POULTRY

PRODUCTION
Objective:
 At the end of this session , the students will be able to ;
 Discuss the poultry Raising and production, - Identify
the some key aspect of poultry and production
 Identify the way of Raising
 Explain the backyard farming
 Learn the breeding system and technique And
 Explain the Diseases and Aid.
Poultry
What is the first
thing you think of
when you hear the
word poultry?
 For most people in the United
States, chicken is what
immediately comes to mind. While
it is certainly the most common
type of poultry raised in the United
States, it is not the only kind.
Other birds in the poultry category
are turkeys, ducks, geese, quail,
pheasants, ostriches, and many
more.
The term poultry actually refers to a variety
of bird types raised on farms for food,
fiber, or entertainment.

The business of poultry

 Poultry is big business in the United States.
In 2013 we produced more than:
 50 billion pounds of chicken meat
(produced mostly in Georgia and
Alabama).
Leading 10 U.S. states based on number of chickens in 2022 (in 1,000
heads)
 Poultry raising and production refers to the
process of breeding, rearing, and managing
domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks,
turkeys, and geese, for their meat, eggs, or
feathers. It is an essential component of the global
food industry, providing a significant source of
protein and other nutrients to people around the
world.
Here are some key aspects of poultry raising and
production:
 Breeding:
 Poultry farmers select specific breeds of birds based on their desired traits, such as meat quality, egg
production, or disease resistance. Breeding can be done naturally or through artificial insemination to
ensure genetic diversity and improve desirable characteristics

 Housing and Management:

 Poultry requires suitable housing to protect them from predators, extreme weather conditions, and
diseases. Farmers provide adequate space, ventilation, lighting, temperature control, and proper waste
management systems to ensure the well-being of the birds.
Nutrition:
 Poultry feed is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of the birds at different stages of growth. The
feed usually consists of a combination of grains, protein sources (such as soybean meal), vitamins, minerals,
and additives to promote growth, health, and egg production.

 Health Management:
 Poultry farmers must implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases. This includes
regular vaccination programs, routine health checks, proper sanitation practices, and isolation of sick birds.

 Egg Production:
 Poultry farmers who focus on egg production maintain flocks of laying hens that are specifically
bred for high egg yields. These hens are housed in specialized facilities with nesting boxes
where they lay their eggs. The eggs are collected daily, cleaned, graded, and packaged for sale.
 Meat Production:
 Poultry raised for meat production are typically broiler chickens or turkeys that are bred to grow rapidly and
efficiently convert feed into muscle mass. They are raised in large-scale facilities known as broiler houses,
where they are provided with controlled diets and conditions to optimize growth. Once mature, the birds are
processed, packaged, and distributed for meat consumption.

 Sustainable Practices:
 Many poultry producers are adopting sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. This includes
using renewable energy sources, reducing water usage, optimizing feed efficiency, and managing waste
through composting or recycling.

Poultry raising and production is a complex and highly regulated industry that requires
knowledge of animal husbandry, nutrition, disease management, and market dynamics. It
plays a crucial role in global food security and provides economic opportunities for farmers
and businesses involved in the poultry value chain.
WAY OF RAISING
Poultry raising and production is the process of rearing domesticated
birds, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese, for their meat and
eggs. It is an essential part of agriculture and food production around the
world. Here are some common methods and considerations for raising
poultry:

 Choose the right breed:

 There are various breeds of poultry, each with different characteristics,
such as egg-laying ability, meat quality, and adaptability to different
climates. Choose a breed that suits your specific goals and
environment.

 Housing and shelter:

 Provide a secure and comfortable housing facility for the birds. The
coop or house should protect them from predators, extreme weather
conditions, and diseases. Adequate ventilation is essential to maintain
a healthy environment.
Feeding:
 Poultry should be provided with a balanced and nutritious diet to ensure their proper growth and
productivity. The feed should contain the necessary nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins,
and minerals. Commercial poultry feed is available, or you can prepare a balanced diet at home.

Water supply:
 Access to clean and fresh water is crucial for the birds' well-being. Ensure a continuous supply of water to
keep them hydrated and healthy.

Health and hygiene:

 Regularly monitor the birds' health and be vigilant for any signs of illness. Practice good hygiene by
cleaning the coop regularly, removing waste, and providing clean bedding.

 Biosecurity:
 Implement biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Limit visitors to the
poultry area, disinfect equipment, and avoid contact with other birds, especially wild birds.
 Brooding:
For chicks, provide a warm and controlled environment during the first few weeks of their life. This process is known as
brooding and helps them adjust to the external environment.

Egg production:
If you are raising hens for egg production, consider providing nesting boxes or suitable areas where they can lay eggs
comfortably. Collect eggs daily to ensure their freshness and prevent the hens from developing a habit of eating them.

 Culling and selective breeding:

Regularly evaluate the flock and remove unproductive or sick birds. Consider selective breeding to improve specific
traits like egg production or meat quality in future generations. Pasture and free-range systems: If you have sufficient
space and resources, consider raising poultry in free-range or pasture systems. This allows the birds to graze on
natural vegetation, insects, and other food sources, which can enhance the nutritional quality of their meat and eggs.

Sustainable practices:
Implement sustainable practices such as recycling bedding material, managing manure efficiently, and using renewable
energy sources to minimize the environmental impact of poultry production. Legal and regulatory compliance: Be aware
of and comply with local laws, regulations, and industry standards related to poultry production, including animal
welfare, food safety, and environmental regulations.

*Remember that successful poultry raising requires dedication, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing the
best possible care for the birds. It's also essential to keep learning and staying updated on best practices and
advancements in the poultry industry.
 Backyard farming:
 Keeping a small flock
of chickens or ducks in
your backyard for
personal use or local
sale.
 Free-range system:
Allowing poultry to
roam freely during the
day while providing
shelter at night.
Pasture-based
system:
Rotating the birds in
pastures to graze on grass
and insects.
Broiler houses:
Raising meat chickens
in controlled
environments with
temperature, humidity,
and feeding regulated
.
 Battery cages:
Confining birds in small
cages for maximum egg
production, though this
method is becoming less
popular due to animal
welfare concerns.

Organic farming:
 Raising poultry
without synthetic
chemicals, antibiotics,
or genetically modified
feed.
Vertical integration:
Large-scale commercial
production where a
company controls all
aspects of the production
process, from hatching to
processing.
 Mobile coops:
 Moving chicken coops
regularly to give birds
access to fresh pasture
and maintain sanitation
 BREEDING
SYSTEM
AND
TECHNIQUES
 Breeding systems refer to the various ways of evaluation and selection of desired
genetic traits in a breed or species.

The purpose of breeding systems is to promote and preserve genetic traits of

interest in a breed or species. Specifically, the practice of breeding systems is the
process by which humans breed animals or plants to selectively produce offspring
with desired phenotypic traits. Breeding systems should not be confused with mating
systems (see “Mating Systems”). Mating systems refer to the various ways in which
members of a given species arrange themselves to copulate (e.g., monogamy,
polygamy). In contrast, animal breeding and plant breeding involve choosing male
and female individuals within a species due to their desirable genetic traits and
inducing them to sexually reproduce and have offspring that will express such traits.
Humans may employ breeding techniques to select traits for various
 There are three sorts of breeding:
 Cross-breeding: individuals of
different breeds or lines are
used to mate.
 Pure breeding: the same breed
or lines are used to mate.
 Inbreeding: two close relatives
mate. The closer the relation,
the higher the inbreeding.
What is the system of breeding?
Basically there are two systems of breeding. Pure
breeding is used for registry in the breed associations
and these animals will perform better than non-pure
breeds.
Cross breeding is used mostly by many commercial
producer and animals also have good performance
because of hybrid vigour.
The different methods of mating followed in poultry are pen mating, stud mating, artificial
insemination, shift system of mating and flock mating.

 Flock Mating
It is mass mating system wherein two or more males are mated with several females housed in single pen.

 Stud mating
The female is held in the stud for a known period of time (till mated) after which it is removed and another is added. Two mating
per week or at least once every 5 days is desirable for optimum fertility. This method requires more labour and is rarely
practiced now-a-days.

 Artificial insemination
Basically it is a two step procedure: first, collecting semen from the male
[1]; and second, inseminating the semen into the female
[2]. In poultry, depending on the objectives and goals of the farm or laboratory, there may be intervening steps such as semen
dilution, storage, and evaluation.

 Pen mating
It is mass mating system wherein two or more males are mated with several females housed in single pen. 2. Male to female
ratio is generally higher in this method i.e. one male for 12 to 15 females of light breeds and 10 to 12 females of heavy breeds.
Inbreeding: Mating closely related birds to maintain specific traits or breed purity.
However, excessive inbreeding can lead to undesirable genetic issues.

Line breeding: A less intense form of inbreeding, focused on maintaining

desirable traits within a specific line of birds.

Outbreeding: Mating birds that are less closely related, which can increase genetic
diversity and reduce the risk of inherited defects.

 Crossbreeding: Crossing birds of different breeds to achieve desirable traits

from each parent, resulting in hybrids with advantageous characteristics.
Selective breeding: Choosing parent birds with desired traits to pass them on to the
next generation and improve overall flock performance. Performance testing:
Evaluating birds for specific traits through performance records, such as growth
rate, egg production, or disease resistance.

Artificial insemination: Utilizing specialized equipment to introduce semen from

selected males into females, allowing breeders to control genetic combinations
more precisely.

Embryo transfer: Collecting fertilized eggs from valuable hens and placing them
into surrogate birds for incubation and hatching.

DNA testing: Employing genetic testing to identify specific genes associated with
desired traits, enabling more targeted breeding decisions
DISEASES
AND
AIDS
 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu):
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that
primarily affects birds. It can cause severe illness and high
mortality in poultry populations. Management: Implement
strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus,
including controlling access to the farm, regularly
disinfecting equipment and vehicles, and avoiding contact
with wild birds.

 Coccidiosis:

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan

parasites of the genus Eimeria. It affects the intestinal tract of
poultry, leading to diarrhea and reduced growth.
Management: Practice good hygiene and sanitation by
regularly cleaning and disinfecting the poultry house. Use
coccidiostats or anticoccidial medications in feed to prevent
and control the disease.
 Newcastle Disease:
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that
affects various bird species, including poultry. It can cause
respiratory, nervous, and digestive system issues, leading to
significant economic losses. Management: Vaccinate birds
against Newcastle disease, and isolate and cull infected
birds to prevent the spread of the virus. Follow strict
biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of introduction into
the flock.

 Infectious Bronchitis:
Infectious bronchitis is a viral respiratory disease that
affects chickens. It can cause respiratory distress and
reduced egg production. Management: Vaccinate birds
against infectious bronchitis and maintain good ventilation
in the poultry house to minimize the risk of infection.
 Marek's Disease:
 Marek's disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects chickens,
leading to tumors in nerves, skin, and organs. Management: Vaccinate chicks
against Marek's disease at an early age to protect them from infection.
Maintain strict hygiene and limit exposure to infected birds.
THANK YOU!