Broiler poultry farming stands out as a significant contributor to Kenya’s agriculture and economic sectors. It plays a crucial role in providing a necessary source of protein for the population while also actively participating in the country’s overall economic development. This sector not only addresses nutritional needs but also generates employment opportunities and contributes to the nation’s income. However, the path of broiler farming, like any other form of agriculture, is not without its challenges. In this article, we will take a closer look at the serious problems that may arise at different stages of broiler poultry farming in Kenya.
The importance of broiler poultry farming cannot be overstated, especially in a country where protein intake is a significant health concern. Broilers, or meat chickens, are a primary source of affordable and high-quality protein for many Kenyan households. In addition to meeting dietary needs, the industry contributes significantly to the national economy by creating jobs and generating income for farmers. This dual role underscores the importance of addressing the challenges faced by broiler farmers to ensure the continued success of this essential sector.
Everyone can learn how to observe and understand broilers better and by doing so, you can do more, to improve production, health and the welfare of your birds. besides close observation, it’s important to put the signals in the proper context. Everything may seem normal but you should avoid ‘farm blindness’ in short, keep asking yourself: Is what I’m seeing normal or should it be different?
🔘𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭 ( 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲)
Many factors affect the quality of day-old chicks:
-parent animal
-hatching egg quality
-hatchery
-and transport
But your task is to give the birds the best possible care. Mistakes which are made when the chicks arrive and during the first week can’t be undone later on.
⚪️𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮 (𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀)
The bird needs to start growing and developing its organs, Skeletons and muscles properly.
🟠𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟯 (𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀)
The focus shifts to the Gastrointestinal system. Feed intake increased rapidly and feed type is often changed at this stage, so there is a lot of pressure on the Gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of gut problems.
This is a vulnerable time for chicks ➡️ Pay special attention to droppings.
🔵𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟰 (𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀)
All broilers need to be kept warm in the first few weeks. But by now they are producing so much heat themselves and they have difficulty getting rid of them. This happens mainly through airways➡️ around this time most respiratory problems occur.
🔴𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟱 (𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀)
The broiler house becomes fuller and fuller. why? Because they are busy eating and drinking…and excreting. So , with such a thick blanket, the litter doesn’t dry out easily.
On the other hand, broilers are getting heavier and rest a lot ➡️this leads to foot problems and breast and hock irritation.
🟪𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟲
Another strong Growth spurt, happens in the last week
It’s too late to make any more adjustments now, although avoiding problems around this time makes all the difference between profit and loss.
At slaughter, even more signs become apparent that they are literally under the skin.
They won’t help you around this time but they can help you do things better next time!
Our aim is to provide valuable insights for broiler farmers in Kenya, empowering them to make informed decisions and implement effective measures to enhance the resilience and productivity of their poultry farms. By addressing these issues head-on, we hope to contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of broiler poultry farming in Kenya, ensuring that it continues to play a vital role in meeting the nutritional needs of the population and driving economic development.