© Sam obare 1

1. LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 5
(POULTRY PDODUCTION)
15-May-22
 Parts of an egg
2

© Sam obare 15-May-22

3

1. Shell- It is the outer covering 2. Shell membrane- It forms the

of the egg consisting of calcium inner lining of the shell.
and phosphorus compounds  It is made up of two membranes
which make it hard. (inner and outer) whose contact is
Functions. not easy to identify.
 They separate at the broad end to
i. It gives the egg its shape. form air space/air sac/air cell.
ii. Protects the inner parts of the Functions.
egg.
i. Outer and inner membranes
iii. It allows gaseous exchange separate to form air space. The air
because it is porous. trapped is used by the developing
iv. Prevents entry of micro- embryo during incubation.
organisms. ii. Determine the egg shape.
iii. Protect inner parts of the egg.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

4

3. Air space/air sac/air cell- It 4. The yolk- It is yellow in

is formed at the broad end of the
egg enclosed by two membranes. colour and spherical.
 It is used for gaseous exchange.  It contains nutrients (i.e.
Formation. vitamins, fats, minerals and
 It is formed immediately the egg is proteins.
laid.
 The body temperature in a hen is
Functions.
higher than outside. i. Stores nutrients for the
 Once the egg is laid the lower embryo.
temperature on the outside causes
the contraction of the egg contents ii. Carries the germinal disc
creating the space which fills with which develops into the
air.
embryo.

15-May-22 © Sam obare

5

5. Albumen/Egg white.- it is 6. The chalaza- It is a white dense

jelly-like colourless fluid when mass of fluid.
fresh and turns white when  It consists of two twisted cords.
cooked.
Functions.
Parts of egg albumen
i. Hold the yolk in central position of
i. Chalaza the egg
ii. Chalaziferous membrane. ii. The two chalazae hold the yolk from
iii. Thin albumen both ends of the egg ensuring the egg
iv. Thick albumen. yolk/ germinal disc always move to
the top position.
Functions
 This is important during incubation for
a) Surrounds the yolk the purpose of heat transfer to the
b) Stores food for developing developing embryo.
embryo/ chick.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
c) Acts as a shock absorber.
 Incubation of eggs
6

 Egg incubation is the 3. They should have smooth

embryonic development of a shells.
fertilized egg into a chick under 4. The should be oval in shape.
correct conditions which will
ensure that a chick is finally 5. They should be free from any
hatched. cracks in the shells.
Selection of eggs for 6. They should be clean to ensure
incubation. that the pores are open.
 Eggs selected for incubation
7. They should not have any
should have the following abnormalities e.g. blood spots,
characteristics: meat spots, or double yolk.
1. They should be fertile. 8. They should be fresh i.e.
collected within one week.
2. They should be of medium size
(55-60 grams).

© Sam obare 15-May-22

7

Study question. Egg abnormalities

List the qualities of shell A. Internal abnormalities.
considered when selecting 1. Blood/meat spots within the yolk.
eggs for incubation.
2. Double yolks- two yolks
1. Texture/smoothness. surrounded by one membrane.
2. Absence of cracks. 3. Egg within egg- two complete
3. Cleanliness. yolks each with its own
4. Oval in shape. membrane seen in one egg.
4. Yolkless eggs
External abnormalities.
i. Thin shelled eggs.
ii. Thin cracks on the shell.
iii. Very porous shells.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

8

EGG CANDLING.
 This is a method of

examining the internal

conditions of an egg for
abnormalities by looking
at it against strong light in
a dark room.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

9

Procedure of egg candling.  It is done at least twice during

 The egg is placed over a hole
incubation i.e. after 5-7 days/1
made on a cardboard box. week to check for fertility (if
fertile, blood veins will be seen),
 A light under the box is then put
and on 18th day to confirm the
on. presence of a chick.
 The observer then looks at the
 On 18th day the following are
egg against the light below observed:
Reasons for candling. i. A large dark section of
i. To check egg abnormalities. developing chick.
ii. To monitor chick development ii. A small clear section of air
during incubation. space.
iii. To check whether the egg is
fertile.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

10

What is observed through candling. Conditions that reduce hatchability.

1. The size of air space/ cell. 1. Presence of cracks.
2. Whether the egg is fertile or not. If it is fertile, 2. Double yolks.
the germinal disc will be seen as a black spot.
3. Having no yolk.
3. Whether the yolk has blood spots.
4. Meat/Blood spots.
4. Whether the shell has hair cracks.
5. Rough shell.
5. Whether the egg shell is broken.
6. Unfertilized egg.
6. Whether the shell is very porous
7. Very small/tiny eggs.
Conditions that reduce the quality of eggs for
hatching 8. Eggs older than one week.
i. Dirty eggs. Causes of soft shelled eggs.
ii. Abnormal size/ undersize eggs/ oversize eggs. 1. Lack of calcium in the feed.
iii. Irregular/ broken/ soft shell. 2. Diseases e.g. Newcastle.
iv. Internal abnormalities.
v. Poor storage/ long storage beyond 5 days.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

 Methods of incubation.
11

A. NATURAL Signs of broodiness in hen/

INCUBATION. poultry.
 This is where a hen is 1. The hen stops laying eggs.
allowed to sit on eggs to 2. The hen sits on eggs for
provide optimum conditions long periods/ continuously.
for embryonic
development/hatching. 3. The hen plucks off feathers
to make the nest.
 It is done through a broody
hen. 4. The hen is aggressive when
approached/ walks with
wings open.
5. The hen makes a
characteristic cracking
sound.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
 © Sam obare 15-May-22

12

Preparation and management of  Provide the hen with balanced feed

natural incubation. and water.
 Provide the broody hen with a nesting  Dust the hen with appropriate
box which should be spacious to allow insecticides to control external
free movement of the hen. parasites.
 Provide the nesting material in the  Allow the hen to go out at least once
nesting box to maintain warmth. to exercise and feed.
 Provide the broody hen with 10-15  Do not disturb the hen when the
eggs/ put the eggs in the nesting box. eggs start hatching.
 Keep the nest in a dry and well
ventilated area.
13

Qualities of a good laying/

nesting box.
i. Should be dimly lit/dark.
ii. It should be spacious.
iii. Should have dry beddings to
keep it warm.
iv. Kept in secluded parts of
the house.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

14

Advantages of natural Disadvantages of natural

incubation. incubation.
1. It is cheap/a small-scale farmer 1. Only few chicks can be hatched
who cannot afford the at a time by one hen.
incubator can multiply the 2. The farmer cannot plan when
flocks using this method. to incubate.
2. It is less laborious and there is 3. Diseases can easily be
no need of turning the eggs and transmitted from infected hen
checking the temperatures. to chicks after hatching.
3. Little skill is required. 4. Hens can only be used when
4. The margin of risk is reduced. broody.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

15

B. ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 2. Fresh air/ ventilation- there

 In this method, all the conditions should be enough fresh air circulation
necessary for hatching are provided because oxygen is necessary for
artificially in a device called incubator. embryonic development.
Conditions necessary for artificial  Ventilation facilitates gaseous exchange
incubation. and helps to control humidity.
1. Temperature- it is necessary for 3. Relative humidity- it should be
embryonic development. maintained at 60%.
 It should be maintained at 37.5-39.4  Low humidity causes the embryo to lose
degrees celcius. moisture and die.
 Lower or higher temperatures would kill
 High humidity lowers hatchability and
the developing embryo. leads to production of bigger chicks
which look marshy.
 It is maintained by placing a damp cloth
or water in a tray within an incubator.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

16

Incubator Incubator

© Sam obare 15-May-22

17

4. Egg turning- this is done along  Turn the eggs after every 6-8
the axis of the egg at 45 degrees daily but in the first 24 hours and
from vertical and each time in the last 3 days the eggs should
different directions. not be turned.
 This is to avoid the germinal disc  Remove any infertile egg on the
sticking onto the egg shell leading to 5th day and any broken egg.
lack of hatchability.  Add water/place a damp cloth to
 Wrong turning of the egg may maintain humidity.
result in breakage of blood vessels.  Maintain the temperature at the
Preparation and management of appropriate range.
artificial incubation/ incubator.  Ensure that there is proper
 Clean and fumigate/ disinfect the ventilation.
incubator before putting the eggs  Transfer the eggs into the
and put it in a clean room. hatching compartment after 19th
 Set well selected eggs. day.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
18

Advantages of artificial Disadvantages of artificial

incubation. incubation.
1. Many chicks can be hatched i. The incubator is expensive
at a time. to buy hence capital
2. It is possible to plan when investment is high.
to hatch. ii. It requires more labour
3. It is easier to control iii. It requires more skill than
diseases and parasites. natural method.
4. The incubator is usually iv. It involves high risks of
ready when required. damaging all the eggs or
embryos if management is
poor.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
19

Sources of chicks Examples of reputable

 When sourcing fro day-old hatchery.
chicks the following 1. Muguku poultry farm,
factors are considered: kikuyu.
1. The reputation of the 2. Lake chicks hatchery,
supplier. Kisumu.
2. Time taken from the 3. Kenchick poultry
hatchery and the farm. hatcheries, Athi River.
3. Type of chicks available. 4. Stockplan hatccheries,
Mombasa.
5. Stigma suppliers,
Nairobi.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
 BROODING
20

 Brooding refers to rearing of Advantages of natural

chicks. brooding.
Methods of brooding i. It is cheap.
A. NATURAL BROODING. ii. It requires less labour.
 The hen is allowed to take care of Disadvantages of natural
the chicks. brooding.
 The hen provides warmth and i. It is only possible when hens
protection to the chicks. go broody.
 Feeds and water are provided to ii. It lowers egg production
the hen and chicks. during brooding.
 The hen stays with the chicks
until they are ready to take care
of themselves.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

21

B. ARTIFICIAL BROODING.  Provide proper litter/ wood

 In this method, chicks are kept in a
shavings on the floor.
structure called artificial brooder  Maintain the proper ventilation by
for 6-8 weeks after hatching. adjusting the openings.
Preparation of the brooder before  Maintain appropriate temperature
arrival of the chicks. range according to the age of chicks.
 Ensure brooder corners are  Spread the newspapers on litter and
rounded. sprinkle chick mash on them.
 Provide enough brooding space  Provide fire guard around the heat
depending on the number and age of source.
chicks.  Provide fresh, adequate and quality
 Clean and disinfect the brooder/ chick mash.
equipment.  Provide the brooder with reliable
and appropriate lighting/ dim light.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

22

Management after arrival of  Isolate and treat sick birds.

chicks.  Debeak 8-10 days towards the
 Remove the newspapers when end of brooding.
the chicks learn to feed from the  Keep proper records.
feeders.
 Provide adequate waterers/
 Control the parasites using
feeders.
appropriate methods.
 Provide clean water.
 Vaccinate the chicks to control
diseases. Chicks should be  Provide glucose in water when
vaccinated against gumboro chicks appear weak.
disease after 2 weeks, newcastle  Gradually introduce growers
at 3-4 weeks of age and fowl mash at 7th week.
typhoid at 7 weeks of age.  Introduce perches/ roosts from
 Provide prophylactic drugs/ 6th week.
coccidiostats against coccidiosis.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
23

Brooder Brooder

© Sam obare 15-May-22

24

Requirements/ qualities of 3. Equipment- they include:

artificial brooder. a) Feeders- should have
1. Litter – it is made from wood adequate feeders to allow for
shavings/saw dust to maintain proper feeding without
warmth, absorbs moisture and overcrowding.
keep the chicks busy  They should be made in a such a
preventing cannibalism. way that the chicks do not step
2. Proper ventilation/ fresh or defecate on the feeds.
air.- should have holes on the  To check whether the feeder are
walls for ventilation to allow enough the farmer observes
proper gaseous exchange. whether the chicks are feeding
without overcrowding.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

 © Sam obare 15-May-22

25

b) Waterers- should have adequate 5. Shape of the brooder- It should be

waterers to allow for proper watering round to :
of chicks without overcrowding. i) Prevent overcrowding of chicks at the
 They should be kept clean and made in a corners which may cause suffocation.
such a way that the chicks do not step or ii) To distribute heat evenly in the
defecate on them. brooder.
 They should have the pointed top on 7. Heat source- heat sources e.g.
which the chicks cannot perch. electric bulbs, lantern, kerosine and gas
burners should be provided and
5. Lighting-to allow chicks to see feeds
controlled to maintain correct
and water.
temperatures within the brooder.
- Dim or dull lights are recommended  There should be a wire guard round the
because too blight light has blinding effects heat source to prevent the chicks from
on chicks and influence toe pecking. being burnt when they crowd around it.
 The temperature should be maintained at
the optimum range.
26

© Sam obare 15-May-22

27

Methods of checking temperature in Behavior of chicks under heat stress.

the brooder i. They move away from the heat
1. Use of a thermometer. source.
2. Checking the behavior of chicks. ii. Opening/ spreading of wings.
 When the chicks move away from the iii. They lie flat on their bellies.
heat source then the temperature is iv. Drinking a lot of water.
high.
v. Opening of beaks.
 If they overcrowd around the heat
source then the temperature is low. Causes of high mortality of one day
old chicks.
 If they overcrowd at one side then
there is draught from the opposite i. Coldness/chillness.
side. ii. Too much heat.
 When temperature is optimum then iii. Lack of feeds and water.
the chicks are evenly spread all over
the brooder floor. iv. Parasites attack.
v. Disease attack.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

28 © Sam obare 15-May-22
 Management/rearing of growers/pullets (between
9th week-point of lay) in a poultry house.
29

 Provide adequate floor space/ Provide  Provide enough waterers and feeders.
enough space/avoid overcrowding.  Provide enough roosts and perches.
 Feed growers mash ad libitum.  Clean and disinfect the waterers and
 Supplement with grains. feeders regularly.
 Hang greens/ vegetables in the house to  Keep litter dry by regular turning/
keep them busy / prevent to provide scattering grains on the floor for the
vitamins. birds to scratch.
 Introduce soluble grit during the last  Introduce layers mash gradually from
week which will help in digestion and to 18th week.
provide calcium important for shell  Separate and treat sick birds.
formation.
 Provide feed and clean water ad libitum.
 Vaccinate against diseases.
 Dust against ecto -parasites.
 Drench against endo- parasites.
 Control predators.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

 Management of layers in a poultry
house.
30

 Provide enough space/ Provide enough  Dispose off broken eggs.

space/avoid overcrowding.  Debeak when necessary.
 Keep the litter dry by scattering some grains on  Cull poor layers and cannibals.
the floor for exercise and turning of litter or
regular turning.  Isolate and treat sick birds.
 Hang greens for exercise, provide vitamins and  Vaccinate against newcastle and fowl
prevent cannibalism. typhoid diseases every 6 months.
 Provide enough roosts and perches for birds to  Avoid stress factors.
perch on.  Dust against ectoparasites.
 Provide enough feeders and waterers.  Deworm against endoparasites.
 Keep the equipment clean.  Keep proper records.
 Provide layers mash or pellets and clean water  Provide enough laying nests.
ad libitum.
 Supplement with grains and minerals.
 Provide soluble grit or oyster shell which
encourages strong shelled eggs and efficient
digestion.
 Collect eggs twice a day (at noon and evening).
© Sam obare 15-May-22
31

Causes of low egg production 9. Presence of predators

in layers. /strangers.
1. Overcrowded housing. 10. Sudden changes of feeds.
2. Fighting /pecking/ 11. Sudden noise.
cannibalism. 12. Sudden change in weather.
3. Lack of adequate clean water. 13. Disease infestation.
4. Parasite infestation. 14. Inferior/poor feeds.
5. Inadequate feeding. 15. Inadequate laying nests.
6. Old age.
7. Broodiness.
8. Inadequate waterers/feeders.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
32

Management practices that Categories of poultry feeds

ensure maximum egg production. i. Chick marsh
1. Proper feeding ii. Growers marsh
2. Provision of enough laying nests iii. Layers marsh
3. Proper housing iv. Broiler starter marsh
4. Parasite and disease control v. Broiler follow on
5. Regular collection of eggs vi. Broiler finisher
6. Provision of correct light intensity
7. Protection from predators
8. Debeaking to stop cannibalism
9. Provision of greens to keep them
busy and for exercise

© Sam obare 15-May-22

 Management/rearing of broilers in a
poultry house.
33

 Feed the chicks on broiler starter  Maintain hygiene in the house.

mash.  Dust against ectoparasites.
 The feed should contain coccidiostat  Deworm against endoparasites.
to control coccidiosis.  Vaccinate against common diseases
e.g. new castle.
 Provide enough feed with high level
 Dispose off dead chicken properly.
of proteins, vitamins and mineral
 Provide adequate waterers and
salts and clean water which are feeders.
essential for rapid earlier growth..  Keep the litter dry and free from
 Gradually introduce broiler finisher dust.
mash.  Ensure adequate supply of greens
and grains.
 Have the correct stocking rate.
 Isolate and treat sick birds.
 Ensure proper ventilation.  Keep proper records.
 Provide dim light.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
34

Practices that help in control of Measures observed to prevent disease outbreak

parasites and diseases in a in poultry house/ Management practices that
poultry house. ensure proper hygiene in poultry house.
i. Vaccination against diseases. i. Provide a foot bath at the entrance.
ii. Dusting against ecto parasites. ii. Screen the poultry house against dust and wild
iii. Deworming against endo birds.
parasites.
iii. Remove any dead birds and dispose off properly.
iv. Treating sick birds.
iv. Control visitors into the poultry houses.
v. Isolating sick/dead birds to
prevent the spread of diseases. v. Regularly clean and disinfect feeders and waterers.
vi. Washing and disinfecting vi. Ensure that the feed is free from pathogens.
waterers and feeders. vii. Isolate/cull sick birds.
vii. Keeping the litter dry. viii. Treat sick birds.
viii. Providing a foot bath at the
entrance to prevent ix. Replace old and wet litter/turn litter regularly.
infections. x. Avoid dampness in the house
© Sam obare 15-May-22
 POULTRY REARING SYSTEMS.
35

Factors affecting the choice of a  The rearing systems include:

rearing system. A. Extensive system.
i. Availability of land for rearing. B. Semi-intensive system.
ii. Topography of land to facilitate C. Intensive system.
drainage.
iii. Availability of labour. A. Free range system .
iv. Availability of appropriate  This is an extensive system where
equipment. the hens are allowed to move freely
v. Availability of capital. in a fenced ground with a simple
vi. Security. house to provide shelter at night.
vii. Availability of market.  Laying nests are also placed in this
house.
viii. Knowledge of the farmer.
 Feed and water troughs are placed
outside but protected from rain by a
simple shelter.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

36

Requirements of free range c) House- it should be

system constructed to provide
a) Land- it must be large, shelter and an area for
well drained and with trees laying nests.
for shelter. The external  The house can be movable or
fence is required to prevent constructed at the centre of
the birds from straying. the runs.
b) Runs- these are
partitioned areas within the
land to facilitate rotation.
This reduces disease and
parasite build up.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

 15-May-22
© Sam obare

37

Advantages of free range/ extensive Disadvantages.

system. 1. Requires a lot of land which may not be
1. Less feed is used since birds pick insects available if many birds have to be kept.
and vegetation from the ground. 2. Birds can be stolen or eaten by predators.
2. Manure is evenly spread within the runs 3. Eggs can get lost in the runs.
which facilitate vegetation to regenerate.
4. Eggs can get dirty.
3. Cannibalism and egg eating are reduced
because the birds are not crowded and 5. It is difficult to keep proper records/
are free within the runs. close supervision for individual birds.
4. It requires low capital investment. 6. Breeding programme is not easy to follow.
5. Birds can pick grit from the soil hence 7. The range can be easily infested with
there is no need of providing them with diseases and parasites/ may lead to
grit. parasite and disease spread.
6. Birds have plenty of exercise thus helping 8. Birds can cause damage to crops if the
to keep good health. perimeter fence is not properly
constructed.
38

B. Semi-intensive system/fold  One part of the part of the fold is

system. covered with corrugated iron
 In this system birds are confined in
sheet/ metal/ plastic/grass (thatch)
movable structures called for shelter and laying/for laying
folds/arks. nests.
 Folds are moved daily to:
 The other part is covered with wire
mesh for:
i. Reduce build up of diseases and
parasites. i. Sunning/basking and,
ii. provide fresh grass. ii. feeding on vegetation.
iii. Avoid accumulation of droppings.  The feeders and waterers should be
placed on the open side of the fold.
iv. Allow even spread of manure
which facilitate vegetation
regeneration.
 For easy the movement the
folds/arks are fitted with wheels.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

39

Fold system/ semi- Fold system/ semi-

intensive system intensive system

© Sam obare 15-May-22

40

Advantages of Disadvantages of fold

fold/semi-intensive system.
system. 1. Few birds are kept per
1. There is even distribution unit area.
of manure/droppings. 2. It is laborious in moving
2. Requires less the folds.
feeding/Birds pick grit 3. It is difficult to keep
from the soil. records for individual
3. Reduces the build up of birds.
parasites and diseases. 4. It produces dirty eggs.
4. Protects birds from 5. Fold breaks easily due to
predators. constant movement.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
41

C. INTENSIVE REARING Requirements of a deep litter system

SYSTEMS.
1. Site- the area where the house is built
 In this system, birds are confined in
houses or structures throughout the should be well drained.
laying period. 2. House- it should have the following
 All the necessary requirements are features:
provided in the structures.
 There are two intensive rearing a) A roof which is leak proof.
systems, namely: b) The wall on the leeward side should
i. Deep litter system. open from 60-90cm above the ground
ii. Battery cage system. for ventilation. The open area is
covered with wire mesh
i) Deep litter system.  The wire mesh is made solid with
 In this system, birds are totally timber, stone or concrete to prevent
confined in a house and stay indoors
for the whole of their lives. draught in the house.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

42

c) The floor of the house should have  When new litter is introduced, it should be
mixed with a little of the old so as to
litter 15-30 cm deep made from introduce bacteria which help the litter to
sawdust, wood shavings, crushed rot
maize cobs, coffee husks and rice  The floor space requirement should be 1
square metre per 2-3 birds.
husks.
d) Feeders and waterers- they should be
 Litter keeps the floor warm and enough and kept clean. They should be
placed at various points in the chicken
absorbs moisture. house so that chicken do not crowd and
contaminate the feed and water.
 The litter should be kept as dry as
e) Roosts and perches- they are timber
possible, turned regularly to mix frames on which birds perch. They
droppings and prevent it from should be moveable so that droppings do
not accumulate too much at certain
caking. points causing dampness.
 Grains are thrown on the litter. As f) Nests- they are laying boxes.
the birds scratch for grains they turn
the litter.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
 © Sam obare 15-May-22
43
Disadvantages of deep litter system.
Advantages of deep litter system.
1. The incidence of cannibalism, egg eating,
1. Many birds can be reared in a small
feather plucking and toe-pecking are
area hence allowing high stocking common.
rate.
2. There is likelihood of parasite and
2. There is less/ no loss of eggs. disease accumulation in the litter.
3. There is faster accumulation and 3. It is difficult to keep record of individual
collection of manure. birds.
4. It requires less labour in collecting 4. Litter may be difficult to find in some
eggs, and turning the litter. areas.
5. Birds are safe from predators and 5. Eggs may get dirty especially if laid on
thieves. the floor or if the nesting boxes are not
6. It is cheaper to set up than battery clean.
cage. 6. Litter can contaminate water and feed
troughs if they are not placed well above
the litter.
44 © Sam obare 15-May-22
45

ii. Battery cage system.  The lowest tier is normally

 In this system birds are 60-90cm above the ground
confined in wire mesh cages to allow for easy cleaning.
throughout the laying  Feeders and water troughs
period. are placed on the front side
 The cages are arranged in of the cages.
rows which are built over
one another to form ties.
 The cages have slanting
floors to allow rolling of
eggs to the tray. The eggs are
collected from a tray behind
the tiers.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
46

© Sam obare 15-May-22

47

Advantages of battery cage 7. Handling is easy as hens are

system. restricted to a small place.
1. There is higher egg production 8. Broodiness is discouraged as the
due to less energy wastage by birds do not reach the eggs.
birds. 9. A large number of birds can be
2. Accurate egg records can be kept kept in a small space hence higher
because it is easy to know which stocking rate.
bird has laid. 10. Sick birds can be detected easily
3. Cannibalism and egg eating are and isolated for treatment.
controlled. 11. Wire floors prevent re-infestation
4. Clean eggs are collected because of parasitic worms and coccidia.
birds do not step on them. 12. There is no bullying during
5. The system can easily be feeding.
mechanized. 13. There is low labour requirement.
6. Birds do not contaminate food and 14. Culled birds have tender meat.
water.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
48

Disadvantages of battery cage system. STRESS IN POULTRY.

1. It requires high initial capital hence very  Stress is any cause of discomfort in birds.
expensive. Causes of stress in poultry.
2. It requires high level of management or 1. Sudden noise
technical knowledge.
2. Disease attack.
3. In case of disease outbreak, spreading is
very fast. 3. Lack/ inadequate food.
4. Birds develop bruises on combs, breast 4. Lack/ inadequate water.
and toes as they stick their necks out to 5. Sudden change of weather
eat and walk on the cages.
6. Sudden change of routine
5. The birds do not have enough room for management.
exercise.
7. Introduction of new birds into the
6. The system is not good for brooding flock.
purposes.
8. Presence of predators.
9. Parasite attack.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

49

Control measures of stress. POULTRY VICES.

1. Keep the poultry house quiet  A vice is abnormal behavior in birds and

by building it away from road include egg eating and cannibalism.

where people and vehicles pass. a) Causes of egg eating
2. Insulate the poultry house to 1. Deficiency of calcium.
maintain uniform temperature. 2. Bright light in laying nests
3. Control of diseases 3. Birds laying eggs on the floor.
4. Control of parasites. 4. Presence of broken and soft shelled
eggs.
5. Change of routine program 5. Prolonged stay on eggs in the laying
should be gradual. nests.
6. Provide enough feed. 6. Idleness.
7. Providing enough water. 7. Inadequate feeding.
8. Gradual change of feed.
9. Control of predators.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
50

Control of egg eating. b) Cannibalism- this is a

i. Collect the eggs regularly. condition where birds peck
ii. Ensure laying nests are dimly lit. each other.
iii. Provide adequate laying nests, Causes of cannibalism in
iv. Debeaking perpetual egg eaters.
poultry
v. Keeping the birds busy by supplying 1. External parasites- a bird
green leaves/ scattering grains on may want to remove a parasite
litter. e.g. flea from combs of others.
vi. Feeding the birds on balanced diet/ 2. Overcrowding- this makes
ration the birds see others closely and
vii. Provide enough feed. it is easy for them to detect
what to peck at.
3. Bright light- this makes the
toe of chicks shine leading to
toe pecking.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
51

4. Prolapse- it occurs when the cloaca 3. Provide birds with balanced feeds.
does not retract after laying egg hence 4. Birds should be kept according to
the cloaca is pecked at by others. age.
5. Mineral deficiency- unbalanced feed 5. Control external parasites.
makes the birds to try to get minerals 6. Keep the birds busy by hanging
elsewhere. green leaves or vegetables in the
house.
6. Introduction of new bird in a
flock- this causes fighting leading to 7. Debeak hens which peck others.
cannibalism after injury. 8. Cull perpetual cannibals.
Control of cannibalism 9. Provide adequate equipment/
feeders, waterers, perches.
1. Avoid bright light in the house.
10. Avoid introduction of new birds
2. Avoid overcrowding by providing into the stock.
enough space to the birds.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

52

MARKETING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS. b) Packaging of eggs- they should

1. Eggs be packed in trays with their broad
a) Sorting and grading of eggs. end facing up to maintain gaseous
Factors to consider when sorting eggs for exchange.
market.
c) Marketing of eggs- they are sold
i. Cleanliness- eggs should be kept clean by
wiping them using a damp clean piece of cloth. directly to consumers or through
ii. The size of the egg- large eggs have higher cooperative societies.
market price than small ones. Sorting should Practices that are carried out on
be done into 3 grades, small, medium and
large before marketing. eggs in preparation for marketing.
iii. Candling quality- eggs should be fresh. iii. Checking for abnormalities/
iv. Egg color- some consumers prefer brown candling.
eggs to white eggs.
iv. Selecting eggs of right size/ weight.
v. Shell quality/ texture- the shell should not
be cracked. v. Cleaning/ wiping off the dirt.
vi. Shape of the egg-they should be oval in vi. Sorting and grading.
shape.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
53

Characteristics of desirable eggs 2. Chicken meat.

for marketing. a) Methods of killing birds-
1. Large/ heavy 1. Dislocating the head- the hen
2. Brown is starved for 12 hours to avoid the
3. Clean carcass from turning green.
4. Smooth shelled  The legs of the bird are held firmly
with the left hand the head is twisted
5. Oval/ normal shape backwards and down ward with a
6. Fresh sharp thrust.
 The bird is then hung by the feet so
that blood may drain from the body.
2. Killing with a sharp knife- the
legs and wings are held firmly and
the neck is cut instantly.
 The bird is then hung by the feet in
order to allow blood drain.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
54

Procedure of dressing  Insert the index finger as far

chicken for sale. as possible into the body
 Lay the bird on its breast on cavity through the opening
the table. left after removing the neck
and crop.
 Pull and cut off the skin of
the neck at the point where  Work around the finger close
the neck enters the body. to the body to loosen the
organs from the ribs and the
 Cut the neck from the head
back.
at the point of dislocation/
the cut.  Turn the bird and hold the
abdomen with the left hand.
 Turn the carcass on its back.

 Grasp and gently pull the

crop
© Sam obare 15-May-22
55

 Make a horizontal cut  Insert the right hand into the

between the vent and the abdominal opening gently
keel bone to expose the grab the gizzard and pull it
intestines. out accompanied with other
 Insert a finger into the internal organs.
abdomen through the cut and  Cut the skin around the
loop around the vent to close shank to remove the sinus
the intestines. just below the hocks and pull
 Hold the intestines away them out strongly from the
from the vent and then cut body.
around with the bowels still  Detach the shanks.
attached.  Pack the carcass in polythene
paper for sale.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

56

Routine management 3. Feeding- Provide feed ad

practices in poultry. libitum.
1. Parasite control- Done: 4. Disease control- Done
i. By dusting, spraying or by use of antibiotics,
dusting the poultry house. vaccination and keeping
the poultry house clean.
ii. Through deworming.
5. Egg collection- Done
iii. By replacing the litter to regularly to prevent egg
prevent the parasite build eating in birds.
up.
2. Debeaking- Done to
prevent cannibalism and
egg eating.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

57

6. Culling- Refers to Ways of differentiating

removal of unproductive between a poor and good
birds from the flock. layer.
Causes of culling in  They include:
poultry/factors that
necessitate culling. i. Observation of the
i. Poor growth. physical characteristics.
ii. Poor ii. Trap nesting- a nest is
laying/production/yield. built in such a way that
iii. Old age.
when the hen enters to
lay it does not come out.
iv. Vices.
 Those that enter to lay are
v. Poor health/Chronic marked thus those not
diseases/parasite and disease marked are poor layers
attack.
© Sam obare 15-May-22
 Observing physical characteristics.
58

Good layer. Poor layer.

1. Combs and wattles are small,
1. Combs and wattles are
cold, dry and scaly.
large, warm, waxy and red.
2. Eyes are dull and pale yellow.
2. Eyes are bright and alert.
3. The beak is yellow in colour.
3. The beak is pale.
4. The vent is round, dry and
4. The vent is oval, moist,
less active.
reddish and active.
5. The abdomen/breast is hard.
5. Abdomen/breast is soft.

© Sam obare 15-May-22

59

Good layer Poor layer

6. The space between the pelvic 6. The space between and pelvic
bones is wide i.e. can fit 3-4 bones is narrow i.e. can fit 1-2
fingers. fingers.
7. Temperament (It is alert and 7. Temperament(It is lazy and
active). dull).
8. Plumage/feathers are dry and 8. Plumage/Feathers are
rugged. beautiful/glossy.
9. Moulting starts late. 9. Moulting starts early.
10. Shanks are pale. 10. Shanks are yellowish.
11. Broodiness is rare. 11. Broodiness is common.
© Sam obare 15-May-22