Arranhoes dorsais na produção de frangos de corte

Abstract

This study was carried out in commercial broiler farms in the region of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil (from latitude 22º32'10''S until 22°16'32''S and longitude 55º43'32''W until 54°09'54''W), with the aim to identify in which age the dorsal scratches starts, and when these injuries assume critical levels. It was also investigated if the season (summer and winter) influences the amount of scratches. And accompany the collection of birds in an attempt to reduce the frequency of injuries caused by incorrect gathering. 894 samplings were conducted on 351 broiler houses in all the regions of integration, broilers were reared until 43 days old. The trial was carried out through the production period (from 1 to 43 days old) and capturing 2% of birds in each evaluation, with total sample had 275,000 birds. Results showed evidence that in the summer the dorsal scratches in the birds start when they are 21 days, and at 18 days old in the winter. Body injuries get to critical levels from the 35 days old in both strains, independent of the season. There was difference (p<0.05) in the percentage of scratches between strains within the period between 35 days old to slaughter. Management systems that reduce the movement of birds and their agitation contribute to lower incidences of injuries from dorsal scratches. We noticed that the period of birds capture for transport to the slaughterhouse is responsible for approximately 73% of scratches, followed by rearing management (17%) and equipment management (10%). It was found that special care focused on the flock from the 35 days of growth may help preventing dorsal scratches incidence. In addition, capture teams must be constantly monitored and trained to perform the correct procedure.