Technical Support

Is Your House Ready?

A major requirement for successful early chick development is minimal challenge from bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, molds and parasites. Thoroughly clean and disinfect your house before chicks arrive.

Equipment Checklist

• Heaters — check size, flame is burning or glowing properly
• Drinkers — no flooding, not too little water, not too high for chicks
• Feeders — not broken, at the right height
• Thermometers — calibrated, no false readings
• Curtains — no holes, enough to retain heat
• Gas or charcoal supply — ordered in advance, sufficient quantity

Disinfection Protocol

Use Maxi range disinfectants (Ultrasept, Maxi Virus Killer, Farm Guard) available at all Novafeed outlets. Follow the mixing ratio on the label. Allow the house to dry completely before placing bedding.

Why Phase Feeding Works

The choice of diet at any particular stage in the production process can have an important impact on the overall profitability of a broiler operation, both in terms of input costs and technical efficiency.

As birds grow, their energy requirement increases relative to their protein requirement. Feeding different diets leads to over or under-feeding of these two critical and expensive components.

The Novafeed 3-Phase Programme

• Phase 1 — Starter Crumble (Day 0–14): High protein (22%+), small crumble particle. Focus on early organ development and immune system function.
• Phase 2 — Grower Pellet (Day 14–28): Balanced protein/energy pellet. Maximum muscle accretion phase.
• Phase 3 — Finisher Pellet (Day 28–slaughter): Higher energy, lower protein. Supports rapid fat deposition and final weight gain efficiently.

The 2-Phase Alternative (StartMax + GrowMax)

For smaller operations or farmers who prefer simplicity, the 2-phase programme delivers strong performance without managing three product transitions. StartMax covers the starter phase; GrowMax covers grower through finisher.

Lighting is Critical

The right lighting hours improve feed intake, growth, and reduce stress in your flock. For layers specifically, light duration controls egg production cycles:

• Starter/Pullet phase: Keep lighting hours consistent (8–10 hrs/day) to prevent early sexual maturity
• Pre-lay stimulation: Gradually increase to 16+ hours as birds approach 17–18 weeks
• In lay: Maintain 16–17 hours of light per day — never reduce

Stage-Specific Feeding

Novafeed's layer range is designed around three production stages:

• Early Lay (5%–40 weeks): Higher protein to support body development alongside egg production onset
• Mid Lay (40–70 weeks): Balanced formula to sustain peak production, maintain body weight
• Late Lay (70 weeks+): Adjusted calcium levels to prevent brittle shells; energy management as production declines

Why Road Runners Are Different

Boschveld, SASSO, and indigenous breeds have different genetics to commercial broilers. They grow slower, are more disease-resistant, and have a distinctive flavour that commands a premium in the market.

Feeding Road Runners

Standard broiler feed is not ideal for road runners — it's over-formulated for their slower metabolism. The Novafeed Road Runner range is calibrated specifically:

• RR All-in-One Concentrate: Mix with local grains (maize, sorghum) for flexible, economical complete nutrition
• RR1 (Starter): Higher protein for the critical first weeks
• RR2 (Grower): Supports bone and muscle development at the road runner's natural pace
• RR3 (Finisher): Achieves optimal slaughter weight while preserving flavour

The Challenge

Zimbabwe's Highveld winters (June–August) can see temperatures drop to 5–10°C overnight. Day-old chicks require 32–35°C in their immediate brooding zone. The gap between ambient and required temperature is the enemy.

Winter Brooding Tips

• Seal ventilation gaps without eliminating all air movement — ammonia buildup is as dangerous as cold
• Use curtains, sacking or shade cloth to create a smaller inner brooding zone within the house
• Check fuel supply (gas or charcoal) BEFORE chicks arrive — running out at 3am in winter costs lives
• Use 2–3 heat sources rather than 1, so failure of one doesn't cause catastrophe
• Watch chick behaviour: huddled under heat = too cold; spread to edges = too hot; distributed evenly = just right
• Increase feed allowance by 5–10% in winter — chicks burn more energy maintaining body temperature

Equipment

Nova Infrared Lamps are available at all Novafeed outlets and provide consistent, reliable heat that is easier to manage than gas brooders in small-scale setups.

Newcastle Disease — Know the Threat

Newcastle Disease (NCD) can wipe out your flock with little or no warning. It is endemic in Zimbabwe and poses a constant threat to unvaccinated birds.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Sudden increase in mortality
• Respiratory signs: coughing, sneezing, gasping
• Nervous signs: twisted neck (torticollis), paralysis
• Drop in egg production, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Greenish diarrhoea

Prevention is Everything

• Vaccinate on schedule — your vet or Novafeed team can advise the right programme
• Maintain strict biosecurity: footbaths, visitor restrictions, vehicle disinfection
• Use Maxi range disinfectants (Ultrasept, Maxi Virus Killer) between flocks
• Quarantine new birds for 2 weeks before introducing to existing flock
• Remove dead birds immediately and dispose of safely