LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT-Poultry Farming

Poultry farming means raising various types of domestic birds commercially for the purpose of
meat, eggs and feather production. The most common and widely raised poultry birds are
chicken. About 5k million chickens are being raised every year as a source of food (both meat
and eggs of chicken). The chickens which are raised for eggs are called layer chicken, and the
chickens which are raised for their meat production are called broiler chickens. The UK and
USA consume more meat and eggs of chicken than other countries of the world. On an average
the UK alone consumes more than 29 million chicken eggs everyday. However, in a word
commercial poultry farming is very necessary to meet up the demand of animal nutrition (eggs
and meat). Commercial poultry farming is also very profitable. And commercial poultry farming
business is one of the traditional business ventures. Here we are describing more about the
advantages of poultry farming business and the steps for running this business.

Benefits of Poultry Farming

Poultry farming business has numerous benefits. As a result many farmers prefer to invest in this
business. People generally establish poultry farm for the purpose of producing eggs, meat and
generating high revenue from these products. Billions of chickens are being raised throughout
the world as a good source of food from their eggs and meat. However, here I am shortly
describing the main benefits of poultry farming.

The main benefit of poultry farming is, it doesnt require high capital for starting. You
need just basic capital to start raising poultry. And most of the poultry birds are not costly
enough to start raising.
Poultry farming doesnt require a big space unless you are going to start commercially.
You can easily raise some birds on your own backyard with one or numerous coops or
cages. So, if you are interested in poultry farming, then you can easily do it on your own
backyard with several birds.
Commercial poultry farming business also ensure high return of investment within a very
short period. Some poultry birds like broiler chickens take shorter duration of time to
mature and generating profit.
Poultry farm structures do not require high maintenance. You can minimize diseases and
illness in poultry by following proper hygiene and care. Diseases are less in some poultry
birds like quails, turkeys etc.
In most cases, you dont need any licence. Because almost all types of poultry birds are
domestic. Although, if you need licence from the relevant authority it is also easy for
poultry.
Poultry provides fresh and nutritious food and has a huge global demand. Global
consumers of poultry products prefer them due to their nutrients and freshness. Poultry
products are not much expensive and most of the people can afford those.
Marketing poultry products is very easy. There is an established market for poultry
products in almost all places of the world. So, you dont have to think about marketing
your products. You can easily sell the products in your nearest local market.
Poultry farming creates income and employment opportunities for the people.
Unemployed educated youth can easily create a great income and employment
opportunity for them by raising poultry commercially. Women and students can also do
this business along with their daily activities.
 Almost all bank approve loans for this types of business venture. So, if you want to start
this business commercially, then you can apply for loans to your local banks.
There are many more benefits of poultry farming along with the above mentioned
benefits. Start raising and you will gradually learn everything.

Various Methods of Poultry Farming

Worldwatch institute described that, about 74% of total poultry meat and 68% of total poultry
eggs produced from intensive poultry farming method. Free range farming is the other alternative
method of intensive poultry farming. Free range farming method is used for large number of
poultry birds with high stocking density. There are some basic differences between intensive
and free range poultry farming. Intensive poultry farming method is a highly efficient system
which saves, land, feed, labor and other resources and increases production. In this system the
poultry farming environment is fully controlled by the farmer. So, it ensures continuous
production throughout the year in any environment and seasons. Intensive poultry farming has
some disadvantages too. Some people says intensive system creates health risks, abuse the
animals and harmful for environment. On the other hand free range poultry farming method
requires a large place fro raising the birds and the production is about the same as intensive
method. However, in the case of both intensive and free range poultry farming method the
producers must have to use nationally approved medications like antibiotics regularly to keep the
poultry birds free from diseases.

Layer Poultry Farming

The poultry birds which are raised for egg production are called layer poultry. Commercial hen
generally starts laying eggs at the age of 12-20 weeks. They start laying eggs regularly at their 25
weeks of age. After 70-72 weeks of age egg production of layer poultry get reduced. For
commercial layer poultry farming, producers generally keep the hens for 12 months from their
first laying period. And then sell them for slaughter purpose. Although chickens naturally
survive for more than 6 years. For re-invigorating egg laying, the hens are force moulted in some
countries. For commercial egg laying poultry farming systems, the environmental conditions are
often automatically controlled by the producers. For a simple example, presence of light helps
the bird for laying eggs earlier. So, the producers should provide more lightening period to
increase the probability of beginning laying eggs. The egg-laying birds lays more eggs in warmer
months than the cold months. So, keeping the temperature of the room moderate will be very
helpful for better egg production. Some commercial egg laying chicken breeds can produce more
than 300 eggs a year. Layer poultry are raised in various methods. The common and most
popular layer poultry farming systems are described shortly below.

Free Range Farming: Free range poultry farming means providing freely roaming
facilities to the poultry birds for a certain period of a day. Although they are kept inside
the house at night to keep them free from predators and adverse weather. In free range
farming method the poultry birds generally roam freely throughout the whole day. Which
means they spent half of their life outside the house. For free range poultry farming
system select a suitable land which has the facilities of adequate drainage system, good
ventilation, appropriate protection from prevailing winds, good protection from all types
of predators and free from excessive cold, heat or dampness. Excessive cold, heat and
damp is very harmful for poultry birds and reduce their productivity. This system also
requires less feed than cage and barn systems. The poultry manure from free range
farming used as fertilizer for crops directly. Although free range farming method is very
suitable for poultry birds but it has some difficulties too. In this system the poultry birds
can be victim of predators easily and may caught by various type of diseases.

Organic Method: Organic layer poultry rearing system is also one type of free range
farming system. But the main differences between the two systems are, in free range
farming method a large numbers of poultry birds are raised together but in organic
method a certain species of poultry bird are raised in small group with low stocking
density. Organic laying system has some restrictions in the routine use of synthetic yolk
 colourants, water, feed, medications, other feed additives and obviously a smaller group
size with low stocking density. In organic laying system the producer should keep highest
1000 poultry birds per hector and maximum 2000 birds in each house.

Yarding Method: Yarding poultry farming method is such a method in which cows and
chickens are raised together. The farmer make a fence in his yard and keep all the poultry
birds and cattle there together. The birds and cattle has the freedom of movement inside
the fence. It is a very popular system used by small farmer.

Battery Cage Method: Battery cage layer poultry rearing method is one of the very
common methods used in many countries. In this system usually small sized metal cages
are used. Every cages can accommodate about 3 to 8 hens. The walls of the cages are
generally made of mesh or solid metal and the floor is made of sloped wire mesh which
allow the faeces to drop down. When the hens lays eggs, then all the eggs gather in the
egg collecting conveyor belt of the cage. In this system food is provided in front of the
hens by a long bisected metal or plastic pipe and water served to them by using overhead
nipple systems. The cages are arranged in long rows in one above another system. There
may have several floors in a single shade which can keep many even thousands of hens
together. For reducing feather and vent pecking, the light intensity is generally kept lower
than 10 lux. The battery cage method has some benefits. The main benefits of battery
cage are listed below.

1. It is very easy to care for the birds.

2. Very easy to collect eggs.
3. Cleaner eggs.
4. Requires less feed to produce eggs.
5. Thousands of hens may be housed in a specific floor space of the house.
6. The birds suffers less by internal parasites.
7. Labor cost is very low.

Besides those benefits battery cage system has some difficulties too. By rearing large number of
hens in a small place the air inside the house may contain high ratio of co2. The hens cant get
sufficient space to walk, flap their wings, stand or perch. For this reason they may suffer by
frustration and boredom and their behaviors may change which affect their production. Battery
cage system is banned in some countries because it is considerate as against the animal welfare.

Furnished Cage Method: Furnished cage method is a developed version of battery cage
system. In this system the hens get more spaces and facilities than battery cage system. A
furnished cage for hens should contain sufficient space for walk, perch, flap their wings,
nest, special feed and water pot etc.

Broiler Poultry Farming

The poultry birds which are raised for commercial meat production are called broiler poultry. By
using modern farming methods broiler chickens become suitable for consumption within their 5
to 6 weeks of age. However, see the common raising systems which are mostly used for
commercial broiler poultry farming.

Indoor Raising Methods: In this method broilers are kept inside a house. Rice hulls,
wood shavings, peanut shells etc. are used as litter in the floor of the house. In this system
the broilers are kept in a large and open house (known as growout houses) and they
become suitable for consumption within their 5 to 6 weeks of age. This types of poultry
houses are well equipped with mechanical systems for delivering the feed and water to
the poultry birds. Well ventilation system, coolers and heaters are must. It is very
important to keep the house always dry and clean. Generally a house of 400 feet long and
40 feet wide can accommodate about 20,000 birds. One-half square feet space is required
per bird.

Free-Range Methods: In free-range broiler farming methods the broilers are kept like
the free-range layers. The broiler breeds which grows slowly(takes more than 8 weeks for
reaching slaughter weight) are suitable for raising in this systems. The main facilities of
free-range farming systems is that, it allows the birds scratching, foraging, pecking and
outdoor exercise.

Organic Farming Methods: Organic farming method is almost the same as free-range
farming systems. But the main difference is that, in organic farming methods the birds are
not allowed for randomly using of in-feed or in-water medications, other food additives
and synthetic amino acids. This system is very suitable for the poultry breeds which reach
slaughter weight slowly(around 12 weeks).
Some Popular Poultry Breeds For Farming
There are some popular and mostly raised poultry birds. Among them chickens, turkeys, quails
etc. are mostly raised poultry birds.

Chicken
Turkey
Quail
Ostrich
Duck
Pigeon
Peacock

Poultry Housing
Good and suitable housing play a vital role in raising all types of poultry birds. Some birds grow
and live happily in the floor of poultry house and some in cages. Depending on the birds, you
have to make a suitable house for your birds and ensure availability of all types of necessary
facilities for them. Consider the following aspects while building houses for your poultry birds.

Always keep sufficient space in your poultry house, depending on the birds. So that your
birds can live, grow and produce happily. Never overcrowded the poultry house.
Good ventilation system is a must. Ensure that you poultry houses are well ventilated.
You also have to ensure sufficient flow of fresh air and light inside the house.
If you go for commercial production, keep proper distance between one house to another
house.
Clean the house and equipment on a regular basis. Sterilize the house before bringing
new chicks into your farm.
Take necessary steps for preventing all types of predators and harmful animals.
Make good temperature management so that you birds do not suffer by excessive hot or
cold.
Make suitable drainage system inside the house for cleaning it properly.
Making poultry houses in calm and quite place is always a good idea. See our housing
guides for various types of poultry birds.

Feeding
Feeding high quality, fresh and nutritious food always ensure good health, proper growth and
high production. So, always feed your poultry birds healthy and nutritious feeds. Add all types of
necessary vitamins and minerals to their feed. Commercial poultry feeds for various types of
birds are available in the market. You can easily feed this to your birds. Along with feeding your
birds high quality and nutritious feeds, always serve them sufficient amount of fresh and clean
water according to their demand.

Care & Management

Always take good care of your birds. Learn more about various types of poultry diseases,
symptoms and treatment. Vaccinate the birds timely. Provide them nutritious feed and clean
water. Clean their house on a regular basis.
Marketing
Marketing process of various types of poultry products are very easy. Poultry products have a
huge demand globally. So you dont have to worry about marketing your products. You can
easily sell your farm products in your nearest local market or big supermarkets.

DUCK
Duck farming is very popular and absolutely a lucrative business. Ducks are highly available
around the world. There are numerous meat and egg productive duck breeds available throughout
the world. All the present domestic ducks around the glove come from the wild birds. Those wild
birds wonder around the world, and some of them have been domesticated as a good source of
food. Almost all those wild birds are from mallard species. Incidentally, all hen of the world
comes from red wild hen. You might know that, ducks are aquatic organism. Some people think
that, duck without water and pond without water are the same. Even, some people think, ducks
cant live without water. But its totally wrong. You can not imagine pond without water, but
duck can be raised without water. Thousands of ducks can be raised without water by keeping
them inside house, in the same way you raise chickens or other types of poultry birds. But, keep
in mind that, in case of raising ducks without water your ducks will lay unfertilized egg. That
means you cant hatch the eggs for producing ducklings. If you want fertile eggs, male ducks and
water are essential. You can easily raise ducks without water, they just need water for
reproduction or mating purposes.

Advantages of Duck Farming

There are numerous advantages of starting duck farming business. In many countries, ducks rank
next to chicken for meat and egg production. You can raise ducks in both commercial and small
scale meat or egg production purpose. Even, you can raise some ducks on your own backyard
with other birds or animals. Some notable advantages of duck farming business are shortly
described here.

Ducks need less expensive, simple and non-elaborate housing facilities. As a result
housing costs are very less for setting up commercial duck farming business.
Ducks are very hardy bird and they need less care or management. They can adopt
themselves with almost all types of environmental conditions.
They lay eggs either at night or in the morning. So you can collect their fresh eggs every
morning :). And you can do your other work during rest of the day and you dont have to
spend time for caring your ducks.
You need comparatively less space for raising ducks. Ducks have comparatively shorter
brooding period and ducklings grow faster. Ducklings grow so fast that, you can dispense
artificial heat within their 5 to 7 days. Although they will require a little longer heating
period during cold months.
Ducks are highly resistant to the common avian diseases.
You can feed your ducks with a wide variety of foods. A ducks regular food includes
cassava, copra, corn, rice, fruits and any other low cost and easily available foods. They
also have the natural tendency of foraging on aquatic weeds, algae, green legumes, fungi,
earthworms, maggots, snails, various types of insects etc. which directly reduce feeding
cost.
You can also use your ducks for controlling apple snails or some other harmful insects
from your garden.
Ducks have less mortality rate and usually they live longer than chickens. In case of egg
production, ducks lay eggs for a long time period.
Duck products such as eggs and meat have a great demand in the local and international
market. So commercial duck farming business can be a great source of earning. There are
already many successful farmers who are making a high profit from their duck farming
business.
Duck farming business can also be a stable employment source. Young unemployed
educated people can join this business and make their own employment source.

Peculiarity of Ducks
The body of the ducks is fully covered with oily feathers, so water cant directly enter inside
their body. Ducks have a layer of fat under their skin, which helps them from getting wet. For
this reason, if ducks spend a couple of hours in water, their body remain dry. Another peculiarity
of duck is their legs. There are three fingers on their legs and covered with thin skin (which is
called web). It works as the paddle of a boat. Finger ends in nail. Some species of ducks use
their nails for defending themselves. Generally the lip of ducks are red or orange colored and
become very strong. With this lip they can eat moss, insects, fish egg, hard snail etc. They send
almost everything inside their stomach, which they found between their lip. Usually hens lay egg
all over the day, but ducks lay eggs at night or in the morning. So dont allow your ducks to go
out from their house before 9 am. If you observe ducks very closely, you will find that they are
very clever and intelligent. You can spent your leisure time easily by watching their activities.
Ducks Feed
Ducks generally eat almost all types of food they find edible. You can feed your ducks like
chickens. But you have to add some extra additives into duck feed. As some ducks lay more eggs
than hens, so you have to be very careful about feeding your ducks. Add necessary nutrient
elements in their diet. Always provide your ducks nutritious feed according to the various types
of duck breeds and their growth rate. For small scale or domestic duck farming, you can feed
your ducks rich bran, kitchen waste and a plenty of snails. Always keep in mind that, ducks eat a
lot of food daily. So you have to feed them well-balanced food if you want proper egg and meat
production.

Ducks Eggs and Meat Market

Marketing duck products (egg and meat) is very easy. People all over the world like duck egg
and meat from the ancient time. In some areas, people like duck eggs and meat more than
chicken meat or eggs. Duck eggs are usually larger in size than chicken eggs. In some areas duck
meat is less popular than their eggs. However, there is no tension about the marketing of ducks
eggs and meat. You can try to determine the demand of duck products in your local market.

Duck Breeds
There are numerous duck breeds available throughout the world. Although all of those breeds are
not suitable for commercial duck farming business. Some of those breeds are suitable for egg
production and some are ideal for commercial meat production. Usually ducks are of three types
according to their production type.

Meat productive duck breeds

Egg productive duck breeds
Famous for both meat and egg production.

Meat Duck Breeds

There are numerous duck breeds available which are famous for meat production. Peking,
Ayleshbari, Maskovi, Ruel Kagua and the Swiden ducks are most popular for meat production.
Usually meat productive male ducks weight about 5 kg and female weight about 4 kg.

Layer Duck Breeds

Indian Runner is a popular layer duck breed and very famous for their egg production capability.
There are three types of Indian runner ducks available. White and grayish Indian runners are
good layers. Khaki Campbell ducks are also very popular duck breed for high egg production.

Meat & Layer Duck Breeds

Khaki Campbell ducks are suitable for both meat and egg production. They came from Indian
Runner and Ruel Kagua. Indian runners are famous for egg production and second one is popular
for meat production.

Housing
The main advantages of duck farming is their simple accommodation. Making a duck house is
very easy. You can keep your ducks in low, high, wet, dry and any other places. Ducks like
watery and wet place to live. You can easily make a suitable place for your ducks by using a big
fruit basket, wood-speech or oil drum. Just put these in a suitable place. Always make a door for
entrancing and exiting, wherever you keep the ducks. The door need to be high enough. Because
duck enter inside the house raising their head higher. Their house must have to be well ventilated
and you have to ensure sufficient flow of fresh air inside the house. Usually each duck will
require 2 to 3 square feet flooring space. You also have to be ensure the safety of your ducks.
Keep them free from all types of harmful animals or predators, especially from fox and dog. If
you want to keep your ducks like chickens, in a concrete floored house, then you have to make a
deep liter inside the house. And it will be better if the liter depth between 5-6 inches. In this
system, your ducks will lay eggs on the floor.
Breeding
Water is a must for breeding purpose. Usually ducks dont mate without water. One male duck is
sufficient for breeding 10 female ducks. Usually high quality and productive duck breeds start
laying eggs at their five months of age. Each egg weights about 50 to 60 grams. You can use
hens for hatching the eggs, instead of ducks. Do not keep the newly born ducklings in water
during their first week, after birth. Because they can get cold if you allow them to water. Usually
duck eggs take about 28 days to hatch. During the hatching period, sprinkle the eggs with water
occasionally (two or three times per week). You can use both electronic or diesel incubators for
hatching their eggs. But many farmer prefer hens than incubator for hatching.

Storing Eggs
You have to store the eggs properly. You can use refrigerator for storing the eggs. Lime water or
pyraphine can be used for egg storing purpose. Some people also use actinium glass water.

Sex Determination
It is not so difficult to determine the sex of newly born duckling. Raise up the tail of the duckling
and press on its ass. If you notice there is a penis like thorn, then it will be male. And if not then
it will definitely be a female duck. The easiest way to determine male ducks is, the tail feathers
of male ducks are curled up.

Marketing
Before marketing duck eggs, clean the dirt of egg shell perfectly. Dont wash the eggs with
water. You can clean the eggs with knife, soiled paper or towel. Use egg basket or carton for
caring eggs from one place to another place. You should choose such cartoon so that each
cartoon can contain at least 30 eggs. You can also use bamboo basket, wooden box and other
things for transporting eggs to the market or another destination. Make a deep layer of straw or
rice bran if you use such boxes for caring eggs.
However, for making maximum profits from duck farming business, you have to be more careful
on taking care of ducks, feed management, accommodation, brooding and marketing. If all the
process are done well, then you can make a handsome income from this business.