal ranges and causes
How to interpret the reject scoring forms from the factory
How rejects are treated from a legal point of view
How should producers respond to high rejects

LABORATORY (Practical)*

Post mortem sample submission
Post mortem / anatomy
What to look for?
Laboratory testing
Lab sample submission

Non Veterinary Courses

HOUSING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Intensive vs extensive systems
Lighting
Ventilation
Litter control
Hot weather control

FOOD AND SUPPLY CHAIN

Marketing the product  
New supply chain possibilities
Food safety
Salmonella and other organisms
Legal responsibilities

INSECT AND PEST CONTROL

Types of pests, including behaviour
Principles of control
Insecticides
Formulations and applications
Legislation

VERMIN CONTROL

Rodent behaviour
Surveying and types of infestations
Poison types
Application of poisons
Hygiene and handling
Legislation

HEALTH SAFETY & FIRE AWARENESS

Legislative requirements
Risk assessment
Accident investigation and reporting
Causes of fire
Protection and prevention
Actions to take
Electrical safety
Extinguishers – theory and practical

All courses marked * will be delivered by an experienced poultry vet.