A processing plant’s needs differ depending on the market and/or customer product mix. Ensuring tight product specifications (in terms of both target weight and variation) can be difficult to achieve with as-hatched (mixed sex) flocks.
Separate-sex growing allows males and females to be managed more efficiently with regard to:
Separate-sex growing allows for better flock uniformity; providing a more defined target body weight and a more uniform endproduct at the processing plant.
Separate-sex growing works best when males and females are housed separately.
Frequent and careful observation of chick behaviour is the best indicator of the correct brooding temperature.
If males and females grown to the same age, stocking density can be higher for females. Ensure feeding and drinking space is altered in relation to stocking density.
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Fertile, well drained, and free of persistent weeds. Position Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Frost tolerant Long-lived hardy perennial. Beds can produce for decades. Feeding Mulch with 2 inches of rich compost or rotted manure every winter. Companions Tomato, Marigold, Calendula and Petunia. Spacing Single Plants: 1 5" (45cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 1 5" (45cm) with 1 5" (45cm) row gap
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Rich soil. Position A sunny spot that is convenient for quick picking. Frost tolerant No. Feeding Not usually required. Companions Tomato, Pepper and Lettuce. Spacing Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 5" (15cm) with 9" (25cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Make a late spring planting of seedlings started indoors or purchased. In summer, after the soil is warm, sow more basil
Crop Rotation Group Chenopodiaceae (Beet family) ● Soil Rich, well drained soil that holds moisture well. Position Sun or partial shade. Frost tolerant Yes. Feeding Rarely required. Companions Beans, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kale, Garlic, Onions and Onion. Spacing Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 3" (10cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow in mid-spring, at about the time a
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Any fertile soil that holds moisture well. Position Partial shade to full sun. Frost tolerant Moderate. Plants in sheltered locations often survive light frosts, but begonias are easily killed by hard freezes. Feeding Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting along with a generous helping of well-rotted compost. When growing begonias in containers, use a rich potting soi