Normal broiler mortality by benchmark
| Batch outcome | Total mortality % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Under 3% | Top-tier management, minimal disease/heat pressure |
| Good / typical | 3–5% | Normal outcome for a well-run 42-day batch |
| Below target | 5–7% | Investigate brooding conditions, disease, heat events |
| Problem batch | Over 7% | Something went materially wrong — review week-by-week log |
Where mortality happens in a batch
Mortality isn't evenly spread across the batch. The first 7 days (brooding) typically carry the largest single share of total mortality — cold stress, weak chicks, and early feed/water access problems all concentrate here. A second smaller bump often appears in the final week if heat stress or density issues build up as birds approach full size. A flat, steady trickle of mortality with no spikes is the healthiest pattern.
Red flags — when to act immediately
- A sudden single-day jump — more than 0.5% of shed placement dying in one day outside the first week almost always means disease, a heat/cold event, or a feed/water outage.
- Localised to one shed only — if one shed is running well above the others under identical conditions, check that shed's equipment (feeders, drinkers, ventilation) first.
- Rising trend late in the batch — increasing daily mortality in the finisher phase often points to density or ventilation limits being reached.
Why mortality tracking matters for your payment
Mortality directly affects your total birds caught — and therefore your total settlement weight and FCR. Getting an accurate, up-to-date mortality count (not a guess at catch time) is essential for knowing your real batch numbers before settlement, not after.
FAQ
What is a normal mortality rate for a broiler batch?
A healthy 42-day Australian broiler batch typically finishes at 3–5% total mortality. Under 3% is excellent; over 6–7% warrants investigation.
When does most broiler mortality happen?
The first 7 days (brooding) typically account for the largest single share of total batch mortality, driven mostly by cold stress and early feed/water access issues.
What daily mortality count should trigger concern?
A sudden jump to more than 0.5% of shed placement dying in a single day — outside the normal first-week window — is a red flag worth investigating immediately.
See mortality trends before they become a problem
Broiler Base Mate's Morts tab logs daily mortality and culls per shed, and rolls them straight into your live End-of-Batch mortality and FCR figures — no more guessing at catch time.
Start Your First Batch Free →