Introduction
The Cornish cross broiler is an English breed of poultry bird that originated in Cornwall in southern western England.
it is a heavy breed of poultry birds developed in the United States in the mid-20th century and has gained recognition in the poultry industries across the globe.
This broiler is a hybrid cross between the original Cornish cock and white Plymouth Rock breeds of chicken.
These poultry birds have white feathers, red ear lobes, comb, and wattle which are specific characteristics traceable to their parent. Cornish cross broilers have a large muscular body size, well-developed breasts, and short legs.
This hybrid breed of chickens as the name implies are specifically developed for meat production due to their ability to attain market weight within a short period.
The chicken is a not dual-purpose bird as they are used in many countries as meat production breeds.
Characteristics of the Cornish Cross Broiler.
The characteristics of this bird will be examined under the following points.
- Fast Growth Rate: this is one of the fast-growing breeds of poultry birds, with excellent meat production quality. This hybrid of chickens has the trait of reaching market value within a short time when compared with other poultry birds. Specifically, The bird can reach the market value within 6 to 8 weeks of rearing (i.e. 2 months). This heavy breed of chicken can build well-developed muscles from nutritious feed or a balanced diet.
- Efficient Feed Conversion Rate: the ability of these breeds of birds to reach the market weight within a short period is traceable to their efficient feed conversion rate. The bird is popular in the poultry industry due to their excellent meat production quality compared to other breeds of poultry. This quality is due to their effective feed conversion rate which helps to reduce birds’ management costs and increase profit.
- Excellent Meat Quality: this characteristic distinguished this breed of birds from other poultry birds. The aim of breeding these high-breed birds is to have a breed of chicken with an excellent meat quality-to-bone ratio. This hybrid of bird meat quality is highly preferred by all consumers, due to its ability to fit into different cooking methods. This trait makes the cornish cross broiler a good commercial poultry bird.
- Disease-Resistant Breed: Since it is a hybrid vigor, these birds are highly resistant to infectious pathogens. this breed compared to other types of poultry birds is highly resistant to poultry diseases such as coccidiosis, avian influenza, and Merek’s disease. This quality earned them an excellent commercial breed in the poultry industry.
- Single Purposed Breed: the bird is only known for meat production, they cannot be used for egg production purposes due to their rapid growth and large body size. These heavy breeds of chickens have poor reproduction traits, which reduce their ability to be used as egg-production breeds.
- Reduce Cost of Production: the broiler’s popularity in the poultry industry is also due to its ability to mature early. This characteristic helps reduce the cost of purchasing feed, consulting veterinarians, labor, and other poultry medication.
Read Also: Poultry Feeder: Definition, Benefits, Factors to be Considered and 5 Types Poultry Feeder
Factors that May Affect the Growth Performance of the Cornish Cross Broiler
In recent times, many poultry farmers have complained of the poor growth rate of the Cornish cross broiler, their complaints may be due to their management system as the broiler remains one of the best meat production poultry breeds with good growth and excellent feed conversion rate.
However, some of the factors that may reduce the growth performance of this bird are.
- Nutritional Status of the Feed: This poultry bird is a heavy breed of chickens that require good quality feed for optimum growth and development. The bird requires a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals vitamins, and water in a balanced diet. The feeds of the Cornish breed of chicken must be such that they contain all the essential nutrients needed for growth. The use of maize, wheat, soybeans, ground cake, palm kernel meal, bone meal, and fish meal in the right proportion will balance the diet of the chicken. The feeding schedule of the bird should be stickily followed to ensure maximum growth.
- Adhere to the Feeding Schedule: the Cornish broiler like any other bird requires the farmers to stick to the feeding program to attain good growth. The feeding program refers to the stipulated schedule and type of feed required from day 1 until It has obtained good weight. This may include the right broiler starter, grower, and finisher. The farmer should not omit the feeding program for the birds, there should be good feed at every stage of the bird to ensure maximum growth.
- Maintain Good Environmental Condition: the poultry farm’s environmental condition should be well maintained to ensure maximum growth of the Cornish cross broiler. The farm climatic factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind have an impact on the growth of the birds. Harsh climate conditions in the broiler house may lead to stress among birds, respiratory ailment, accumulation of ammonium, and other dangerous gases in the broiler house. The farmers should maintain good environmental conditions to promote the growth of the birds and reduce the stress or death of birds.
- Effective Management Practices: the management system adopted is necessary for the effective growth of the bird. The poultry house should be kept in a good hygienic condition, as dirty troughs and floors will lead to the outbreak of pests and diseases in the poultry house. The hybrid broiler should be well vaccinated against infectious diseases of poultry, the vaccination program should be followed as this will build up the bird’s immune system against diseases and promote the growth of the birds. Measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of pathogens on the farm.
- Stocking Density: The floor space of the Cornish cross broiler should be well calculated against the number of birds to avoid overcrowding. When the birds are overcrowded it may lead to competition and peaking of each other which may lead to stress and reduced growth rate. The farm’s stocking density is crucial in the Cornish bird for maximum performance of birds.
- Adopt Efficient Disease Prevention and Control: these hybrid birds are highly resistant to infectious diseases. Adopting adequate disease control and prevention measures is crucial for the growth of the birds. Poultry farmers should effectively monitor the birds for the outbreak of diseases. The cornish broiler infectious disease can be prevented and controlled with the use of vaccination and maintaining adequate hygiene in the poultry house.
- Practice Culling: unproductive and weak cornish cross broilers should be removed from the flock to give room for healthy birds to survive. Weak and unproductive birds in the flock may lead to wastage and competition of feeds with the healthy birds. The weak birds should be removed to provide space and feed for the healthy birds to promote growth among Cornish cross birds.
Nutritional Requirement of the Cornish Cross Broiler.
This is a heavy breed of poultry chicken that is known in the poultry industry for its excellent meat production capacity.
As a meat production breed the nutrient requirement at every stage of production is different from that of the layer breeds.
The poultry bird requires an adequate amount of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water in the right proportion.
- Carbohydrate/ Energy Feed: Energy sources like sucrose, maltose, and glucose are good sources of carbohydrates for the Cornish broiler. The bird does not well utilize lactose energy. The sources of carbohydrates for these birds are maize seeds, guinea corn, sorghum, wheat, and oats. Carbohydrate is needed for weight gain, fattening, energy for vital functions in the body, and provision of warm
- Fat and Oil (lipids): Fat and oil are also called lipids, fat is normally solid while oil is liquid at room temperature. Fat and oil are very crucial to this hybrid of birds because of the dietary constituent and high energy value to the birds. The sources of fat and oil include: soybean oil, palm kernel, and ground oil
- Protein: The bird requires a high amount of protein for the growth and repair of worn-out tissues in the bird. The birds need a good amount of essential amino acids for overall body performance. The sources of protein for the Cornish broiler are groundnut cake, palm kernel cake, cotton seed cake, sunflower meal, linseed meal, meat meal, soybean meal, and blood meal. Protein forms the major constituents of the blood and helps in the formation of enzymes and hormones.
- Vitamin: The Cornish cross broiler requires an adequate amount of vitamin for the growth and maintenance of life. This source of food is required in the body in a small quantity which they are enables synthase in the body. The vitamins required by the Cornish cross broiler are classified into two; they are the fat-soluble vitamin (ADEK) and the water-soluble vitamin (B and C Complex) The source of vitamins for the Cornish broiler is Yellow maize, fish meal, vitamin premix, cereal grains, palm oil, born meal, breweries dried yeast, dried buttermilk, alfalfa meal, and wheat germ oil. The vitamin is essential for the regulation of metabolism of the structural unity and prevention of infectious diseases in birds.
- Minerals: These are inorganic elements found to exist in poultry birds. These hybrid birds require essential mineral elements for the formation of the skeletal structure. This mineral includes calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. The food source of these minerals includes: bone meal, eggshell, fish meals, and oyster shell meal
- Water: Water is very essential in the body of the birds. Water constitutes about 50-64% of the body’s fluid and blood. The source of water for the birds includes Direct feed intake, and metabolic water from the oxidation of fats. The function of water to the animals includes regulating the body temperature, helping transport nutrients, and helping to get rid of waste materials from the body.
Feed formulation Ratio for Cornish Cross Broiler.
These heavy breeds of chickens require adequate feed for growth and development. the birds require a good amount of protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy in the right proportion.
Since they have efficient feed conversion characteristics, an adequate amount of protein and essential minerals is required for proper bone formation and growth. The feeding requirement for the cornish cross broiler from day 1 to 8 weeks of age is discussed below.
Starter Feed Constituent and Percentage for Cornish Cross Broiler for 0-3 weeks old
| s/no | Nutrient element | Percentage |
| 1 | protein | 19-24% |
| 2 | Energy rate | 3000-392 kcal /kg |
| 3 | Crude fibers | <3% |
| 4 | calcium | 1.0-1.3% |
| 5 | Phosphorus | 0.45-0.54% |
| 6 | methionine | 0.5-0.7% |
| 7 | lysine | 1.1-1.4% |
Grower Feed constituent and percentage for Cornish Cross Broiler for 4-5 weeks old
| s/no | Nutrient element | Percentage |
| 1 | protein | 17-22% |
| 2 | Energy rate | 392-3200 kcal /kg |
| 3 | Crude fiber | <5% |
| 4 | calcium | 1.0-1.2% |
| 5 | Phosphorus | 0.4- 0.5% |
| 6 | methionine | 0.5 – 0.6% |
| 7 | lysine | 0.9-1.2% |
Finisher Feed Constituent and Percentage for Cornish Cross Broiler for 6-8 weeks old
| s/no | Nutrient element | Percentage |
| 1 | protein | 16-21% |
| 2 | Energy rate | 3200 -3350 kcal /kg |
| 3 | Crude fiber | < 5.0% |
| 4 | calcium | 0.8-1.1% |
| 5 | Phosphorus | 0.4- 0.5% |
| 6 | methionine | 0.3 – 0.6% |
| 7 | lysine | 0.8-1.1% |
Frequently Ask Question
What is the weekly weight gain of the cornish cross broilers?
This hybrid vigor breed of chickens is known for its rapid growth and feed conversation rate. The weight gain of this breed of chicken is different significantly from other breeds of chicken because of its genetically modified trait.
The weight gain of the bird may vary significantly from one farmer to another, depending on the feed quantity and quality, breed, health, and environmental management system adopted.
For good weight gain of this heavy breed of chickens, it is advisable to follow the hatchery or breeder’s guidelines as well as the nutritional value stipulated by the breeder.
| Week | Weight gain |
| Week 1 | 1pounds |
| Week 2 | 2pounds2 |
| Week 3 | 3pounds |
| Week 4 | 4.2 pounds |
| Week 5 | 5.1 pounds |
| Week 6 | 5.4 pounds |
| Week 7 | 6pound |
| Week 8 | 7.2 pound |
Housing Requirement for Cornish Cross Broiler
The Brooder House
The design of the brooder house for the bird depends upon the system of brooding practiced. There are two systems of brooder for Cornish cross broiler. They are the floor brooding and battery brooding.
Whatever method of brooding is adopted, the building should have all the sides fully covered to prevent the entrance of flies and rodents. The flow, walls, winds, ceiling, and door should be well constructed with a hard and smooth finish that can be easily cleaned.
The floor should be sloppy so that water can easily run off without being slippery. The building should be well-ventilated and lighted. There should be provision for washing equipment, hands, and utensils.
Brooding Procedure.
When the day-old chicks arrive, they should immediately be taken to the brooder house. In the brooder house, a temperature of about 95oF (35oC) Should be maintained during the first week of brooding but decreased to 5oF(2.8oC)until the chicks have fully developed feathers to provide warmth.
The birds should well space to avoid overcrowding, stress, and disease outbreaks. The recommended spacing of the cornish cross chicks should be one-foot square meter per chick.
The brooder should be well-ventilated to avoid the build of ammonia which can lead to respiratory problems in the Cornish chicks.
The temperature of the brooder house should be well monitored and controlled because the chicks are highly sensitive to temperature variation.
Too high and low temperatures are not ideal for chicks. The optimal temperature should be maintained in the brooder house. Good heating material should be placed in the brooder house as a source of heat depending on the climate of the environment.
The floor of the brooder house should be covered with sawdust or wood shaving, straw, and other materials capable of observing faeces. Straw material is considered best compared to sawdust because sawdust can affect chicks’ respiration.
The optimal lighting recommendations for chicks should be 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. This temperature range enables the chicks to reduce the leg deformation of the bird.
Good watering and feeding materials should be installed to enable chicks to have access to good feeds and water. Balanced diets should be provided for the chicks.
The vaccination program should be well followed to boost immunity against disease attacks. A biosecurity measure should also be provided and the floor should be frequently cleaned to prevent the introduction of infectious diseases in the farm.
Common Health Issues in Cornish Cross Broilers.
The Cornish cross broiler is a hybrid vigor and the bird is characterized by some health challenges which are:
- Leg Disorder: Due to the genetic makeup of the bird such as the fast growth rate and efficient feed conversion the bird is unable to stand upright. The Cornish leg disorder is caused by rapid growth, improper nutrition (such as lack of potassium and calcium), and genetic factors.
- Respiratory difficulties (Ascetics): this respiratory problem results from the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity of the bird. The Ascetic infectious disorder occurs due to the fast growth rate and high energy feeds.
- Cardiovascular Problem: this cardiovascular issue results in Heart failure in the birds. this health problem occurs as a result of the over-large development of the Cornish bird breast region. This expansion leads to heart failure and related heart problems.
- Heat Stress: This poultry chicken is highly sensitive to extreme temperatures. The high-temperature effect leads to heat stress within the birds which can lead to low feed intake, reduced growth, and mortality in the birds.
- Obesity: this hybrid broiler has a high feed conversion rate, which when fed in excess, can lead to obesity. The feeding pattern and ration need to be closely monitored to prevent overfeeding among birds.
Vaccination Schedule for Cornish Cross Broiler.
The vaccination process of the Cornish cross broiler is a manual administration. It involves administering the vaccine manually to the bird either through the body or in drinking water.
Vaccinating the bird is necessary as it helps to eliminate pathogens and develop immunity against disease-causing organisms.
Immunity is a complex mechanism through which the body defends itself from disease attacks.
The immune system is located in various organs of the body of the hybrid broiler. The vaccination schedule according to Merck veterinary manual are
| Age when administering | disease | Types of vaccine | storage | Method of administration |
| Day 1 | Mereks diseases
|
Attenuated | Store in deep freezer at 2.8oc for 3-6 months | 5ml by stabbing methods |
| Newcastle Disease
|
Live virus (la sota)
|
Store in refrigerator for 3 months | Drop 10-15ml in the eye and nose | |
| Coccidiosis | Live (coccidiostat) | Drinking water | ||
| Infectious bronchitis
|
Live | By spraying on the body | ||
| Week 2 | Fowl pox | Live virus vaccine | Store up to 10 days, at room temperature, 2 months in a refrigerator, and 6 months in a deep freezer | 5ml stabling in the wing web |
| Week 3 | Newcastle Disease
|
Live virus (la sota)
|
7-10 days at room temperature, 3.6 months in the refrigerator | 0.5 given s/c or by stabbing methods |
| Infectious bronchitis
|
Live | By spraying on the body | ||
| Coccidiosis | cocciostat) | Drinking water | ||
| Week 4 | Newcastle Disease
|
Live virus (la sota)
|
7-10 days at room temperature, 3.6 months in the refrigerator | 8-10ml given s/c or by stabbing methods |
| Infectious bronchitis
|
Live | By spraying on the body | ||
| Coccidiosis | cocciostat) | Drinking water | ||
| Week 6 | Newcastle Disease
|
Live virus (la sota)
|
7-10 days at room temperature, 3.6 months in the refrigerator | 8-10ml given s/c or by stabbing methods |
| Infectious bronchitis
|
Live | By spraying on the body | ||
| Coccidiosis | cocciostat) | Drinking water | ||
| Avian influenza | formulated | 2 weeks at room temperature and one year under a refrigerator | Stab at Wing web |
Diseases Prevention and Control of the Cornish Cross Broiler
| S/no | Disease | causal Agent | Symptoms | Mode OF Transmission | Prevention and Control |
| 1 | Coccidiosis | Protozoan
(Eimeria) |
Diarrhea, poor growth, reduced feed intake | Contact | Vaccinate birds with Coccidiostats, practice good hygiene |
| 2 | Mereks | virus | Paralysis of leg, wings, or neck visceral tumors, ripple feather, e | Air and contact feed and litter. | Vaccinate with mereks vaccine, practice good hygiene, and remove affected birds |
| 3 | New castle disease | virus | Severe Respiratory difficulties, greenish diarrhea, prolonged gasping, coughing and sneezing, nervous disorder, | Contact | Vaccinate birds against NCD, practice good hygiene, and cull infected birds |
| 4 | Infectious bronchitis | virus | Nasal discharge, moist coughing, and wheezing at night | Dropping and equipment | Vaccinate birds against infectious bronchitis, practice good sanitation, and remove the infected. |
| 5 | Fowl typhoid | protozoan | Diarrhea, weakness | Contaminated feed and water | Treat with tetracycline, keep good sanitation, and remove infected birds |
| 6 | Aspergillosis | fungus | Difficult breathing, death | Inhalation of spores | Fumigate infected brooder house and equipment |
| 6 | Infectious basal diseases(Gumboro) | virus | Mild respiratory difficulty | air | Vaccinate birds against Gumboro |
| 7 | Avian influenza(bird flu) | virus | Respirator difficulty | Air |
In conclusion
These heavy breeds of chickens have gained popularity in the poultry industries across the globe. They are referred to as one of the best commercial poultry meat breeds of chicken in the world.