When we say importance of poultry keeping we mean what we gain from keeping poultry and those things we gain includes. Eggs, yolk in egg. Meat feather meal, money and being engaged to meaningful employment. What do we do with? Eggs and other things mentioned above? We do that in order to get money for our welfare. We sell and even make use of them by ourselves.
(a) Advantages of this methods includes, poor hatchery (b) Insecurity of the eggs. (c) Attack by the hen to family members of the famer.
This
method is safer and produces or incubates more eggs than the former.
The
incubation period is the same twenty one days with that of natural incubation.
The disadvantage associated to this method includes, (a) Lack of practice for
the less privileged ones to hatch. (b) It is expensive to summing maintain.
(a) Supply of sufficient oxygen to enable the
embryo grow well.
(b) Prompt evacuation of carbon dioxide
resulting from
1. Quality
of the chicks: No amount of care can convert a potentially poor chick into a
good one. The chick should therefore be of sound constitution and from disease
free parents.
2. Temperature:
the young chick must be exposed to a relatively high temperature to assist its
development since the body temperature of the chicks is lower than that of the
adult. The supplemental heat thus enables the chick to attain adult body
temperature without much stress and mortality.
3. Relative
humidity: The importance of RH in this regard is through its interaction with
temperature. When humidity is too low, the chicks may get dehydrated, and if
too high, the growth of pathogens may be stimulated. Optimum RH is 50 – 70%.
4. Ventilation:
This is necessary in order to meet the respiratory needs of the chick, to
supply O2 to remove CO2, NH3 and moisture and
heat.
5. Feed
and Water: Brooding cannot be successful unless light also enable them to see
the feed, and assists growth. The light should not be too bright and should
preferably be continuous.
6. Light:
Prolonged darkness may injure the eyes of the chicks. Light also enables them
to see the feed, and assists growth, The light should not be too bright and
should preferably be continuous.
Guard or Surround: In floor brooding, chicks should be restricted using guards to within a short distance of the hover until they are fairly well feathered and can locate the source of heat. The guards may also prevent floor draught to which the chicks are susceptible. They may be made of galvanized iron, cardboard or any wall board. In warm weather, wire may be used for guard. Other types of brooders include:
3. Infra-red
ray brooder: This type operates on electricity and emit infrared rays which
penetrate the skin of the chicks and produce heat inside the body.
4. Batheny
brooder: This is in the form of series of drawers maintained at different
temperatures, it may be heated with electricity or hot water and provides heat
uniformly in each compartment, although it is from litter, and ensures close
observation of the chicks it encourages overcrowding and hence cannibalism.
PREPARATIONS FOR BROODING
1. Ensure
that the brooder house clean and disinfected.
2. Leave
the house for at least 2 weeks to ensure that any surviving disease organism
are dead.
3. Spread
the litter 2 days before arrival of the chicks, and begin to operate the
brooders.
4. Just
before the arrival of the chicks, provide feed and water.
5. On
arrival. Inspect birds for defects, and place them under the brooders.
6. Restrict
the extraction of the brooder house for one to 4 weeks depending on how cold
the environment is.
7. Drinkers
are washed daily.
1. Debeaking: This is the process of
partially removing the beak to prevent some bad habits e.g pecking, feather
pulling, cannibalism and egg eating. Although this tendency may be inherited,
it is generally a manifestation of some management defects e.g. inadequate
feeding, and drinking. Debeaking requires extreme care to avoid serious
damages, to the bird, and should be performed in the mornings in hot weather to
minimize bleeding. A higher level of Vit. K may be fed during debeaking to
accelerate healing.
2. Dubbing: This is the process of removing
the comb. This dubbing protects the birds from fungus infection which attacks
the combs. It is not a very common practice any way.
3. Despurring: This is the removal of the
spur (an extra digit of the nail) which is often well developed and which
sometimes injures the back of the breeding hen during mating, thus scaring hens
from mating.
4. Deworming: It is recommended to deworm
the chicks before they are moved to grower pen, or if there is any evidence of
worm infestation.
VACCINATIONS:
(a) Intra
ocular Vaccination against Vew castle disease (NCD) at one day old.
(b) The‘strick’
method of vaccination against fowl pox. This involves stabbing the wing-web
with the vaccine at 2 weeks.
(c) At
six week, intramuscular injection (immunization) against fowl typhoid and
against NCD.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS:
Generally,
there are 2 main management systems, the extensive and the intensive systems, +
the semi-intensive. Unlike the extensive system which permits the fullest
exposure to pasture and sunlight, the intensive system practically excludes or
minimizes this exposure. There are also different management systems.
Mgt. System housing
1. Extensive
system (2) range system (2)
Fold
Unit or folding unit
2. Intensive
system (i) Deep Litter system
System
(ii) Wi------ tted floor
(ii)
Straw yard system
(iv)
Cage of battery system battery cage system
3. Semi-intensive
system (i) Typical semi-intensive unit
(ii)
Straw yard.
THE EXTENSIVE SYSTEM.
Under
this system, the birds are exposed to sun, and pasture for grazing with shelter
provided for sleeping at night and for protection against inclement weather.
One
characteristic of this system is the constant movements of birds to new grazing
areas for food and away from pathogens from larger accumulation of their droppings.
It is
very uneconomical in terms of land and labour requirements and is therefore no
longer common. Also because of the exposure of the birds to extremes of weather
the birds under this system do not perform very well, it also exposes the birds
to economic losses resulting from predators, thieves and laying of eggs in the
bushes.
THE SEMI INTENSIVE SYSTEM:
This
system combines the advantages and disadvantages of both the intensive and the
extensive system. One basic characteristic of this system is the apparent
restriction of the birds in the fixed building with runs provided for grazing.
Often more than one run is provided to permit rotational grazing.
It is
no longer common.
THE INTENSIVE SYSTEM:
This
is the current practice in poultry operations. It is poultry in confinement.
This system prevents access to pasture (unless it is brought to the birds), and
sunshine except that allowed in through the design of the birds for Vit. B.
Because of the confinement of the bird, the need for highly balanced diets is
imperative if optimal performance of the birds is expected. The apparent
disadvantages however include the increased chance of disease spread due to the
physical contact of the birds, and the increased incidence of such social vice
habits as cannibalism, tail pulling, pecking etc.
The
building in this system are fixed and the birds are confined within, a condition
that improves the supervision of the birds, protects the birds from physical
hazards and predators, and permits the most efficient utilization of labour.
The intensive system is also most desirable where land is in short supply eg.
In cities since a small land area can house a complex poultry project. In
addition, the environment inside the poultry house is more congenial for work.
All these factors result in the higher efficiency of production under the
intensive system.
Under
this system, there are different housing system, including;
(1) The
deep litter
(2) The
wire or slatted floor
(3) The
straw yard
THE DEEP LITTER SYSTEM
This
consists of a fixed building having suitable litter spread on the floor not
only to absort moisture from the drinker, but also to protect the new chick
from being chilled from the cold floors. The litter also makes cleaning the
floor of droopings easy.
The
deep litter house is variable in size but one with a capacity of more than 2000
birds is more economical. Smaller or larger sized houses are also available.
The
floor of the deep litter house should be cemented and strong to prevent entry
of rats and mice. A cemented floor also improve the efficiency of washing the
floor clean of old litter materials.
The
floor of the deep litter house should be cemented and strong to prevent entry
of rats and mice. A cemented floor also improve the efficiency of washing the
floor clean of old litter materials.
The
floor should then be covered with suitable litter, which may be wood shaving,
crushed cobs of maize or peanut shells. Dry sawdust is not suitable since it
may easily block the nostrils of the birds when they peck the litter, or it may
irritate the nasal passage and throat, predisposing the birds to respiratory
infections.
Advantages of the deep litter system
1) The
litter converts poultry droppings into a drier materials which is easier to
clean and remove
2) The
litter helps in the control of disease through the reduction of the
concentration of pathogens.
3) The
litter also buffers temperature rise, thus helping to prevent spread. Higher
temps. Increase chance of disease spread.
4) The
action of micro-organism on litter and on dropping produces animal protein
factor (APF) which includes Vit. B12 which is essential for the development of
chick embryos and thus for hatchability of eggs.
5) Since
the litter absorbs the droppings, it indirectly helps the cleaning of the
floors.
THE WIRE AND SLATTED FLOOR SYSTEM:
Under
this system, wire mesh instead of litter is used to cover the floor. The cost
of the wire mesh higher than that of the litter, but the problem of litter
management are avoided. Droppings fall under the wire mesh, reducing disease
incidences. This system is however not popular either because of the cost of
the wire, or because of egg breakages and or breast blisters of bird which are
associated with this system.
Straw
Yard System. The walls of this system are made of straw while it may allow in
more sunlight, there is an increased chance of fire outbreaks.
The cage system (Battery Cage System)
In
this system, the birds are housed in individual metal compartments (cages)
either singly, or in twos. Each compartment is usually a living and laying
nest, well ventilated, and made of galvanized iron. The construction include a
sloping floor, feed and water troughs. The sloping floor extends forwards and
folds gently to form the cradle from which the eggs are collected.
The
cage unit compartments are arranged in rows which share side walls, and the
rows are arranged in tiers. Running in front of each row of compartment are
trough for feed and water troughs. Depending on the arrangement of the cage,
especially in the step-stair cage design, the rows of the ties face opposite
directions and the droppings of the birds fall directly of the ties face
opposite directions and the droppings of the birds fall directly on the floor
(no dropping –boards).
Cage
operations may vary from complete manual operation to semiautomatic and to
fully automatic operations, including manure removal.
ADVANTAGES OF THE CAGE SYSTEM
1. The
birds are free from some of the problems associated with mutual contacts or
social friction resulting in vice habits and shess e.g. Pecking.
2. Because
of the absence of contact between the birds and their droppings, disease spread
is minimized
3. Feed
and water intake may be recorded. Egg sucking is avoided, and birds may be
identifiable for production records.
Disadvantages:
(i) Egg breaking
(ii) Overhead cost which is high
MANAGEMENT OF ADULT BIRDS
The
adult bird includes the layers (commercial or breeder), the broiler and the
mature cocks.
LAYERS
Pullets
are reared under a variety of condition of housing and management
Today,
pullets are reared almost exclusively in confinement, either on litter wire
floors or in cages. The cages are partially more effective in terms of
increasing the concentration of birds and reducting labour costs associated
with pullet rearing.
It is
necessary to note the several principles that will result in producing good
layers.
a) During
the growth period of the layers (pullets) it is necessary to meet the
nutritional requirements in terms of energy and all other nutrients. Generally
however, it has been shown that restricting the feed intake of this class of
poultry will not only result in the production of layers that are leaner and
which have the potential for none egg production. It also cuts down in feed
cost.
b) The
pullets should have received all their vaccines against New castle disease,
fowl typhoid and fowl pox.
c) The
birds should be dewormed before laying start. This has been shown to increase
egg production.
d) The
age of sexual maturity may be controlled either by feed restriction or through
control of photoperiod. The alteration of lighting schedule has been shown to
be more effective in preventing precocious sexual maturity. The basis of this
principle is that constant or decreasing day length tends to delay sexual
maturity.
Identifying good layers.
1. Large
and bright comb (due to hormone action)
2. Enlarged
and moist vent
3. Loose
abdominal skin (non layers have tough & stiff skin)
4. Pliable
pelvic hone, enough to allow 2 – 3 fingers
5. Short
stumpy and strong beak.
RAISING BROILERS
Chickens
used for the production of meat have the inherited ability to grow rapidly and
reach market weight quickly. This faster growth necessitates higher nutritional
floor space and ventilation requirements.
Usually
males grow faster than females and so for the sake of uniformity in growth, the
different sexes are housed separately. To achieve this faster growth of
broilers, adequate feed and water are very essential. Broiler starter diet is
fed from day 1 to 6 weeks, then the finisher diet from this period to market.
The change to the next diet should be gradual and is best achieved by mixing
the old diet with an increasing proportion of new diet until the switch is
complete.
OTHER CLASSES OF BIRDS
1. Roasters: These may be produced with male
and female birds
2. Poussins: These are the male by –
products of hatcheries which are raised as an alternative to killing them
3. Capons: The capon is a fowl which has
been surgically or chemically.
Treated
so as to remove the action of the male hormone, or increase the action of the
female hormones. The tests are either surgically removed, or they are given
estrogenic preparation (hormones). However, only males are caponized. The
objectives of caponization include
(i) To
increase the growth rate of the birds
(ii) To
tenderize their meat.
NUTRITION
IN POULTRY
Besides
the genetics of any animals, is the next factor necessary for maximal
productivity. It is a known fact that the potential of a bird cannot be
attained if the nutrition is substandard.
Chickens
like other higher animals have complex nutrient needs, requiring more than 40
specific chemical compounds or chemical elements to be present in the diet to
support life, growth and reproduction. These nutrient can be divided into six
classes, according to their function and chemical nature.
1. Carbohydrates
2. Fats
3. Proteins
4. Vitamins
5. Minerals
6. Water.
Water:
Water makes up form 55 to 70% of the body of chickens, depending on maturity.
Water from the internal medium in which transport of nutrients occurs,
metabolic reactions take place, from which wastes are eliminated and also is
necessary for temperature maintenance. The water should be at the right
temperature, free from excessive salt and free from droppings and litter
material. It is very essential for life.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are the simple or complex sugars that are required for energy,
for body heat maintenance and for the synthesis of fat stored in the body as a
structural component and in the egg. A deficiency of carbohydrates in the diet
result in poor growth rate of the chicks. The carbohydrates useful to poultry are
hexoses, sucrose, maltose & starch. Cellulose, a complex carbohydrate is
not digested by poultry
Fats:
Fats are important for increasing the energy density of rations especially
those of broiler chicks and layers since they contain 2.2x the energy content
of carbohydrates. Fats are not only stored in the body and in eggs, they also
form a medium for fat soluble vitamins A & D. They are the most
concentrated source of energy in poultry feeding. A deficiency of fats also
results in poor growth and reduced resistance to respiratory diseases.
Proteins:
CHONS. They are made up of more than 20 individual amino acids that are linked
together by peptide bonds. Since an average protein contain 16% Nitrogen, the
protein content of any feed or carcass may be estimated by multiplying the N2content
by 6.25. protein determined by this method is called crude protein.
The
tissues of the poultry may secrete some of these amino acids, but cannot
secrete others. The amino acids which cannot be synthesized by the bird are called
the essential amino acids while the non essential amino acids, are those which
the birds can secrete
Essential, Arginine, Cystine, Histidine, Iso –
leucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Non
essential, Alanine, Aspartate, Glycine, Hydroxy
proline, Proline, Serine, Minerals
Minerals
are required for skeletal tissue development and maintenance, as well as in
physiological function. They are also components of the egg. The major minerals
include Ca, P, Mg & CI. While the trace elements needed by the fowl are Fe,
mn, Cu, & Co, layers need more Ca for egg shell formation. Dietary salt
deficiency reduces egg production and predisposes the birds to cannibalism.
Vitamins:
These are organic compounds not usually synthesized by the body but which are
very necessary and required in small quantities. Vitamins generally function as
coenzymes or regulators of metabolism.
The
13 vitamins required by poultry are classified either as fat soluble or water
soluble vitamins.
The
fat soluble vitamins include A, D, E, K, while the water soluble vitamins
include Thiamine, riboflavin Nicotinic acid, folacin, biotin, pantothenic acid,
pyridoxine, vitamine B12 and choline. Poultry do not need vitamin c
in their diet because their body tissues can synthesize it. For efficient
growth and reproduction, vitamins must be provided in the proper amount. The
egg normally contain sufficient vitamin to supply the needs of the developing
embryo, which is why eggs are one of the best animal sources of vitamins for
humans. Vitamin A (Retinol) carotene precursor for the synthesis of the
epithelial tissues of the body.
- For
improved vision (protection from night blindness)
Deficiency
– muscular in coordination.
Poor
egg laying and hatchability
Source
– Green forage, yellow corn, fishliver oils.Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) – for absorption & deposition of ca.
Deficiency - rickets - chicks
- thin shelled eggs
Source - sunlight (UV light or even fluorescent light)
Vit. E (Tocopherol) – Need for efficient reproductive activities.
Deficiency - crazy chick disease –encephalomalacia muscular dystrophy
Poor hatchability of fertile eggs.
Source - vegetable oil, synthesiszed chemically, whole grain
B – Vitamins – necessary for general metabolic efficiencies improved
Growth and good skin condition
Best source: - grains
- green forages
- fermentation by products (Brewer’s yeast).
Quail Birds farming is the latest poultry business in town.
They consume the same feed with poultry birds but do not require the services
of Vet Doctors. Quail is effective in treating Asthma; TB; High and Low blood
pressure; Low libido etc. At L. A. Comm. Enterprises we sell Quail birds and
eggs in large quantity. Contact us: No. 6 Vester Royal Road, Uli - Anambra.
Phone: 08036721009, 08076075205, 07088788710. Email: bizideas@vestersms.com
MATURED BROILERS FOR SALE AT ULI (BUY TEN AND PICK ONE)
For questioning contact us at: 08036721009,
08076075205, 07088788710 or e-mail us: bizideas@vestersms.com. We are here to serve you better
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