Department of Poultry Husbandry

Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam

Notes POUL-102. Semester System

LECTURE-01

INTRODUCTION AND AN OVERVIEW OF POULTRY INDUSTRY

Farming Incubation Feed Mill Processing

What is Poultry?
Poultry designates those species of birds which render useful services to a man and reproduce freely under his care
VIZ: CHICKEN, DUCK, PEACOCK, QUAIL, PIGEON, PHEASANT, TURKEY, ETC. or Domestic fowls, such as chickens,
turkeys, ducks, or geese, raised for meat or eggs.

Importance:
Poultry have been on the earth for over 150 million years, dating back to the original wild jungle fowl. Now we include
ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, pigeons, peafowl, guinea fowl and chickens in the list of species under the general term
poultry. Poultry provide humans with companionship, food and fiber in the form of eggs, meat and feathers. Many people love
to raise and show chickens and other poultry species at fairs and other poultry shows. Others just love to raise them for backyard
pets and for fresh eggs every day. There is a large commercial chicken industry that provides us with eggs and meat. As can be
seen, the poultry industry is a second largest business in Pakistan. Poultry breeding is where it all begins. Selected males and
females of particular breeds are mated and the eggs collected and incubated. Chicken eggs are incubated for 21 days. The newly
hatched chicks are brooded in temperature controlled rooms until they are either sent off as broilers or roasters for consumption
as poultry meat, or grown further as laying hens or breeders. Birds grown for broilers are reared for 6 or 7 weeks and then are
processed as cut-up parts, such as drumsticks, breast meat, wings, thighs, half chickens or quarter chickens. Roaster are grown
for 8 to 14 weeks and are sold as whole birds for oven cooking, or for cut-up to be used in further processing. About 25 to 30%
of broiler meat goes into further processed product, such as chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches and chicken hot dogs.
Chickens grown as laying hens are reared in growing houses until they are about 16 to 18 weeks of age and then they are moved
into caged laying facilities. The birds start egg production at about 20 weeks of age and continue to lay until they are about 76
weeks of age. Some birds are then molted and lay eggs for another six months or so and the rest are processed as fowl meat
and are used for products like chicken soup. The interest in poultry and poultry products have grown tremendously in the last
20 years. Almost every country in the world has a poultry industry of some kind. Japan is steadily increasing their domestic
production of both broilers and egg producing birds. Countries of the former Soviet Union have always been producing poultry
and eggs and are continuing to increase their output to meet the new demand. China, the Middle East, and Africa are all areas
where increasing demand for poultry has resulted in significant increases in the number of chickens being reared for meat and
eggs.

Chemical composition of meat and eggs.

a. Chicken Egg:
Chicken eggs are widely used in many types of dishes, both sweet and savory, including many baked goods. Eggs can
be scrambled, fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, pickled, and poached. The albumen, or egg white, contains protein but little or no
fat, and can be used in cooking separately from the yolk.

Egg Composition(%)

Water= 65%,
Protein=13%,
Fat= 10%, Ash=01%.
Whole Egg(White=60%, Yolk=30%, Shell= 10%.

Chicken Meat Composition(%):

Chicken is the meat derived from chickens. It is the most common type of poultry in the world,[1] and is prepared as food in
a wide variety of ways, varying by region and culture.

Composition ( per 100gm).

Water=63.93g, Protein= 24.68g, Fat=12.56g,

Double-yolk eggs:

Double-yolk eggs occur when ovulation occurs too rapidly, or when one yolk becomes joined with another yolk. These eggs
may be the result of a young hen's productive cycle not yet being synchronized. Some hybrid breeds of hens also produce
double yolk eggs by default. Some hens will rarely lay double-yolked eggs as the result of unsynchronized production cycles.
Although heredity causes some hens to have a higher propensity to lay double-yolked eggs, these occur more frequently as
occasional abnormalities in young hens beginning to lay.

Single Egg Double-yolk Egg

AN OVERVIEW OF POULTRY INDUSTRY OF PASKISTAN

S# PARTICULARS UNIT S# PARTICULARS UNIT
1 Establishment of Poultry 1963 13 Per Capita meat consumption 7 kg (40 foreign)
2 Investment > Rs 850 billion 14 Per Capita egg consumption 65-70 (300 foreign)
3 Generates employment source > 1.5 Million Peoples 15 Animal Protein Requirement 27 grams
of income
4 Turn Over > Rs 750 billion 16 Animal Protein Deficient 10 grams
5 Growth Rate 10-12 % per anum 17 Animal Protein consuming 17 grams
6 Agro By-products used in Rs. 190 Billion 18 Broiler parent stock 13 million
Poultry feed
7 Poultry Farms in Rural areas 18000 19 Broiler day old chicks 1560 m
8 Capacity of farm 5000-500,0000 broilers 20 Broiler marked 1404 m
9 Poultry meat consumed 40-45 % 21 Later parent stock 0.925 m

10 Processing / Value addition 5-6 % 22 Commercial layer 60 million

11 Production of Table Eggs 18000 million No. 23 Feed production 8.5 million tonnes
12 Production of chicken meat 2250 million Kg 24 Contribution to GDP 1.4 %
 LECTURE-2

POULTRY TERMINOLOGY

1. Artificial insemination: the introduction of semen into the female oviduct by methods other than by
natural mating.

2. Aviary system: a ‘litter system’ of housing where a number of “mezzanine” floors are installed to
increase the available floor space and, in doing so, provide the space for more birds in the poultry
house.

3. Beak trimming: The removal of the tip of the beak of poultry by specially designed equipment to
prevent cannibalism and its associated vices.

4. Breed: A group of birds that reproduce their own likeness in their offspring. A variety is a group within
a breed that are distinguished by a difference of a single characteristic eg. feather colour or comb type.

5. Broiler: A young bird of either sex that is bred and grown specifically for highly efficient meat
production. Broilers are usually grown for 5 to 7 weeks of age (alternative term – meat chicken).

6. Brooder: The equipment used to provide supplementary warmth during the early stages of the
chickens’ life. The energy used may come from electricity, gas, oil or from other sources.

7. Brooding: The period of the first weeks of a chicken’s life when it requires a very high standard of care
including the provision of special diets and supplementary warmth.

8. Broody: The instinct controlled by maternal hormones that causes the female to want to sit on eggs for
hatching and to care for the chickens that hatch.

9. Cages: A system of housing where the birds are confined to a wire floor singly or in multiples. With
this system the stock do not come into contact with their own or other bird’s faeces which is an
important disease control measure.

10. Candle: To assess some internal characteristics of the egg by viewing it in a darkened room with a
bright light behind the egg.

11. Cannibalism: The practice by some birds of attacking and eating other members of the same flock.

12. Chick: The term used to describe chickens from day old to the end of brooding.

13. Cock: A male that has finished one season as a breeder. Usually refers to older birds.

14. Cockerel: A young male from day old to the end of it’s first year of breeding. Often used to refer to
young males up to 6 months of age.

15. Controlled environment housing: An intensive housing system where the operator can control
temperature, air quality and light.

16. Cull: The identification and removal of non-productive birds from the flock.

17. Deep litter: The system of housing where a suitable material called litter is provided on the poultry
house floor for the birds to live on.

18. Egg bound: An afflicted hen is one that is unable to complete the egg formation and laying process and
retains the partially or fully formed egg in the oviduct.

19. Embryo: The developing chicken in the egg.

20. Free range housing: A system of housing where the birds have a shelter house and access to an outside
area during the hours of daylight.
21. Fertile egg: Those eggs in which fertilisation of the blastodisc has occurred to create the blastoderm.
Resulted from the joining of the female ovum and the male sperm to create the embryo.

22. Flock: A number of birds of the same origin (genotype), age and managed in the same way.

23. Feed conversion ratio: The relationship between feed production and production (eggs or growth). It is
usually expressed as a ratio.

24. Floor eggs: Eggs laid on the floor of the shed and not in designated nest sites/ boxes.

25. Fowl: The term used to describe all members of Gallus domesticus (domestic fowl) irrespective of age,
sex or breed.

26. Growers: The term used to describe all stock between the end of brooding and till they reach sexual
maturity.

27. Hatchability: The number of saleable chickens that hatch from all eggs incubated – usually expressed
as a percentage.

28. Hen: A female after the first moult. It is often used to describe females after they have started to lay.

29. Hen day average: Progressive egg production record calculated on a survivor basis and expressed as a
percentage.

30. Hen housed average: Progressive egg production record calculated on the basis of the number of birds
placed in the laying house at point of lay.

31. Hover: A canopy used on brooders to direct the heat downwards to the chickens.

32. Incubation: The process by which fertile eggs are subjected to conditions suitable for the initiation and
sustaining of embryonic development and the hatching of strong, healthy chickens.

33. Incubator: The machine used to incubate fertile eggs.

34. Intensive system: Any system of housing poultry where the birds are indoors all of the time and do not
have access to the outside. It usually entails higher stocking densities.

35. Layer: A female in lay. Usually used to refer to females kept solely for egg production for human
consumption.

36. Liveability: The expression used to describe the number of survivors in a flock.

37. Lux: A unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square metre. Used to measure the brightness or
intensity of light.

38. Metabolisable energy (ME): The energy in a food ingredient or diet available for metabolism (used by
the animal for normal body functions and activity).

39. Metabolism: The sum of the chemical changes in living cells which provide energy for the vital
activities and processes of the body.

40. Micro-ingredient: An essential ingredient in the diet that is required by the bird in very small
quantities.

41. Moult: The process whereby the bird sheds its feathers and ceases egg production. It is usually initiated
by hormonal influences but is often triggered by stress.

42. Production efficiency: The relationship between the various major production factors which,
depending on the class of stock, will include feed consumption, live weight gain, egg production and
mortality.
 43. Pullet: A female in her first laying season. Often used to refer to young females post brooding to point
of lay.

44. Purebred: A group of birds having the same origin, and able to reproduce their own likeness in their
offspring. Purebred birds have the same genotype, but all birds with the same genotype are not
necessarily purebreds.

45. Relative humidity: The percentage of moisture saturation in the air. There is a direct relationship
between temperature and relative humidity – as the temperature increases, the relative humidity
decreases and as temperature decreases, the relative humidity increases.

46. Roost: The perch on which fowls rest or sleep.

47. Rooster: Male bird.

48. Semi-intensive: A system of housing where the birds have access to a shelter house and an outside run
enclosed by a fence to keep the birds in and predators out.

49. Sexing: The act of dividing the flock into its component males and females.

50. Spent hen: A layer that has reached the end of her economic egg laying life.

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LECTURE-03

VILLAGE AND BACKYARD POULTRY PRODUCTION

Housing Backyard Chickens Housing Village Chickens

Many chicken breeds are perfectly suited for backyard flocks. Choosing the right breed for your backyard flock solely depends
on the poultry keeper’s needs. Chicken breeds can be divided into two basic categories: birds for meat and birds for eggs. Also,
certain chicken breeds can boast milder temperaments, which are typically better suited for families with small children who
would interact with the birds.
For choosing a chicken breed for your backyard flock, the poultry experts advise the following:
“All breeds and types of hen produce nutritionally the same eggs.
To find more information on breeds and to find information on breeders and hatcheries..
To find a breed, contact a hatchery within your country or region. As an alternative to buying eggs and adult birds from a
hatchery, eggs or birds can be purchased directly from poultry keepers. Often smallholders trade and sell chickens after laying
season. To find birds for trade or sale, refer to poultry classifieds websites.
A light-weight A-frame run is a portable option for a small number of birds.
The size of backyard housing for chickens depends on the method in which they are kept. If chickens are allowed to roam large
garden spaces or open land and are only kept in the housing at night for protection, during egg-laying and brooding, and during
poor weather, then smaller hen houses are suitable. However, if chickens are kept within the hen houses for most of the time,
the housing must be significantly larger to allow for nesting, wing flapping, running, scratching and other natural chicken
behavior.
Poultry expert and author Jeremy Hobson says, “If you intend to keep your chickens intensively, a house measuring 1.5 m x 2
m (5 ft x 7 ft) should be sufficient for six hens; if a run is attached it will accommodate 12 birds. For these sorts of numbers, a
combined house and run area of 5 sq m (6 sq yd) per bird is adequate, although much will depend on whether you are keeping
bantams, light large fowl or any of the extremely heavy breeds as Croad Langshans or Brahmas.”
For various situations, extra space that’s separated from the main hen house is essential for maintaining a backyard flock.
Common situations which require extra hen houses include when brooding hens need to be separated from egg-laying
hens, when cockerels and roosters need to be separated from female chickens, for quarantining sick birds, training show birds
for the exhibitor’s booth, separating new birds in order to gradually introduce them to the flock and pecking order, and so forth.
Various types of chicken houses are offered by retailers, including hen houses, chicken coops, chicken arcs, and chicken runs.
These types of chicken housing can be permanent or movable.
Housing should include nesting boxes or other types of nest material for hens to encourage egg-laying and brooding and to
offer comfort and warmth. Sand or wood chips can be used for underground material. Ventilation and heat retention are
important characteristics of chicken housing.

Feeding Backyard Chickens

There are various ways and various products to feed your backyard chickens.
Chickens are omnivores. They can enjoy a diet of seeds, grains, leaves, and insects. Chickens also eat small animals like lizards
and mice. They naturally scratch or forage for food. Chickens raised in backyards are often fed commercially produced feeds,
which are sold in pellets, mash, or crumbs.[12] This feed usually consists of corn, grains, oat, soybeans, grit (which is ground
oyster shell or limestone), and poultry vitamin supplements. Young chickens, both male and female, require more protein for
sufficient growth and development.
Chickens can be hand-fed, in order to control quantities. Alternatively, feeding can be conducted with a feeder, a container
which holds the feed for the birds. The feed can be distributed in limited quantities for a certain number of feeding times
throughout the day, or the feed can be available in unlimited quantities which would be available at all times. When poultry
keepers hand-feed or fill feeders with limited quantities, feeding is always conducted during daylight.
Age, breed, size, and purpose (egg source, meat source, fancy or show birds) determines the type and amount of feed needed.
To obtain accurate tips on feeding your breed, get in contact with the hatchery or farmer which provided the chicken, or get in
contact with a poultry association or poultry breed club in your region.

Benefits of Raising Backyard Chickens

Chickens are often hailed by urban dwellers, families, and smallholders because of the benefits they offer.

General Benefits
The benefits of poultry keeping which are typically cited include: offers enjoyment and relaxation; acts as source of fresh,
healthy meat and eggs; provides entertainment and education for children; as pets, chickens are relatively inexpensive to
maintain compared to other popular pets; as a hobby, poultry keeping can create an extra source of income, by way of eggs,
meat and bird sales or prize money from show birds.

Garden Benefits
Backyard flocks offer more benefits beyond those listed above. Poultry keepers often note that chickens are great for gardens.
Chickens, which scratch for insects and occasionally eat lizards and mice, offer insect and small pest control. Chickens often
eat leaves and can therefore offer weed control in flower beds or grassy lawns. Chicken manure is high in nitrogen and can
serve as a nutritious independent fertiliser or a balanced addition to compost mix. Chickens’ natural scratching behaviour is
also helpful for turning and aerating the soil.

Brooding Hens

Brooding is the act of a hen sitting on eggs to incubate them. At a certain age, hens begin to exhibit brooding behavior. Certain
chicken breeds exhibit broodier behavior than other breeds—these birds are often categorized as meat birds. Strong brooding
behavior has been bred out of chicken breeds that are classified as egg-laying breeds.
On average, hens lay about ten eggs before beginning to brood. Once the brooding behavior begins, all eggs begin to incubate
at the same time and are able to complete the incubation period at the same. This is the reason why eggs, though laid at different
times, hatch around the same time.
To facilitate brooding behavior, poultry keepers often separate the brooding hens from the rest of the hens. Brooding hens are
often kept in brooders, which offer more comfort and peace.
When hens begin to brood they sit for long periods only taking breaks to eat and drink, they cluck when moved, they take
others’ eggs and inanimate objects to sit on.

Improving Laying
The bird’s age, breed, and molting period determines its ability to lay eggs. Certain chicken breeds were bred to reduce the
demonstration of brooding behaviour and increase laying. If a poultry keeper wants to keep chicken for eggs, it is important to
choose a chicken breed that demonstrates high levels of egg production.
To increase egg production, brooding behaviour must be reduced. When an egg-laying hen demonstrates brooding behaviour,
the hen can be separated from the rest of the flock and placed in hen house without a nest. In this way, sitting on a nest is
discouraged.
Poultry scientist Dan L. Cunningham at the University of Georgia says that “Removing the hens from visual and physical
stimulation provided by nest and nesting material will help discourage this behaviour. In addition, it will help prevent producing
hens from observing and adopting the broody behaviour of their flock mates. The hens should be held in this isolation pen for
seven to 10 days before moving them back to the laying pen.” [7]
Longer days, or extended periods of light, encourage egg laying. Hens naturally lay more eggs during seasons with longer days.
As the days shorten, hens begin to demonstrate broodier behaviour. During these shorter days, after the natural breeding season,
chickens begin to molt their feathers. Since molting requires a lot of energy, chickens decrease their egg production. To
maintain normal egg production, chickens require around 12-14 hours of light, which can be provided artificially when days
naturally become shorter. [8]
A pullet (a female chicken less than one year old) which is choosen to become an egg-laying hen should have a diet that consists
of 12-16% protein. Adult egg-laying hens should have a diet high in calcium and minerals. [9] Nutritional diseases can occur
in egg-laying hens if they aren’t provided with an adequate diet. Poultry scientist Claudia Dunkley at the University of Georgia
says that “rickets, CLF [cage layer fatigue], and FLS [fatty liver syndrome] are nutritional diseases that affect laying hens and
can account for a high percentage of the flock mortality. The laying hens’ diet is specifically formulated to be nutritionally
complete, however, the occurrences of these diseases are prevalent especially in hens in high production and the mortality rate
in flocks can be high.” [10]

Tips for Poultry Beginners

First determine if you are legally able to keep poultry.

Then determine your purpose for keeping poultry in order to select a breed. For egg-laying hens, select breeds that are
productive egg layers. For meat birds, select breeds that have been cultivated for game. For show birds, select a standard, game
or exotic breeds that are recognised in local, regional, and national competitions. Acquire the show bird from a breeder who
will be able to provide a bird that is bred to closely match poultry standards. For children’s education, select breeds with calm
temperaments, and possibly choose to buy eggs that can be incubated. For lesson on incubation and hatching, it’s advisable to
invest in an incubator as opposed to a brooding hen, since disturbing a brooding hen for lessons cause the animal stress. Or if
you plan on incubating without a machine, be sure to purchase materials that will provide adequate humidity and warmth. Also
be sure to check out resources on incubating.
After determining the breed and quantities of chickens you want to have, find out if there are any local ordinances or laws
which prevent certain quantities and types of poultry or certain types of chicken housing. Keep in mind that the size of your
breed and the quantity of chickens you intend to keep will determine the size of your chicken housing.
Purchase or create the type of hen housing that is suitable for your new flock and is in line with local ordinances.
Once you’ve prepared for the hatching and housing of your new chicks (or simply housing if you plan to acquire adult chickens),
get in contact with local associations and clubs for advice on how to raise and feed your specific breed of chicken. After
receiving advice, gather all the materials needed to provide and administer a balanced diet for your chicks or chicken. Such
materials include, but are not limited to feed, feeders, perch and drinkers.
Finally, locate a hatchery or poultry keeper who is interested in selling or trading eggs or chickens, and get your chickens.
Once you’ve set up a home for your backyard flock and you’ve arranged to get your first chickens, it’s important to learn about
healthcare, grooming, and maintaining the general wellbeing of your animals throughout their lives.

Health Concerns
In order to prevent sicknesses and diseases, domesticated chickens require housing that is warm, hygienic, and well-ventilated,
as well as a diet that is balanced.
An imbalanced diet can lead to poultry diseases like rickets, cage layer fatigue, and fatty liver syndrome. [14]
External pests can affect the health of chickens. Lice and mites are common pests that can afflict a backyard flock. Chickens
can naturally inhibit developing a pest problem by bathing in dry, loose dirt or dust. For birds that have been afflicted by
external parasites, chemical insecticides can be used for treatment. [15]
Other common poultry diseases include avian influenza, breast blister, bumblefoot, coccidiosis, crazy chick disease, crop
impaction, Marek’s disease, mycotoxicosis, and internal parasites.
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LECTURE-04

BROODING AND REARING

 BROODING REARING

Brooding is the art and science of rearing baby chicks. A newly hatched chick does not develop the
thermoregulatory mechanism fully and takes about two weeks to develop this mechanism and homeostasis. Therefore,
they cannot maintain the body temperature properly for the first few weeks of life; and may be subjected to chilling, if not
properly taking care of. Brooding can be classified into natural and artificial brooding.

Natural brooding

It is done with the help of broody hens after hatching, up to 3 to 4 weeks of age.

Artificial brooding

In artificial brooding large number of baby chicks are reared in the absence of broody hen. Equipments used for brooding
are called brooders. Brooder comprises of three elements:
1. Heating source
2. Reflectors
3. Brooder guard

Natural Brooding Natural Brooding

Heating source may be electrical, gases like natural gas, LPG and methane, liquid fuel like kerosene, solid fuel like coal,
wood can be used as a heating material.

1) Charcoal stove / kerosene stove:

Where electricity is not available, ordinary charcoal / kerosene stoves are used to provide supplementary heat to chicks. These
stoves are covered with plate / pans to dissipate the heat.

2) Gas brooder:
Natural gas, LPG or methane is connected to heating element which is hanged 3 to 5 feet above the chick to provide heat.

3) Electrical brooder:
It is also thermostatically controlled heating system that spread required amount of heat uniformly above large area, this avoid
crowding of chicks under brooder directly. One electrical brooder can be used for 300 to 400 chicks.

4) Infra-red bulbs:
It is a self reflecting bulb. One 250 watts IR bulb can provide brooding for about 150 to 250 chicks.

5) Reflectors:
These reflectors are called Hovers. Flat type hover – These hovers are provided with heating element, heating mechanism and
pilot lamp and in some cases thermometer is also there in order to record the temperature. Canopy type hover – These reflectors
are in concave shape consisting of ordinary electrical bulb, thermostat mechanism and in some cases thermometer.

6) Brooder guard / chick guard

They are used to prevent chicks from straying too far away from heat supply until they learn the source of heat. We have to
provide brooder guard with a diameter of 5 feet, height of the brooder should not exceed 1.5 feet. For this purpose, we can use
materials like cardboard sheet, GI sheet, wire mesh, and mat etc. depending upon the season of brooding. During winter season,
brooding is done for 5-6 days. In summer season it is 2-3 weeks.

Receiving of chicks
• After culling the previous adult birds, clean and disinfect the poultry house.
• 3 to 4 weeks interval may be provided between 2 batches as down tome.
• Form a circle of about 5 feet diameter with brooder guard. The 5 feet diameter brooder can hold about 200 to 250
chicks.
• At the centre of brooder guard, provide any one of heat source like IR bulb, ordinary incandescent bulb or gas brooders.
• Spread litter material about 2” height in a circle and then spread old newspaper over the litter material.
• Arrange feeders and waterers alternatively like cart-wheel fashion.
• Check the brooder for proper temperature 24 hours prior to arrival of chicks.
• Switch on the brooder heating source several hours before the arrival of the chicks in order to maintain required
brooding temperature.
• Spread ground maize or rava or fine mash / crumble feed on the old newspaper for 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, they will
learn to consume feed from the feeder.
• Provide electrolyte, glucose and vitamins in the drinking water for first 2 to 3 days to overcome stress. After arrival
of chicks, moist the beak and leave the chicks under heating source.
• Maintain a brooder temperature of 90 to 950F for the first week and then reduce 50F every week until it reaches the
room temperature.
• Watch the behaviour of chicks in order to find out whether temperature provided is correct or less or more. In case of
too much temperature, we can reduce the heat by reducing the power of the bulb or we can raise the heating element. In
case of too low temperature, we have to supplement more heating source or we can further down the heating
element. In case of chill weather or chill breeze, we can provide curtains towards the wind direction.
• Remove the old newspaper after 3 days and destroy it by burning. If necessary, spread another set of newspaper.
• Remove brooder guard after 7 to 10 days depending upon the season. While removing the brooder guard, see that the
corners of the sheds are rounded in order to avoid mortality due to huddling.
• Change the feeders and waterers according to age and requirement.
• 24 hours lighting programme may be adopted during 0-8 weeks of age. One hour darkness may be provided to train
the chicks in case of any power failure.
• Medication programme: First and Second day – Electrolytes and vitamins. 3rd to 7th day – Antibiotics. (Other
medications as and when required).

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LECTURE-5
 CLEANING AND DISINFECTION OF POULTRY FARM

What is cleaning?

Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other impurities, from an object
or environment.

What is Disinfection?

The application of a physical or chemical process to a surface for the purpose of destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease-
causing micro-organisms.

CLEANING DISINFECTION

STEPS FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

Start by removing all birds from the building to be cleaned, along with all equipment that can be cleaned in another place, such
as feeders and waterers.

Dry Cleaning
Sweep or blow dust and other loose dirt off ceilings, light fixtures, walls, cages or nest boxes, fans, air inlets etc. onto
the floor. Remove all feed from feeders. Scrape manure and accumulated dust and dirt from perches and roosts. Remove all
litter from the floor. Litter can be added to a compost pile. Sweep the floor to remove as much dry material as possible. With
a small coop, a wet-dry shop vacuum does a good job of removing this material. However, be careful to clean the filter often
as the fine dust from the coop may easily clog the filter and make the vacuum work harder or lead to burn out of the motor.

Wet Cleaning
Turn the power off to the building prior to using any water for cleaning. Wet cleaning is done in three steps: soaking,
washing and rinsing. Warm or hot water will do a better job getting through organic matter than cold water. You can use a
cheap neutral detergent, like dish soap.

Soaking
Soak the heavily soiled areas (perches and roosting areas, floors, etc.) thoroughly. Use a low pressure sprayer to totally
soak all surfaces. Soak until the accumulated dirt and manure has softened to the point it is easily removed.

Washing
Wash every surface in the building, especially window sills, ceiling trusses, wall sills and any surface where dirt and
dust may accumulate. The washing solution can be either a neutral detergent (ph between 6 and 8) or an alkaline detergent (ph
above 8). Alkaline substances vary in their strength with the strongest causing burns and internal injuries if swallowed. A mild
alkali is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and moderate alkalis include household ammonia, borax and trisodium phosphate.
Strong alkalis include washing soda (sodium carbonate) and lye (caustic soda). Mix in hot water—160oF or hotter is best.
A high pressure sprayer is good for this step, but manual scrubbing with a moderately stiff brush is one of the best ways to
insure a thorough cleaning. Inspect manually to be sure you have removed all of the dirt and manure from all surfaces. Make
sure you carefully clean electrical parts. You may have to remove cover plates and vacuum those areas.
If you have metal surfaces with hard water scale, then you will need to use an acid detergent on those surfaces to remove the
scale. Acid detergent involves acid as the major component which is used in dissolving mineral deposits (Calcium and
Magnesium precipitates) or hard water deposits from equipment surfaces. Two main groups of acid detergents are: inorganic
(HCL, H2SO4), and organic (Vinegar, Citric Acid).

Rinsing
A final rinse immediately after washing is recommended to remove any harmful residues and to obtain a spotless
building. Mop up puddles as they can rapidly become breeding grounds for salmonellae.
Drying
Thoroughly air-dry the building if disinfection cannot immediately follow rinsing. Open all windows and ventilation
openings. Use a blower or fan if available. Cleaning on a dry, sunny day helps in the drying process.

Repairs
Make any repairs to the structure prior to the final disinfection step. Seal any rodent entry holes at the outside and inside
of the building. Apply a small amount of spray foam insulation into the hole, then pack in fine steel wool and top with more
spray foam.

Disinfecting
This is a crucial step which the small flock owner might normally overlook. Disinfectants should be applied only after the
building and equipment have been thoroughly cleaned, ideally right after rinsing. Disinfectants can be applied by sprays,
aerosols or fumigation. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of “fumigating” your hen house: for most small flock facilities,
using a garden type sprayer is the easiest method, and chances are you already have a suitable disinfectant around the house.
The types of disinfectants generally used are phenolic compounds (e.g., Pine-sol, One Stroke, Osyl), iodine or iodophors, (e.g.,
Betadine and Weladol), chlorine compounds (e.g., Clorox, generic bleach), quaternary ammonium compound (e.g., Roccal D
Plus) and oxidizing compounds (e.g., Virkon S, Oxy-Sept 333).
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing and dilution of these disinfectants. A good rule of thumb is to apply at the
rate of one gallon of diluted disinfectant per 150-200 square feet of surface area. For a more thorough disinfecting, soak waterers
and feeders in a 200 ppm chlorine solution (1 tablespoon chlorine bleach per gallon of boiling water).

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LECTURE-6

PIGEON FARMING

Pigeon farming is very interesting, profitable and pigeons are very popular domestic bird. Pigeons are considered as the symbol
of peace. Almost all types of people who have facilities, love to raise some pigeon in their home. Pigeon farming require less
labor and low investment. Even you can also raise and take care of them during your in leisure time. The meat of baby pigeon
(squab) is very tasty, nutritious and restorative. Squabs also have huge demand and price in the market. On the other hand
pigeon farming can be a great source of some extra income and entertainment. Raising pigeons using modern methods is very
profitable than traditional way. So, to be successful in pigeon farming business, use modern rearing techniques and take good
care of your birds. Here we are describing more about the advantages of pigeon farming and steps for starting this lucrative
business.

Benefits of Pigeon Farming:

Pigeon farming has some great benefits. The main and notable advantages of this business profitable are described below.
▪ Pigeons are domestic bird and it’s very easy to handle them.
▪ From their six month of age they start laying eggs and produce two baby pigeon per month on an average.
▪ Pigeon can be raised easily in the home yard and roof of the house.
▪ It takes about 18 days to hatch their eggs.
▪ Baby pigeon (squab) become suitable for consumption within their 3 to 4 weeks of age.
▪ You can build a pigeon house in a small place with little investment.
▪ Pigeon feeding costs is very low. In most cases they collect food by themselves.
▪ Pigeon meat is very tasty, nutritious and has a great demand and value in the market.
▪ Pigeon farming is also very pleasing and entertaining. You can spent some good times through watching the
activities of pigeons.
▪ You can get maximum profit form them, by investing small capital and labor.
▪ Diseases are comparatively less in pigeons.
▪ Closet of pigeon is a good manure for crop cultivation.
 ▪ Different types of toys can be made by the feather of pigeons.
▪ Pigeons help to keep the environment safe by eating different types of insects.
▪ The squab has has a great demand in the market as a good patient’s diet.
▪ Pigeons start laying eggs at their 5 to 6 months of age.
▪ Pigeon farming can be a great income source for the people of some poor country, such as Bangladesh, India, Nigeria,
Pakistan etc

Life cycle
Generally pigeons are raised in pair. One pair of male and female pigeon stay together for their whole life. They can survive
for about 12 to 15 years. Male and female both collect straw together and build a small nest for them to live. Female pigeon
start laying eggs at the age of 5-6 months of age. They lay two eggs every time and their breeding capability stays for about 5
years. Both male and female pigeons hatch the eggs. Usually it takes about 17 to 18 days to hatch the eggs. The stomach of
baby pigeon contains crop milk, which they eat for 4 days. Female pigeon feed their baby for ten days by their lips. After
that, they start taking supplementary food by their own. At their age of 26 days, they become adult.

Pigeon Breeds
There are about three hundred pigeon breeds available around the world. Pigeon breeds are of two types which are described
below.
▪ Meat Productive Breeds: White king, texona, silver king, gola, lokha, etc. are meat productive pigeons.
▪ Entertaining: Moyurponkhi, shirazi, lohore, fantail, jacobin, frillback, modena, trumpeter, trubit, mukhi, giribaz,
templar, lotal etc. are most popular entertaining pigeons.
Generally, the main purpose of pigeon farming is their meat. The meat of baby pigeon is soft and tasty than the adult one.

Housing
Housing is very important factor for pigeon farming. Keep in mind the following factors before making house for yuor
pigeons.
Built their house in a higher place. This will keep the pigeons free from dog, cat, mouse and some other harmful predators.

▪ Ensure huge flow of air and light inside the house.

▪ Prevent the entrance of rain water directly inside the house.
▪ The house can be build by thin wood or tin, bamboo or with packing boxes.
▪ Every pigeon require about 30 cm long, 30 cm high and 30 cm wide space.
▪ Every room of the pigeon house have to have the facilities of staying two pigeon.
▪ The house will be adjoining to each other and polyhedral.
▪ Keep a door on every room measuring 10×10 cm.
▪ Always try to keep the house clean and dry.
▪ Clean the house once or twice per month.
▪ Keep the food and water pot near the house.
▪ Keep some straw near the house, so that the pigeons can make bed for them.
▪ Keep water and sand near the house, as they clean their body by water and dust.

Feeding
Pigeons generally eat wheat, maize, paddy, rice, enamel, legume, triticum aestivus mustard, gram etc. Keep foods in front of
their house and they will take the food by themselves. You have to serve them balanced feed for proper growing, good health
and for proper production. You can also serve them balanced feed, prepared for the chickens. Pigeon feed should contain 15-
16 % protein. Every pigeon consume 35-50 grams of grainy feed daily. For fast growing of baby pigeon and for nutrition of
adult, feed them oyster shell, lime stone, bone powder, salt, greet mixture, mineral mixture etc. with their regular feed. Along
with this, feed them some green vegetables daily.

Baby Pigeon’s Feed

Baby pigeons (squab) don’t need extra feed for 5-7 days. They take crop milk from their parents stomach. Which is known as
pigeon milk. Male and female pigeon feed their baby in this way for 10 days. After that, they become able to fly and feed
themselves by their own. Keep fresh feed and clean water near their house

Water
Keep water pot near their house. They will drink and take bath from that water pot. Clean the water pot daily. Try to serve them
sufficient amount of clean water always.

Egg production
Generally male and female pigeon stay in pairs. During laying period they collect straw and make a small nest. Female
pigeon start laying eggs when they reach 5 to 6 months of age. They lay a pair of egg after every one month. Both male and
female pigeon hatch the eggs one after another. It takes about 17 to 18 days to hatch the eggs. If artificial nest needed, make
it. As the eggs are very small in size, so squab production is very profitable than consuming the eggs.

Diseases:
Diseases in pigeons are comparatively less than any other poultry birds. They suffers by TB, paratyphoid, cholera, pox,
newcastle, influenza etc. Besides this they can also suffer by various louse and malnutritious diseases. Remedy methods of
some pigeon diseases are described below.
▪ Follow the advice of an experienced veterinarian.
▪ Keep the pigeon house clean and germ free.
▪ Separate the disease affected bird from healthy birds.
▪ Vaccinate them timely.
▪ Keep them free from worms.
▪ Feed them balanced food to prevent malnutritious diseases.
▪ Use medicine for removing louse from their body.

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ECTURE-7

QUAIL FARMING

Before discussing more about commercial quail farming business, let me first explain ‘what is quail farming?’ Actually the
term ‘quail farming’ means, raising quails commercially (like other poultry birds) for the purpose of profitable eggs and
meat production. As far as we have experienced, quail farming business is very easy, lucrative and entertaining. It’s very easy
to maintain a quail farm, because quails are among the smallest species of poultry birds. The Japanese scientists first tamed the
wild quails and revealed the ways to raise them as domestic birds. Commercial quail farming in Japan has spread
tremendously. Now, people throughout the world performing quail farming business commercially for the purpose of meat
and egg production.

Quail farming is very profitable like other farming ventures, such as chicken, turkey or duck farming business. Almost all types
of weather conditions are suitable for starting quail farming business. Meat and eggs of quail are very tasty and nutritious.
Quail eggs are very nutritious than other poultry eggs. Because quail eggs contain comparatively more protein, phosphorus,
iron, vitamin A, B1 and B2. Quail farming can play a vital role to meet up the demand of food and nutrition. Quail farming
business require small capital and labor. Quails can be raised along with your other poultry birds for meat or eggs production.

Characteristics of Quail.

▪ Quails are very small sized bird.

▪ An adult quail weights between 150 to 200 grams and an egg weights around 7 to 15 grams.
▪ Female quails start laying eggs within their 6 to 7 weeks of age and continuously lay one egg daily.
▪ They lay about 300 eggs in their first year of life. After that they produce about 150 to 175 eggs in second year.
Eggs production gradually decrease after their first year of laying period.
▪ Quail egg is very suitable for human health. It contains 2.47 % less fat than chicken egg. Many people believe that ‘
quail eggs help to prevent blood pressure, diabetic, pant etc’.
▪ Quail meat is very tasty and nutritious. Fat is very low in their meat. So quail meat is very suitable for blood
pressure patients.
▪ Eggs are very beautiful with multiple color.
▪ Quails do not incubate their eggs. So you have to use an incubator or brooder chickens for hatching their eggs.
Benefits of Quail Farming

Quails are smaller sized poultry birds, and it’s very easy to handle them. The main benefits of starting quail farming business
are listed below.
 ▪ Quails are smaller sized bird, so they can be raised within small place.
▪ Feeding cost of quails are comparatively lower than chickens or other poultry birds.
▪ Diseases are less in quails, and they are very hardy.
▪ Quails grow very fast and gain maturity faster than any other poultry birds.
▪ They start laying eggs within their 6 to 7 weeks of age.
▪ It takes about 16 to 18 days to hatch their eggs.
▪ Meat and eggs of quail are very tasty, delicious and nutritious. So it’s a great source of food and nutrition.
▪ Quail farming needs small capital, and labor cost is very low.
▪ Quails can be raised successfully in commercial method. Some people have already started commercial quail farming
business.
▪ Quails are very strong bird and diseases or other health problems are less. So risks are less in this business.
▪ Quail meat contain less fat. So, it is suitable for high blood pressure patients.
▪ Their food to meat or eggs converting efficiency is satisfactory. They can produce one kg meat or eggs by consuming
three kg food.
▪ You can raise 6 to 7 quails in the same place that is required for one chicken.
▪ As the quail eggs are smaller in size, so the price is also lower than other bird’s egg. As a result, all types of people can
buy quail eggs and you can easily sell the eggs.
▪ As the primary costs are less, so you can start this business with a very little investment.
▪ You can raise about 6 to 8 quails within 0.91 squire meter area.
▪ As it is a lucrative business venture, so commercial quail farming business can be a great source of income and
employment for the unemployed educated people. Even, you can start raising a few quails along with your current
profession.

Life Cycle of Quails

Quail generally survive for 3 to 4 years. An adult quail weights between 150 to 200 grams. Female quails start laying eggs
from their 6 to 7 weeks of age. Each egg weights between 7 to 15 grams. They lay more than 300 eggs per year. Their eggs
are very beautiful. Presence of light increase the egg productive efficiency of quails. They usually lay eggs at afternoon. It
takes about 17 days to hatch their eggs. A newly born quail chick weights around 6 to 7 grams. Quail never incubate their
eggs. For successful breeding purpose keep one male quail with every five female quails. Quail chicks become very sensitive
and take about two weeks to be strong enough. Eggs of 9 to 11 grams weight with smooth and hard eggshell are perfect for
hatching and producing chicks.

How to Start Quail Farming Business?

As quails are smaller sized poultry birds, so it’s very easy to establish a quail farm. Make a proper quail farming business
plan before starting. And work according to the plan. A proper business plan should include breeds, housing, feeding, care
and marketing strategies. Here we are shortly describing every steps.

Select Quail Breeds

At present there are 18 species of quails are available, which are very suitable for profitable quail farming business. Some of
these breeds are famous for egg production and some are popular for meat production. According to their production, quail
breeds are of two types such as broilers and layers. Here we have stated some popular broiler and layer quail breeds.

Layer Quail Breeds

▪ Tuxedo
▪ Pharaoh
▪ British Range
▪ English White
▪ Manchurian Golden
Broiler Quail Breeds
▪ Bobwhite (American)
▪ White Breasted (Indian)

Housing
Housing is very important for quail farming. Follow the instructions mentioned below while making house or cages for your
quails.
▪ Quail can be raised in both litter and cage systems. But quail farming in cage system is more suitable than raising
them in deep litter system. In cage system, management is very easy and diseases or other problems are less.
▪ Make a proper ventilation system and ensure proper flow of air and light inside their house.
▪ You can raise 50 quails in a cage measuring 120 cm length, 60 cm wide and 25 cm height.
▪ Use wire net for making their cages.
▪ Measurement of the net would be 5 mm x 5 mm for adult quails.
▪ Plastic cages are most convenient for quail farming business.
 ▪ The house must have to be out of the reach of wild animals. Also prevent all types of predators.

Feeding
For keeping your quails healthy, proper growing and highly productive, provide them balanced feed regularly. An adult quail
consumes about 20 to 25 grams of food daily. Chick feed should contain 27% and adult feed 22-24% of protein.

Egg Production
Presence of adequate light is highly recommended for desired egg production from your quails. You can provide artificial
light and heat by using electric bulb or heater. You can use 40 to 100 watt bulb for this purpose. Demand of light and heat
varies depending on the season. If you want successful breeding and want to hatch their eggs, then keep one male with every
five female quails. For getting better egg production, select highly productive breeds and always keep their house dry and
clean. Egg production also depends on temperature, feeding , water, care and management. To get desired egg production
from your quails, light play a vital role.

Raising Quail Chicks

Quails never incubate their eggs. So, you can produce chicks by hatching their eggs through chickens or artificially through
using incubators. Incubation period for quail egg is about 16 to 18 days. For maximum egg production, 16 hours of lighting
period is required daily inside the quail house. Keep newly born quail chicks in a brooder house. Chicks need artificial heat
and temperature management system for 14 to 21 days from their birth. Quail chick become very sensitive. They can be
raised in both litter and battery system.

Keep in mind the following factors while raising quail chicks.

▪ Adequate temperature
▪ Sufficient light
▪ Proper air movement
▪ Density of quail chicks
▪ Supply of food and water
▪ Hygienic rearing rules
Diseases
Diseases are less in quails, compared to other poultry birds. But you have to take good care and manage them properly, to keep
them free from all types of diseases or illness. Good care and management is a must for profitable quail farming business.
Generally they are not provided any disease preventive vaccines. Quail chicks can’t tolerate weather change, and sudden
temperature change. So they get affected by disease, if they experience sudden temperature or weather changes. Be very careful
during this period. Following diseases are very harmful for the quails.

▪ Coccidiosis: If the quails get affected by coccidiosis disease, serve them coaxial 20 by mixing with water (two
grams per litter) for three days. Otherwise feed this according to the advice of a veterinarian.

▪ Ulcerative Enteritis: Mix one gram streptomycin with one litter water and serve it to the quails for three days. This
will stop ulcerative enteritis disease.

Hygienic Quail Farming Tips

To keep your quails healthy and productive, follow the hygienic quail farming method which are mentioned below.
▪ Always try to keep their house dry and clean.
▪ Ensure proper movement of light and air inside their house.
▪ Keep different aged quails separated from each other.
▪ Separate the disease affected quails from the healthy one.
▪ Burn the dead bird or put under soil.
▪ Don’t allow other birds, animals or unknown persons enter inside your farm quail house.
▪ Ensure hygienic and balanced feed supply.
▪ Provide adequate fresh and clean water according to their demand.

Marketing
Quail meat and eggs are very tasty and highly enriched with nutrient elements. So there is already an established market for
quail products. As quail birds and their eggs are small in size, so it is cheap in price and all types of people can purchase. So
you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. You can easily sell the eggs and meat in your local market. But
it will be better if you determine your marketing strategies before starting this business. Because all places around the world
have not the same marketing facilities.
In a word, quail farming is playing an important role for fulfilling the daily family nutrition demands and earning livings. And
commercial quail farming can be a great source of employment, and earning some extra income along with your current job or
profession. Quail farming is also very entertaining and it is very easy to raise some quails. If you intend to join this business
venture, then try to visit some farms in your area. And finally do it. God bless you!
 =========================================================================

LECTURE-8

TURKEY FARMING

Commercial turkey farming is a profitable business idea. Turkey grows faster like broiler chickensand become suitable
for slaughter purpose within a very short time. Turkey farming for meat production is very popular than egg production from
turkey. Although some people keep a or several tom (a mature male turkey) as a pet. Turkey farming is similar to other poultry
birds farming like chickens, ducks, quails etc. Turkeys are also very social with humans and raising turkeys is really very fun
and enjoyable. Here I am describing some basics steps for starting commercial turkey farming business.
Breeds
There are several turkey breeds available around the globe. But all those breeds are not suitable enough for commercial meat
production. You can raise only a few of those breeds in your farm for profitable meat production. For profitable meat production
you have to use some modern turkey breeds that are raised for commercial production. This type of turkey breeds has a
maximum feed to meat conversion rate. They consume less feed and convert this feed to meat within a very short time. Broad-
breasted White is such a modern turkey breed for commercial production. The meat produced by raising this breed on pasture
on a small farm, it will be more tasty and favorful than the meat produced from commercial farm. White Holland and Standard
Bronze are other two popular meat producing turkey breed. This two breeds are not actual breed. Broad-Breasted Bronze and
Whites are just non-standardized commercial strain used for meat production (they are not actual breed). Along with this there
are some other breeds available that are beautiful and different looking birds. Bourbon Reds, Narragansetts, Royal Palm etc.
are such turkey breed. For commercial meat production, you should go with Broad-Breasted Whites, Standard Bronze and
White, White Holland’s etc

Housing & Fencing

Good housing with all types of essential facilities available is very necessary for commercial turkey production. In this regard,
you have to make a permanent house like chicken house and ensure availability of all necessary facilities. For fencing, make
the fence as high as possible. Turkeys are large in size and become very strong. So, the fencing must have to strong enough to
protect the birds. You can use electric poultry netting, woven wire fencing, metal T-posts or wooden posts. However, while
making housing and fencing for turkeys, keep in mind the followings.
▪ You must have to make proper protection from all types of predators and harmful animals.
▪ Ensure availability of sufficient space inside the house. Generally, 75 feet * 75 feet space is suitable for accommodating
for up to 12 birds.
▪ Never let the turkeys to graze in the pasture until they reach grazing age.
▪ Using wooden litter is very effective for turkey farming.
▪ Make sure sufficient flow of fresh air and light inside the house.
▪ Make proper ventilation system.
▪ Make the house suitable enough for cleaning it regularly.
▪ In case of fencing, make it as high as possible. The fencing must have to be at least four feet above the ground.
▪ The turkeys far very strong and big than other birds. So, make the fencing with strong materials.

Feeding & Watering

Good and nutritious feed keeps the bird healthy and productive. So, it would be better to learn how to feed the turkey birds
and this will help you to prevent problems in turkey farming and reducing feeding costs. Turkey needs more protein in their
food for first few weeks than other domestic birds. The protein in poultry feed should be at least 28 percent. You can go with
chick starter which contain about 28 percent of protein. Feed the turkey, chick starter for first six weeks and after that period
you can feed them grower feed. Grower feed should contain 20 percent protein. The amount of protein in turkey feed is
higher than chickens or other poultry birds feed. Along with providing nutritious food, always serve them sufficient amount
of fresh and clean water. Generally, 2 gallons of fresh water is necessary for one dozen of turkeys
Care & Management
Always try to keep your birds in healthy environment and learn more about turkey farming and how to prevent health
problems. Never feed your birds contaminated or outdated food. Always provide them clean and fresh water. Keep sufficient
space inside the house. And lastly, take good care of your birds.

Marketing

In commercial turkey farming, the birds become suitable for marketing within 12 to 20 weeks. Sell all the birds when they
reach the slaughtering age.
Turkey farming business is really very lucrative and enjoyable. If you are thinking about setting up commercial turkey farming
business, then try to learn more about them and visit many turkey farms.

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LECTURE-9

POULTRY HOUSING SYSTEMS

Poultry Housing?

Poultry Housing. Poultry is housed for comfort protection, efficient production and convenience of the poultry man.

CLASSIFICATION OF POULTRY HOUSING SYSTEMS

• Broadly, poultry housing systems are classified into three systems:
o Free range or extensive system
o Semi-intensive system
o Intensive system
▪ Deep-litter system
▪ Slatted floor system
▪ Slat cum litter system
▪ Cage system
▪
1. FREE RANGE SYSTEM

• This system is adopted only when adequate land is available to ensure desired stocking density by avoiding
overcrowding.
• We can rear about 250 adult birds per hectare.
• A range provides shelter, greens, feed, water and shade.
• Foraging is the major source of feeding for birds. Shelter is usually provided by temporary roofing supported by
ordinary poles.
• The fields are generally used on rotational basis after harvesting of crops by moving of birds from one field to another
depending on cropping programme.
• All categories of birds can be reared in this system. This system is most preferred for organic egg production.
• Less capital investment
• Cost of housing is least.
• Feed requirements are less since birds can consume fairly good amount of feed from grass land.
• Fertility of soil can be maintained.

Disadvantages
• The scientific management practices can not be adopted.
• Eggs are lost when laid inside the dense grasses unless special nests are provided.
 • Losses due to predatory animals are more.
• Wild birds may induce diseases unless proper care is taken.

2. SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM

• As the name indicates birds are half-way reared in houses and

half-way on ground or range, i.e. birds are confined to houses in night or as per need and they are also given access to
runs.
• The houses are with solid floors while runs are fields only.
• The success of rearing depends on maintenance condition of runs to reduce the contamination.
• Runs can also be used on rotation basis. The stocking density rate on an average for adult birds is 750 per hectare.
This system is usually adopted for duck rearing.
• The feeding and watering facilities are provided in the pen.

Advantages
• More economical use of land compared to free range system
• Protection of birds from extreme climatic conditions
• Control over scientific operation to some extent is possible
•
• High cost for fencing.
• Need for routine cleaning and removal of litter material from the pen.

3. INTENSIVE SYSTEM

• Birds are totally confined to houses either on ground / floor or on wire-netting floor in cages or on slats.
• It is the most efficient, convenient and economical system for modern poultry production with huge numbers.

Advantages
• Minimum land is required for farming.
• Farms can be located near market area.
• Day-to-day management is easier.
• The production performance is higher as more energy is saved due to restricted movements.
• Scientific management practices like breeding, feeding, medication, culling etc. can be applied easily and accurately.
• The sick birds can be detected, isolated and treated easily.

Disadvantages
• Birds’ welfare is affected. They can not perform the natural behaviour like roosting, spreading wings, scratching the
floor with legs etc.
• Since they are not exposed to outside sunlight and feed sources, all the nutrients should be provided in balanced
manner to avoid nutritionally deficient diseases.
• Chances for spreading of diseases are more.
3.A. DEEP LITTER SYSTEM

• In this system the birds are kept inside the house all the time.
• Arrangement for feed, water and nest are made inside the house.
• The birds are kept on suitable litter material of about 3” to 5” depth.
• The word litter is used for fresh litter material spread on the floor.
• Usually paddy husk, saw dust, ground nut hulls, chopped paddy straw or wood shavings are used as litter materials.
• This arrangement saves labour involved in frequent cleaning of faecal matter (droppings), however it needs periodical
stirring.
• The litter is spread on the floor in layers of 2” height every fortnightly till the required depth is achieved.

Advantages
• Vit B2 and Vit B12 are made available to birds from the litter material by the bacterial action.
• The welfare of birds is maintained to some extend
• The deep litter manure is a useful fertilizer.
• Lesser nuisance from flies when compared to cage system.

Disadvantages
• Because of the direct contact between bird and litter, bacterial and parasitic disease may be a problem.
• Respiratory problems may emerge due to dust from the litter.
• The cost of litter is an additional expenditure on production cost.
• Faults in ventilation can have more serious consequences than in the cage system

The built up litter

• Deep litter or built up litter is accumulation and decomposition of litter material and excreta until it reaches a depth of
8” to 12”, after an original start of 3” to 5” depth.
• Bacterial action decomposes litter and excreta into crumble form and heat is produced during decomposition which
keeps litter dry and warm.
• If the amount of droppings exceeds the litter, fresh litter will be added to lower the amount of droppings.
• Periodical stirring of the litter should be carried out for an effective functioning of built-up litter.
• After one year, the litter is changed and the decomposed litter is used as good quality manur
• The best built-up litter should be dry, friable and free from obnoxious odour.
• In a slatted floor, iron rods or wood reapers are used as floor, usually 2-3 feet above the ground level to facilitate fall
of droppings through slats.
• Wooden reapers or iron rods of 2” diameter can be used on lengthwise of the house with interspaces of 1” between
rods.

Advantages
• Less floor space per bird is needed when compared to solid floor system.
• Bedding is eliminated
• Manure handling is avoided
 • Increased sanitation
• Saving in labour
• Soil borne infection is controlled

Disadvantages
• Higher initial cost than conventional solid floors
• Less flexibility in the use of the building
• Any spilled feed is lost through the slots
• More fly problem.
•
3.B. SLAT (SLOT) CUM LITTER SYSTEM

• This system is commonly practiced for rearing birds for hatching eggs production, particularly meat-type breeders.
Here, a part of the floor area is covered with slats.
• Usually, 60% of the floor area is covered with slats and rest with litter.
• Feeders and waterers are arranged in both slat and litter area.
• In case of breeder flock, nest boxes are usually kept on litter area.

Advantages
• More eggs can be produced per unit of floor space than all solid floors.
• Fertility is better with the slat cum litter house than with the all-slat house.

Disadvantages
• Housing investment is higher with the slat cum litter house than with the all-litter house.
• The separation of birds from the manure beneath the slats commonly results in fly problems.

3.C. CAGE SYSTEM

• This system involves rearing of poultry on raised wire netting floor in smaller compartments, called cages, either fitted
with stands on floor of house or hanged from the roof.
• It has been proved very efficient for laying operations, right from day-old to till disposal.
• At present, 75% of commercial layers in the world are kept in cages.
• Feeders and waterers are attached to cages from outside except nipple waterers, for which pipeline is installed through
or above cages.
• Auto-operated feeding trolleys and egg collection belts can also be used in this rearing system.
• The droppings are either collected in trays underneath cages or on belts or on the floor or deep pit under cages,
depending on type of cages.

Advantages
• Minimum floor space is needed
• More number of eggs per hen can be received
• Less feed wastage
• Better feed efficiency
• Protection from internal parasites and soil borne illnesses
• Sick and unproductive birds can be easily identified and eliminated.
• Clean eggs production
 • Vices like egg eating, pecking is minimal.
• Broodiness is minimal
• No need of litter material
• Artificial Insemination (AI) can be adopted.

Disadvantages
• High initial investment cost.
• Handling of manure may be problem. Generally, flies become a greater nuisance.
• The incidence of blood spots in egg is more
• Problem of cage layer fatigue. (It is a condition, in which laying birds in cages develop lameness. It may be due to Ca
and P deficiency but the exact reason is not known)
• In case of broilers, incidence of breast blisters is more, especially when the broilers weight is more than 1.5 kg.

In General
Free Range System Semi Intensive System Folding System Intensive System

We can rear about 250 It is necessary to allow A floor space of 1 square 1 square foot
adult birds per hectare. the birds 20-30 square foot should be allowed for should be allowed
per bird of outside run. each bird in the house, for each bird in
and 3 square feet in the the house,
run.
A suitable measurement
for a folding house to take
25 birds is 5 feet wide and
20 feet long.

Types of Cages:

a. Based on the number of birds in a cage, it is classified as

• Single or individual bird cage (Only one bird in a cage)
• Multiple bird cage (From 2 to 10 birds, usually 3 or 4 birds per cage)
• Colony cages (Holding birds more than 11 per cage)

b. Based on the number of rows

• Single-deck
• Double-deck
• Triple-deck
• Four-deck
• Flat-deck

c. Based on arrangement of cages

• Stair-step cages
o M-type cages
o L-type cages
• Battery cages (Vertical cages)
 FLOOR SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Type Age (in weeks) Deep-litter (ft2) Cages (ft2)
Egg-type chicken 0-8 0.60 0.30
9 - 18 1.25 0.50
> 18 1.50 0.65
Meat-type chicken 0-3 0.50 -
4-6 1.00 -

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LECTURE-10

PRODUCTION SYSTEMS FOR BROILER

The following should kept in mind while rearing of broiler at broiler farm.

A- TYPE OF PROGRAMME
a. Controlled
b. Systematic
c. Efficient Management

B- CHICK QUALITY:-
a. Chicks from health parents
b. Free from red hocks
c. Average weight between 3.8 to 4 kg / 100 chicks
d. Uniform size and colour
e. Have completely healed navels
f. Well dry, ruffled and cleanly hatched
g. Alert, active and free from deformities
h. Vaccinated at Hatchery for Marek’s Disease and tested negative to Gumbaro
i. Legs be bright and waxy to touch

C- HOUSING;-
a. Type of housing
b. Size of birds at market age
c. Season, time of the year.

CHIK PLACEMENT

Chicks from similar age flock sources should be placed in house

a. Ensure no unexpected delays
b. Ensure the proper No. of chicks placed in a house
c. Dim shed light during chick placement
d. Placed and distributed near feed and water
e. Weigh the day old chicks
f. Chick boxed should be removed after placement
g. Light should be brought to full intensity within the brooding area
h. Space per chicks under brooder 5’.
i. Space per broiler 1 sq.ft
j. Adequate ventilation and temperature

D- LITTER MANAGEMENT
a. Kind of litter= Rice Husk, Saw Dust, Wood Shavings etc.
b. Condition of Litter= Clean, Dry, New, Free from Dust, Free from Aflatoxind, an aborbant, and soft
c. Depth of Litter=5-7 cms
d. Care= i. Keep free from dust & moisture
ii. Free from injurious material like fungus.
ii. Cover with paper for 5 days
D- LIGHTING
Put on dim light all the night for 3 weeks during brooding.

E- WATERERS
i. 14 to 16 drinkers per 1000 chicks in brooding area
ii. Drinking water per 100 chicks
0-2 weeks age= 2 litres capacity waters
3-8 week age= 3 waters of 1gallon capacity each
iii. Birds for water should not go beyond 3 m distance
iv. Keep wooden board below waters
v. Keep water fresh, clean and cool.
vi, Check water leakage
vii. Disinfect the waters every day5.5 litres of water per bird is necessary for 8 weeks

F- FEEDERES
i. Type- Linear feeder
ii. Space per chicks- 2’
iii. Height- Raise up to height of back of birds
iv. Ration- As per age
v. Feeding space- i. 0-2 weeks- allow 1 linear inch per bird(2.5cm)
ii. 2-3 weeks- allow 2 linear inch per bird(5.0cm)
iii. above 3 weeks- allow 1 linear inch per bird(7.5cm)

G- BROILER HOUSE MANAGEMENT

i. Check electricity and maintain temperature daily
ii. Use solid brooder guard 18’ high and 60 cms away from brooder
iii. Place chick mash in trays
iv. Place waterers between feed trays
v. Chicks first be given 10% sugar water for 15 hours.
H- ROUTINE MEDICATION
i. Electrolytes should be provided and anti stress medication
ii. Antibiotics be given as preventive doses
iii. During first 2 weeks, give Vit E to boost up immunity
iv. Liver tonics and growth promoting be given as per need
v. Water sanitizer as routine practices

I- STRESS MANAGEMENT

Factors causing stress and how to avoid it:-

i. Arrival of chicks.
Avoid dehydration
ii. Brooding Temperature
Maintain Temperature from 0-8 weeks

J- VACCINATION MANAGEMENT
Follow schedule of vaccination for broilers as recommended

K- DISINFECTIONOF HOUSE.
Bacterial load in the shed goes on increasing per batch. If the load increased or resistance power of birds goes down,
there is an outbreak of disease. We don’t experience outbreak normally when the shed is new because the bacterial load is
minimum. Disinfection of house carried out properly
L Do’s and Don’ts of broiler farming.

Do’s
a. Have a proper plan
b. Disease free chicks
c. Supply of chicks regularly
d. Quality feed
e. Ensure proper management

Don’ts
a. Don’t compromise on feed quality
b. Don’t relax the laboures
c. Don’t compromise on cleanliness
d. Don’ over crowd bird
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***GOOD LUCK***