Health Status and Mortality Dynamics of an Arbor Broiler Flock on a Peri-urban Semi-industrial Farm in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: This study described the health status and temporal mortality distribution of an Arbor broiler flock reared on a semi-industrial farm near Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and examined their relationships with prophylactic interventions and growth performance. Study Design: A descriptive longitudinal observational study, without replication or a control group. Place and Duration of Study: The flock was monitored in Port-Bouët from 5 December 2008 to 23 January 2009 (50 days). Methodology: A total of 510 days-old chicks were followed throughout the rearing cycle. Deaths and health interventions were recorded daily, while 26 randomly selected birds were weighed weekly. Mortality, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were descriptively assessed alongside hatchery reference values. Results: Twenty-five deaths occurred (4.90% cumulative mortality), including 12 during the starter phase and 13 during the grower phase. The first and sixth weeks accounted for 10 and 11 deaths, respectively. Nine deaths occurred between days 36 and 39, coinciding with levamisole deworming and the subsequent Newcastle disease booster vaccination, although causality could not be established. Presumptive coccidiosis associated with wet litter was treated on days 24–26. Mean live weight reached 1,779.6 g on day 49, 21.3% below the reference value, after a maximum deficit of 27.6% on day 21. Conclusion: Mortality remained below the stated 5% benchmark despite uneven losses and persistent growth retardation. Improved diagnostic surveillance and careful vaccination practices may support flock assessment and management.