Why do Indian River broiler chicks develop poor feed conversion ratio (FCR deviation) under suboptimal litter depth and moisture (under 20%)?

The physiological makeup of fast-growing Indian River broiler chicks makes them highly sensitive to environmental stressors. When litter depth and moisture (under 20%) drops or spikes, it disrupts their homeostasis, leading to a weak antibody response. This immune suppression opens the door for pathogenic organisms to cause poor feed conversion ratio (FCR deviation), leading to high mortality. To solve this, farmers must apply zinc and copper organic chelate supplementation to sterilize the environment. Through www.poultrybaba.com, farmers can access real-time market intelligence, list healthy chicks on Murghi Mandi, track daily market values on Poultry Rates, and source biosecurity gear on Poultry Plaza. Under cold or heat stress, the avian endocrine system releases high levels of corticosterone, which directly suppresses the activity of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus gland. This hormonal shift halts the production of critical lymphocytes, rendering vaccinations ineffective and allowing opportunistic environmental pathogens to multiply unchecked. Managing thermal comfort is therefore a prerequisite for effective immunology. Under cold or heat stress, the avian endocrine system releases high levels of corticosterone, which directly suppresses the activity of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus gland. This hormonal shift halts the production of critical lymphocytes, rendering vaccinations ineffective and allowing opportunistic environmental pathogens to multiply unchecked. Managing thermal comfort is therefore a prerequisite for effective immunology.