Poultry Farming

Poultry Farming

Poultry is the method of raising various domestic birds like chicken, turkey, emu, ducks, geese, etc. for their eggs or meat. This has been practiced in India for such a long time that it has become an indispensable part of the farming and agriculture system. Since the 1950s poultry farming in India has changed tremendously. From being an unorganized and non-scientific system it has transformed itself to a more systematic, planned, scientific, commercial and organized farming practice. From being a backyard farming practice it is now full-fledged techno-commercial industry.
Globally, India ranks third in the world in egg production and fifth in the world in chicken meat production. Although the production is mainly achieved through commercial means, the rural poultry sector also contributes significantly to the Indian poultry industry. It is looked upon as a reliable economic and nutritional source.

Basic Requirement of Poultry Farming

Poultry farming are of different types such as duck rearing, rearing chicken, quails, turkey, emu, broiler, etc. However the principles and practices underlying are the same. For a successful poultry management the checklist includes proper site selection, site building, chalking the rearing plan, proper knowledge of using the equipment, procuring the various quality inputs from different resources, managing the day to day poultry affairs, constructing the houses and managing the timely marketing.

Choosing Poultry Farm Site

The farm site must be away from the chaos and hustle-bustle of the city. It should be calm and pollution free environment. The farm must have adequate, clean and fresh drinking water sources nearby. Also the site must be free of poultry enemies and predators like foxes and leopards. The site must be easily accessible from main roads. In other words, transportation must be easy and not very difficult. The local markets must also be easily accessible.

Housing for Poultry Farming

Poultry shelters are the next important factor after farm sites in poultry rearing. The shelters must be raised adequately to prevent the risk of flooding. It should be spacious enough to permit free movement and running of the birds. In addition the shelter must be adequately ventilated and protected from sunlight. It is advisable to construct the shelters in a south facing direction. In this way, the birds are not only protected from the harsh sunlight but also permit circulation of fresh, clean air. There should be adequate drainage facilities in the shelter. Also if there is more than one shelter then the distance between two of them must be at least 50 feet. This would ensure proper ventilation and non-accumulation of ammonia inside the shelters. The entrances in the shelter must be fastened properly. Also there should be fencing around the shelter to secure the birds. The shelter design however depends on the breed of poultry, type of production, etc.

Feed

For commercial poultry production, good quality, highly nutritious food is a must. The rate of productivity in birds is very high. They very quickly convert their feed into food products. On a regular basis, they need about 38 nutrients in adequate amounts for their regular diet pattern. The feed can be given in different forms like crumbles, mash or pellets. Mash is the most economical, commonly used and easy to prepare feed. Pellets are prepared by subjecting the mash feed to heat treatment under pressure. As a result the pathogens in the feed are destroyed. This enables the birds to digest the feed and also minimize the wastage. Crumbles are the expensive form of feed wherein the pellets are broken down to granules. In addition to providing the birds with feed they must be given ample amount of clean and fresh drinking water.