Animal losses
In order to monitor the health and performance of the flock(s), records of daily animal losses – including animals that have died naturally and those that have been culled – as well as the underlying causes must be recorded and documented on a daily basis (Section 4(2) of the Animal Welfare (Livestock) Ordinance (TierSchNutztV)). For flocks of more than 100 animals, if losses exceed 2 per cent of the flock within 24 hours, there is an obligation to carry out a veterinary examination to rule out avian influenza (AI) in accordance with Section 4(1) of the GeflPestSchV. As part of risk-based herd management, the livestock keeper should, in the event of a sudden increase in losses, always consult the herd’s attending veterinary surgeon to have the flock examined.
Depending on the age and sex of the animals, there are varying ranges of mortality rates that fall within the indicative range. The season, genetics, sex and housing conditions, as well as predators in the wild, also influence loss rates.
Table 1 provides an overview of indicative figures for overall mortality.
| Rearing mortality LW 1–5 | Fattening LW 6 – 16 / 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | 1.5% – 2.5% | 6%–9% |
| Hen | 1.5% – 2.5% | 2%–3% |
Table 1: Indicative mortality ranges for cocks and hens, broken down by rearing and fattening.
Deviating condition
If elevated mortality rates are observed, the focus shifts to investigating the causes. Records and regular analyses can quickly reveal whether herd mortality is above the usual level.
Measures
In the event of increased animal losses, the following factors should be checked and rectified immediately:
Technical faults: are there faults in the watering/feeding systems, the ventilation/heating, or disruptions to the lighting programme?
Animal disease: if the animals show symptoms of illness, a vet must be consulted immediately. To optimise the hygiene protocol, and thereby minimise the risk of disease, see the biosecurity protocol of the Lower Saxony Animal Disease Fund13
Prevention of disease (herd-related issues)
Predators in free-range systems: predators can sometimes cause high animal losses, particularly among young animals. Shelters and, where possible, vegetation in the outdoor run provide protection for the animals
Accidents, e.g. during movement between rearing and fattening areas or due to accidents within the facility
Panic: Unfamiliar noises and situations, e.g. night-time deliveries or spotlighting in the barn, can cause panic amongst the animals, leading to crowding and animal losses due to being crushed
Note: It is recommended that, in the event of unusually high animal losses – even if not related to disease – the livestock owner should immediately report this to the relevant veterinary authority.