DOC Farming & agriculture Abbreviation

Day Old Chick

In the farming and agriculture sector, a Day Old Chick (DOC) refers to a chick that is approximately 24 hours old, having been hatched and then prepared for sale or transfer to a rearing facility. These chicks are crucial for poultry farming operations, serving as the foundation for both egg-laying and meat-producing flocks. The care and handling of DOCs require precise temperature control and nutrition to ensure high survival rates and healthy development into productive adult birds.

Poultry farmers often source DOCs from specialized hatcheries that maintain strict biosecurity and health standards to prevent disease transmission. The selection of DOCs is a critical decision point in poultry farming, influencing the future productivity and profitability of the flock. Factors such as breed, vaccination status, and genetic traits are considered when purchasing DOCs, highlighting their importance in sustainable agricultural practices and food production systems.