Poultry Farming

UNIT 8 SYSTEMS OF POULTRY FARMING

Structure
8.1 Learning Outcomes
8.2 Introduction
8.3 Different Species for Poultry Farming
8.3.1 Chicken Farming
8.3.2 Duck Farming
8.3.3 Emu Farming
8.3.4 Geese Farming
8.3.5 Guinea Fowl Farming
8.3.6 Quail Farming
8.3.7 Turkey Farming
8.4 Poultry Farming Systems
8.4.1 Extensive System
8.4.2 Semi-intensive System
8.4.3 Intensive system
8.4.3.1 Deep Litter System
8.4.3.2 Cage System
8.4.3.3 Slat System
8.4.3.4 Alternate Systems
8.5 Let Us Sum Up
8.6 Keywords
8.7 Bibliography and Further Reading
8.8 Self Assessment Exercises
8.9 Answer / Hints to Check Your Progress

8.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES

a) Knowledge and Understanding: When you have studied this Unit, you
will be able to:
Understand different types of birds farmed under poultry farming.
Explain different systems of poultry farming viz. free range
(extensive), semi-intensive, and intensive (deep litter/cage system)
systems with their advantages and disadvantages.
b) Practical and Professional Skills: When you have studied this Unit,
you will be able to:
Identify and discuss the welfare issues under the four systems of
poultry farming vis-à-vis five freedoms of welfare.

8.2 INTRODUCTION
Dear Learner,

In the previous unit, we discussed how Indian poultry sector has transformed
from a backyard venture to industrial production system in less than five decades.
135
Animal Welfare Issues in We recognized from the discussion that scientific advances in various aspects of
Poultry
poultry farming viz., breeding, feeding, management and healthcare played a
major role in this transformation. We further noted that, poultry welfare issues
were compromised due to reasons to increase productivity of commercial hybrid
layers and broilers.

In this unit, let us advance our discussion to different systems of poultry farming
with their advantages, disadvantages and implications to poultry welfare.

You may be aware that different species of birds are reared under poultry farming.
The common birds reared under poultry farming for meat and eggs include:
Chicken
Duck
Emu
Quail
Geese
Turkey
This unit helps you to recognize farming of these major birds with comparative
advantages. There are different systems of farming of these birds:
Free range (extensive) system
Semi-intensive system
Intensive (deep litter/cage system) system
Each system has its own characteristics with implications to welfare of birds
reared. This unit also deals with these different poultry farming systems with
advantages and disadvantages.

8.3 DIFFERENT SPECIES FOR POULTRY

FARMING
8.3.1 Chicken Farming
In chicken farming, upon the requirement of meat and egg in the area, a farmer
may opt for starting either:
Broiler farming for meat
Layer farming - for eggs (table and hatching eggs).
Besides the nutritive value, eggs have many industrial uses in preparation of
adhesives, printer inks, shampoos, soap, varnishes, vaccines, etc. The egg shells
are used as mineral-feed for animals and birds. The feathers are used for making
cushions, mattresses, pillows etc.

Farmers can rear the birds in free range (extensive), semi-intensive, and intensive
(deep litter/cage) systems (Fig. 8.1). In the next section under this unit we discuss
in detail about these systems.

136
 Systems of Poultry Farming

Fig 8.1: Chicken farming in deep litter and cage systems

8.3.2 Duck Farming

The ducks occupy second place to chicken in population in the country. They are
reared mainly for egg and meat purposes (Fig. 8.2). Duck production is mostly
concentrated in the eastern states like Assam, Manipur, Tripura and West Bengal
followed by Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala,
Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
The duck rearing is more popular due to the following advantages:
Availability of ponds and waterways. Chickens do not flourish in marshy
wetland area, which are ideal for duck rearing.
The watershed areas in addition to lakes and ponds provide algae,
earthworms, fungi, insects, small fishes, snails, water weeds etc., as natural
food for the ducks and reduce the feed cost.
Ducks lay about 160-180 eggs in a year.
Ducks also enrich the soil by their droppings while foraging.
Duck eggs are heavier by 15-20 grams than chicken eggs.
Requires less care and attention in management.
Comparatively, ducks are more resistant to diseases than chicken.
Majority of ducks lay eggs before 9.00 A.M. which helps in easy egg
collection as well as saves labour cost.
Acts as biological vector and controls many diseases by destroying snails.
Suitable for mixed farming system such as duck-cum-fish farming.

Fig. 8.2: Duck farming

137
Animal Welfare Issues in 8.3.3 Emu Farming
Poultry
The emu is another latest addition to poultry species for commercial use (Fig.
8.3). The body weight of an adult emu is about 50-60 kg and its height is around
1.75 meters. From each bird at least 35 kg of fresh meat can be extracted. Emu
meat costs around Rs 450 - 500 / kg. The birds lay eggs every three days in
winter with an average weight of 0.7 to 1 kg / egg. Areas where water is available
in abundance are the best places for emu farming, which is not labour-intensive.
The following are the advantages of emu farming:
Emu meat contains low amounts of fat and cholesterol.
Emu oil is also considered to be highly medicinal and is gaining popularity
in the pharmaceutical industry.
Colourful emu eggs are used for ornamental purposes.
Emu birds are practically immune to several diseases.

Fig: 8.3. Emu farming

8.3.4 Geese Farming

Male geese are known as ganders and the females are called geese. In India, the
brown-backed and white geese are found (Fig.8.4). Some of the specific
advantages of geese farming are as follows:
Geese are hardy and can easily adapt to different feeding and management
conditions.
Have the ability to digest 40-50 % crude fibre; as such, the feed cost can be
reduced by incorporating large quantities of high-fibre containing forages
in the feed.
Geese meat has high caloric value.
Goosling (young geese) can attain 5 kg weight at 8 weeks of age with the
feed conversion efficiency of about 3.0 kg, that is, it can gain 1 kg body
weight by consuming 3 kg feed.

138 Fig. 8.4: Geese farming

8.3.5 Guinea Fowl Farming Systems of Poultry Farming

India has a large population of guinea fowl and ranks third after chicken and
duck (Fig. 8.5). It is well adapted to diverse agro-climatic conditions prevailing
in arid and semi-arid regions. It is also well accepted by the marginal farmers as
well as other vulnerable groups as small-scale poultry enterprises raised under
free-range in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and some
parts of India. Lavender, Pearl and White are the three commonly known varieties
of guinea fowl in India.
The advantages of guinea fowl farming are:
Guinea fowls are hardy, disease resistant, need low input and have unique
ability to survive and thrive under sub-optimal management and feeding
conditions because of its foraging habit.
Meat is tender but pinkish red or dark in colour and having flavour of game
bird.
Seasonal breeders and lay eggs between March and September.
Come into production in about 30 weeks of age and lay 130-170 eggs in the
first few years. The average egg weight is 43-48 g.
Highly resistant to viral diseases and therefore, they are generally raised
without any vaccination.

Fig. 8.5: Guinea fowl farming

8.3.6 Quail Farming

Japanese quail is mostly reared in India for meat and eggs. The reasons for
popularity of quail farming are as follows:
Quails are hardy and can adapt to various environments.
Do not require specially designed houses.
Fast growing birds, mature in about six weeks and are usually in full
production by about seven weeks of age. The live weight of mature bird is
120-150 g for male and 150-180 g for female.
Prolific layers produce three to four generations per year and lay 260 eggs
in their first year of lay.
The adult quail will consume 20 to 25 g of feed per day and lay egg of 10 to
12 g in weight.

139
Animal Welfare Issues in Less space for floor, feeder and water is required in comparison to chickens
Poultry
and ducks (Fgi.8.6).
More resistant to diseases than chickens.
Require less capital investment.

Fig. 8.6: Quail farming

8.3.7 Turkey Farming

Turkeys are mostly reared for meat purpose. In India, turkey production is still in
its initial stage. Since the turkey poults and hens are bigger in size, their cut-ups
can be marketed in various attractive packaging suited to the individual consumer.
They are more resistant to disease than chicken and therefore, rarely suffer from
diseases (Fig. 8.7).
The turkey farming has the following benefits:
Turkeys grow very fast.
Can be reared under semi-intensive system in the backyards.
Turkey egg weighs 1.3 times more than the chicken egg.
More resistant to diseases than the chickens.
Better forager than chickens.
Turkey meat contains very less fat as compared to meat of other avian species.

140 Fig. 8.7: Turkey farming (Semi-intensive and deep litter systems)
Before we proceed, please complete activity 1. Systems of Poultry Farming

Activity 1 (Visit): Visit a nearby poultry farm and discuss with the farm
supervisor about advantages and disadvantages of poultry farming in deep
litter and cage systems vis-à-vis welfare of birds. Write your remarks /
observations:
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Check Your Progress 1

Note: a) Use the spaces given below for your answers.
b) Check your answer with those given at the end of the unit.
1) Name the common birds farmed under poultry farming for meat and eggs.
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2) Write two purpose of layer farming.
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3) Write the advantages of turkey farming.
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Animal Welfare Issues in 4) Write the advantages of quail farming.
Poultry
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8.4 POULTRY FARMING SYSTEMS

As mentioned in the beginning of this unit, poultry farming is practiced under a
wide range of conditions, which can be classified into one of the following broad
farming systems:
i) Extensive system (Free-range extensive and Backyard extensive systems)
ii) Semi-intensive system
iii) Intensive system
In earlier days, poultry were primarily reared outdoor at the backyard under
natural conditions. The birds were let out for scavenging in the morning hours
and by the evening they return home to be kept under a night shelter with some
water and left-over food or grains. You might have seen such backyard poultry
units even now in some villages. Hardly, any expenditure is involved in the rearing
of birds. Also, they produce less number of eggs and meat. Under emergency,
they can be easily sold. The system of rearing birds under these conditions is
broadly called as extensive poultry farming system. But as the scientists improved
the efficiency of the birds to produce more eggs and meat, the needs of the birds
also increased. As the ability of the birds improved, their requirements also
increased in terms of housing, feeding, breeding, healthcare and overall
management. The systems of rearing birds under these improved conditions are
broadly called as semi-intensive or intensive poultry farming system. The system
of housing being practiced by the poultry farmers is the broad basis for the
classification of extensive / semi-extensive or semi-intensive / intensive poultry
farming. Let us discuss briefly these systems.

8.4.1 Extensive System

Under free-range extensive system, the birds are not confined and can scavenge
for food over a wide area. Rudimentary shelters may be provided, and these may
or may not be used. The birds may roost outside, usually in trees, and nest in the
bush. The flock contains birds of different species and varying ages. This system
is close to the fourth freedom as discussed in MAW-001 and summarised in Box
8.1.
Box 8.1: Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour
This Freedom recognizes the importance to the birds of being able to perform
specific behaviours which are important to them. It is sometimes interpreted
as allowing birds to perform natural behaviour, or even the Freedom to
perform all natural behaviour. However, as we have discussed in MAW-001,
performance of natural behaviour can be problematic and this was never the
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 Systems of Poultry Farming
original intention of this Freedom as it was first conceived. The intention of
this Freedom is that birds should be able to perform the normal behaviours of
its species: normal standing and lying movements, social behaviours, play,
grooming, any species specific responses, such as nest building, dust-bathing
etc. This is reflected in the way this is now usually written: Freedom to express
normal behaviour – by providing space, facilities and company of species
own kind.

Under backyard extensive systems, poultry are housed at night but allowed free-
range during the day. They are usually fed a handful of grain in the morning and
evening to supplement scavenging. Broadly no scientific housing, equipment,
feeding and for that matter, disease control measures are followed. Many local
(Desi) birds are being reared in our country in this way. Most of these birds are
reared as a hobby and whatever (eggs and meat ) is obtained from them is taken
as bonus. In each unit, the number of birds reared is limited to a maximum of 10
to 15 (Fig. 8.8).

Fig. 8.8: Extensive system of rearing poultry and turkey

Advantages
No need of a separate house for the birds as they can be reared under
rudimentary shelters.
No need of looking after their feed and water because they graze and eat
outside. Expenditure on purchase of feed, medicines and other inputs is
negligible.
Cost on feeding is virtually negligible since only left-over feed or grains
will be given to the birds.
As the birds are exposed to sunshine, they can produce their own vitamin D.
Disadvantages
Birds are likely to be eaten away by predators like dogs, eagles etc.
There can be losses due to theft.

143
Animal Welfare Issues in They are exposed to diseases; some of them can spread to humans also
Poultry
(You may be aware of bird flu outbreaks in Maharashtra, Assam, Sikkim,
West Bengal and Tripura. You might have read in papers, thousands of birds
were killed to control the spread of disease to the nearby villages).
More likely to have parasites both inside (endo-parasite) and on the body
(ecto-parasite).
They may not get proper food.
Due to above factors, they produce very few eggs; say about 50 to 60 in a
year.
They weigh very less; about 1.0 to 1.2 kg when they are sold after 18 months
of age.

8.4.2 Semi-intensive System

It is also called semi-extensive system (Fig.8.9). This system consists of a separate
shelter for the birds during the night in which water and some feed is provided.
Litter material is spread on the floor. This shelter will be fenced all round giving
sufficient area for the birds to graze during the day. Obviously, area available for
grazing depends on the land covered by the fence. However, this system is popular
for rearing turkeys and ducks than chicken. In case of ducks, a pond for them to
swim may also be provided.

Fig. 8.9: Semi-intensive system of housing poultry and turkey

Advantages
Birds are given some care mostly during the night.
Even during the day, due to fencing, chances of theft are also minimized.
Fencing also limits predator attacks and diseases.
As the birds are exposed to sunshine, they can produce their own vitamin D.

144
Disadvantages Systems of Poultry Farming

Requires more land.

Though reduced, predators are not totally restricted.
Losses due to theft can be minimized but cannot be avoided due to fencing
alone.
Unless specific vaccination program is followed, the birds are also exposed
to diseases. They are also more likely to have parasites both inside and on
the body.
They may not get proper food, because only during night, some feed is
given which need not be a standard one.
They also produce very few eggs; say about 50 to 60 in a year with less
weight.

8.4.3 Intensive System

Due to improvements in the ability of birds to grow and produce, extensive and
semi- intensive systems are not commercially practiced in our country. The word
“Intensive” means more concentrated or more numbers per unit area or more
intensity (Fig.8.10). Therefore, in all the systems under this category, more birds
can be reared in a given area than in semi-intensive or extensive systems. The
birds are not allowed to move outside the house. That means they are restricted
into a house (restriction of freedom to move) where they are provided with food,
water and all other requirements. Since the birds are kept in-door always, they
need to be provided with vitamin D through feed or water. Intensive system can
also be called ‘in-house system’. But in the context of animal welfare they are
called industrial production system with compromised welfare on some aspects.

Fig. 8.10: Intensive system of rearing poultry

In the intensive system of rearing poultry, the following are practiced:

Deep litter system
Cage system
Slat system
Alternate system
In India, deep litter and cage systems are more popular and widely practiced.
Therefore, in the following sections, these two systems are discussed in detail
for your understanding, while the others are discussed in brief.
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Animal Welfare Issues in
Poultry
8.4.3.1 Deep Litter System
In this system, birds are left free on the floor. To avoid cleaning of the floor every
day, material which can absorb moisture is spread on the floor before leaving the
birds on it. The material which is spread to absorb moisture is called as “Litter
material”. Therefore, litter material with faeces produced by the birds accumulates
and bacteria in such material decompose and form very good manure. Since the
litter becomes deeper day by day, the system is referred to as “deep litter system”.
Birds do scratch and peck in the litter and even get certain vitamins and unknown
growth factors while doing so. Most of the broilers in India are being reared
under this system (Fig. 8.11 and 8.12).

Fig. 8.11: Deep litter system of rearing poultry and turkey

Fig. 8.12: Litter material with broilers

The characteristic features of litter material, advantages and disadvantages are

summarised in Box 8.2 for your comprehension.
Box 8.2: Characteristics of Good Litter Material
Provision of good litter material is a good welfare practice. Therefore a good
litter material should:
be light in weight
be fairly coarse to prevent caking
be highly absorbent
dry rapidly by releasing absorbed moisture into the incoming air
be soft and compressible
be cheap
form part of the manure

146 be easily available during all times of the year

 Systems of Poultry Farming
Commonly Used Litter Material: Paddy straw, ground nut shells, wood
shavings, maize cobs, maize straw etc. can be used as litter material and
paddy straw is by far the most commonly employed one.
Advantages
Deep litter keeps cool during summer and warm during winter. Hence,
the birds will be comfortable during all seasons.
They can move freely, also adds to their comfort and freedom to move.
Birds derive certain unidentified growth factors.
There will be no incidence of swelling or damaged breast region in case
of broilers.
Usually, there will be no problem of ammonia accumulation and house-
flies in a well-managed deep litter flock.
Incidence of broken eggs is very minimal.
There will be no problem of caged layer fatigue.
There will be uniform distribution of light in the layer house.
Initial investment is less when the land cost is low.
Welfare requirements of the birds are taken care of to some extent.
Disadvantages
Less number of birds can be housed in the same space than in cage
system. That means more land is required than in cage system.
Building dimensions will be higher than cage system. Therefore, cost of
construction of building increases.
There will be more feed wastage due to spilling from feeding troughs.
Birds consume more feed since they move about more freely wasting
some energy.
Litter-borne diseases (diseases that come only from litter) can occur,
especially coccidiosis.
Diseases spread faster due to free movement.
Cannibalism (pecking and eating), if starts, will be severe when compared
to cage system. Similarly, birds may acquire vices (bad habits) like
feather-pulling, pecking etc..
More number of unclean or dirty eggs is likely.
Birds consume more feed per dozen eggs.
Broodiness (sitting on eggs to hatch) can be a problem.
Nests have to be provided and the eggs have to be collected regularly,
means increased cost.
There is a chance of egg-eating vice, especially when the eggs are left in
nest boxes or on floor for a long time.
Fighting among birds especially cocks is possible.
Requires more labour than cage system.
147
Animal Welfare Issues in
Poultry
8.4.3.2 Cage System
Increase in cost of land and wages of labour has made litter system costly.
Therefore, alternate systems in which birds are totally restricted to meshwork
compartments (cages) were introduced. This saves the cost on litter material,
building and reduces labour requirement.. Most of the layers are grown in cages
all over the world and it is a major welfare issue globally.

Cages suitable for all age and types of chicken are available. But, in our country,
cages are popularly used for layers (Fig.8.13), whereas, others are generally reared
on deep litter. Even in cages for layers, 3- bird cages are more popular than 1, 2,
4, 15 or 30-bird cages. Cages housing 15 or 30 hens are popularly called
“Community or Colony cages”.

Fig. 8.13: Cage system of housing

Advantages
This system can accommodate more number of birds in a given space than
any other system.
Movement of birds is restricted and hence they consume less feed when
compared to other systems.
There will be less wastage of feed because movement is restricted.
No problem of litter-borne diseases, especially coccidiosis.
Spread of disease is slower than other systems.
Incidence of cannibalism is minimum.
Birds lay more and heavier eggs.
Consume less feed per dozen eggs produced.
Eggs will be cleaner than in other systems.
Broodiness is avoided.
Labour requirement is minimum.
Disadvantages
Compromised welfare and birds are uncomfortable because they are not
able to move freely.
Birds suffer from boredom. It is common to fix a coloured plastic wheel in
all cages so that the birds can peck at them and play; but it cannot substitute
for free movement and association between birds.
During summer, birds are most uncomfortable due to high temperature. If
humidity also is high as is expected at coastal places, birds feel very
uncomfortable and lead to stress.
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8.4.3.3 Slat System Systems of Poultry Farming

Dear student, most of the advantages of cage system were due to the fact that
birds do not come in contact with litter or faecal material. Similarly, there are
welfare related disadvantages in cage system due to restriction of bird’s movement
within the cage. Hence, a system in which the birds are reared on raised floor
(made of mesh work) allowing faecal matter to collect in a pit underneath was
developed. This system is called slat system of poultry farming.
Slats can be made of wire or wood or high-impact plastic or any other strong
material. They must be 2.5 to 5.0 cm wide and 2.5 cm apart running lengthwise
of the building. They are fixed at 68 cm (2¼ ft) above the floor to allow collection
of manure over a period of one year for which the birds are grown. The slats
should be strong enough not to sag due to weight of the birds and their own. In
general, this system is a combination of most of the advantages of both deep-
litter system and cage system (Fig. 8.14).

Fig. 8.14: Slat system

Advantages
Floor space required is approximately midway between deep litter and cage
systems.
Coccidiosis can be avoided.
Usually, there will be no problem of ammonia accumulation and menace of
house flies in a well-managed all-slat flock.
Number of broken eggs is very minimal.
No problem of caged layer fatigue.
Uniform distribution of light in the layer house.
Disadvantages
Costlier than deep litter system.
Breast blisters may increase especially when slats are made of wire.
Feed must be accurately balanced since the birds do not get unidentified
nutrients from the litter.
Initial investment is higher than deep litter system.

8.4.3.4 Alternate Systems

In some western countries, welfare of birds grown in cages has become a serious
concern. Consumers are willing to pay for cage free eggs like in extensive system.
Hence, birds are reared in specialized systems called barns, aviary or free range
with good feed and disease control. Here, bird’s comfort is the main criterion
and its production can be less than that in intensive systems. Such systems are
not practiced in India yet. 149
Animal Welfare Issues in The required knowledge of the farmers in important management areas in different
Poultry
systems of poultry farming to improve welfare of the birds is summarised in Box
8.3 for your easy understanding.
Box 8.3. Knowledge requirements for practicing farmers in different
poultry farming system to improve welfare of birds (Source: Sasidhar et
al, 2013)
Knowledge Free-range Backyard Semi- Intensive
extensive extensive intensive system
Features of a chicken
o Simple anatomy - ** *** ****
o Handling a chicken - ** *** ****
o Recognition of healthy * ** *** ****
and sick chickens
Husbandry
o Indigenous breeds **** *** ** *
o Improved breeds * ** *** ****
o Housing, ventilation, - ** *** ****
cleaning
o Protection from predators **** *** ** *
o Scavenging **** ** - -
o Supplementary feeding **** *** - -
o Nutrition, diets for - * *** ****
growing and laying birds
o Sanitation - * *** ****
Diseases
o Vaccination * ** *** ****
o Medication * ** *** ****
o Signs of common diseases, * ** *** ****
treatment and control of ND
o External and internal ** *** **** ****
parasites
o Vaccination techniques - ** *** ****
(Eye-drop and drinking
water for ND vaccines &
injection)
Record keeping
o Egg production and sales * ** *** ****
o Mortality * ** *** ****

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 Systems of Poultry Farming
o Diseases: diagnosis,
number of cases,
treatment, treatment
outcome * ** *** ****
o Inventory of stock - ** *** ****
(pharmaceuticals,
feed, etc.)
o Vaccinations performed, * ** *** ****
payment received
Marketing
o Egg handling, storage - ** *** ****
and marketing

Before we proceed, please complete activity 2.

Activity 2 (Group Discussion):
Discuss with friends or colleagues the advantages and disadvantages in the
four systems of rearing birds vis-à-vis five freedoms of welfare of birds.
Based on the outcome of the discussion, rate the welfare of birds on five
point continuum: 1-Very poor; 2-Poor; 3- Satisfactory; 4- Good, and; 5- Very
Good.
System of Freedom Freedom from Freedom Freedom to Freedom
rearing / from hunger, thermal and from pain, express from fear
Freedom thirst and physical injury and normal and
malnutrition discomfort disease behaviour distress
Free-range
extensive
system
Backyard
extensive
system
Semi-
intensive
system
Intensive
system

Check Your Progress 2

Note: a) Use the spaces given below for your answers.
b) Check your answer with those given at the end of the unit.
1) What are the three major systems under which poultry farming is practiced?
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Animal Welfare Issues in 2) Write the characteristic features of backyard extensive system of farming
Poultry
poultry birds.
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3) Write the characteristics of a good litter material.
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4) Give examples for commonly used litter material.
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5) Name few vices that are common in deep litter system of poultry farming.
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6) Write three advantages of cage system of poultry farming?
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7) What do you understand by community or colony cages?
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8) What is slat system of poultry farming? Systems of Poultry Farming

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8.5 LET US SUM UP

In chicken farming, a farmer may opt for starting either broilers for meat
and layers for eggs.
Besides the nutritive value, eggs have many industrial uses in preparation
of adhesives, printer inks, shampoos, soap, varnishes, vaccines, etc.
The egg shells are used as mineral-feed to animals and birds. The feathers
are used for making various goods such as cushions, mattresses, pillows
etc.
The ducks, emu, guinea fowl, quail and turkey are other important poultry
species reared for meat and eggs.
There are different systems of rearing of poultry viz. free range (extensive),
backyard extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive (deep litter/cage system)
systems. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The system of housing being practiced by the poultry farmers is the broad
basis for the classification of systems of rearing poultry.
Under free-range extensive system, the birds are not confined and can
scavenge for food over a wide area. Rudimentary shelters may be provided,
and these may or may not be used. The birds may roost outside, usually in
trees, and nest in the bush. The flock contains birds of different species and
varying ages.
Under backyard extensive systems, poultry are housed at night but allowed
free-range during the day. They are usually fed a handful of grain in the
morning and evening to supplement scavenging.
Semi-intensive system consists of a separate shelter for the birds during the
night in which water and some feed is provided. Litter material is spread on
the floor. This shelter will be fenced all around giving sufficient area for the
birds to graze during the day.
In intensive system more birds can be reared in a given area than in semi-
intensive or extensive systems.
In the intensive system of rearing poultry, different sub-systems include
deep litter system, cage system, slat system, and alternate system.
In India, deep litter and cage systems are more popular and mostly practiced.
In deep litter system, birds are left free on the floor with litter material to
absorb moisture.
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Animal Welfare Issues in A good litter material should be: light in weight; fairly coarse to prevent
Poultry
caking; highly absorbent; dry rapidly by releasing absorbed moisture into
the incoming air; soft and compressible; cheap; form part of the manure;
and easily available during all times of the year.
Paddy straw ground nut shells, wood shavings, maize cobs, maize straw
etc. can be used as litter material and paddy straw is by far the most commonly
employed one.
In cage system, birds are totally restricted to meshwork compartments (cages)
to save the cost of litter material, reduce labour requirement, building cost
and improved hygiene.
Most of the layers are grown in cages all over the world.
A system in which the birds are reared on raised floor (made of mesh work)
allowing faecal matter to collect in a pit underneath is called slat system of
poultry farming.

8.6 KEYWORDS
Breeders: Birds which produce hatching eggs.
Broiler: Meat type bird.
Deep Litter: Accumulated litter material spread on the floor and the faecal
material over a period of time.
Desi: Local birds.
Extensive System: Birds reared freely without any specific building/ shed.
Foraging: The act of looking or searching for feed.
Hardy: Able to survive under unfavourable weather conditions or able to with
stand difficult conditions.
Humidity: Amount of moisture in air.
Indigenous: Local/desi.
Intensive system: Rearing many birds within a building/shed.
Layer: A hen kept for laying eggs.
Manure: Poultry excreta.
Poultry: Domesticated birds like chicken, duck, quail, turkey etc.
Predators: An animal that lives by capturing and eating other animals.
Scavenging: Feeding on discarded waste like discarded grains , kitchen waste
etc. outside in an open area.

8.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING

Kalita, N. (2009). Farming Systems, Unit 2, Block 1, OLP - 001 Introduction to
Poultry Farming, Course Material for Certificate in Poultry Farming, IGNOU,
New Delhi.
154
Sasidhar, P.V.K., Hadrill, H., Bagnol, B. and Alders, R. (2013). Training and Systems of Poultry Farming
Extension, Chapter 3.8, Decision Support Tools for Family Poultry Development,
Animal Production and Health Guidelines, FAO, Rome.

Sonaiya and Swan (2004). Small-scale Poultry Production - Technical Guide,

Animal Production and Health Manual, FAO, Rome.

Sreenivasaiah, P.V. (1987). Scientific Poultry Production, 1st Edition, IBH

Prakashana, Bangalore, India.

Sreenivasaiah, P.V. (2009). Housing Systems, Unit 2, Block 1. OLPI-001 Poultry

Housing and Management, Course Material for Certificate in Poultry Farming,
IGNOU, New Delhi.

8.8 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES

1) Write the advantages of duck and turkey farming.
2) Discuss different poultry farming systems with implications to welfare of
birds and the related five freedoms.
3) Write the advantages and disadvantages of semi-intensive system of poultry
farming.
4) What are the characteristics of good litter material?

8.9 ANSWER / HINTS TO CHECK YOUR

PROGRESS
Check Your Progress 1
1) The common birds farmed under poultry farming for meat and eggs are:
Chicken, ducks, emu etc.
2) Layer birds are reared for egg production and for production of chicks.
3) Turkey farming advantages are:grows very fast; can be reared under semi-
intensive system in the backyards; more resistant to diseases than the
chickens; turkey meat contains very less fat as compared to meat of other
avian species.
4) Quail farming advantages are: hardy and it can adapt to various environments;
do not require specially designed house; fast growing birds, mature in about
six weeks and are usually in full production by about seven weeks of age;
the live weight of mature bird is 120-150 g for male and 150-180 g for
female; prolific layers produce three to four generations per year and lay
260 eggs in their first year of lay etc.
Check Your Progress 2
1) The poultry farming is practiced under: Extensive system (Free-range
extensive and Backyard extensive systems); Semi-intensive system, and;
Intensive system.
2) The characteristic features of backyard extensive system are: poultry are
housed at night but allowed free-range during the day. They are usually fed
a handful of grain in the morning and evening to supplement scavenging. 155
Animal Welfare Issues in Broadly no scientific housing, equipment, feeding and for that matter, disease
Poultry
control measures are followed.
3) A good litter material should be light in weight, be fairly coarse to prevent
caking, be highly absorbent, dry rapidly by releasing absorbed moisture
into the incoming air, be soft and compressible, be cheap, form part of the
manure, and be easily available during all times of the year.
4) The commonly used litter materials are: paddy straw, ground nut shells,
wood shavings, maize cobs, maize straw etc.
5) The vices in deep litter system of poultry farming are Cannibalism (pecking
and eating), feather-pulling, picking etc.
6) Cage system saves the cost of litter material, reduces labour requirement
and building cost.
7) Cages housing 15 or 30 hens are popularly called community or colony
cages.
8) A system in which the birds are reared on raised floor (made of mesh work)
allowing fecal matter to collect in a pit underneath is called slat system of
poultry farming.

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