Overview & Core Concepts
On Day 35, the flock reaches ~2,425g, marking the major first harvest milestone (thinning / partial depopulation). Harvesting the heaviest 20–30% of the flock provides immediate cash flow, satisfies prime 2.4kg market weight contracts, and instantly reduces stocking density in the house (from ~38 kg/m2 down to ~28 kg/m2). However, partial depopulation introduces immense disease and stress risks: outside catchers and dirty crates can introduce Newcastle, Avian Influenza, or Salmonella, while remaining birds suffer panic, chill, and feed disruption. Farmers must enforce strict gate biosecurity, gently catch selected birds, and immediately rebalance the shed for the remaining birds.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Achieving optimal management targets requires strict adherence to environmental parameters.
Why This Matters
Thinning creates space and air volume for remaining smaller broilers to accelerate growth toward heavier 3.0kg+ market brackets. However, poor post-thinning management can cause respiratory disease outbreaks and growth stalls in remaining birds.
Execution Checklist
Observations & Key Indicators
Observe spacing, activity levels, and physical indicators:
Healthy Signs
- Harvested birds loaded quickly with minimal vocalization, zero flapping injuries, and calm behavior.
- Remaining birds quickly resuming feeding and drinking within 30 minutes of shed doors closing and lights returning to normal.
- Remaining flock evenly distributed across the entire floor area without huddling or lingering in catching corners.
- Clean, unblemished carcasses reported by processing plant with zero DOA (Dead on Arrival) penalties.
Warning Signs
- Catchers carrying birds by the wings or throwing birds into crates, causing broken bones and severe carcass hematomas.
- Remaining birds huddled tightly together against end walls, shivering or refusing to move toward feeders (chill stress).
- Spike in mortality or respiratory snicking/coughing in remaining flock 24–48 hours after thinning.
- Feed lines remaining winched up after catching, subjecting remaining birds to unintentional prolonged starvation.
Troubleshooting & Management Practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
- Broiler Finisher Feed Standards
- Heat Stress Management & THI Index
- Harvest, Settlement & Batch Economics
Next Stage Handoff (Day 36)
Tomorrow, your operation reaches Day 36. The primary management objective will be:
Sample weigh 100+ birds across all shed zones to establish true flock mean weight (target ~2500g) and coefficient of variation, while finalizing processing plant booking and transport logistics.