Success factors of a poultry enterprise

Establishing a successful and profitable poultry enterprise depends on the type and quality of feed provided to the birds, the production system used to rear them and finally, the housing that accommodates them throughout a prescribed production cycle.

Agribank’s technical advisor for crops and poultry, Hanks Saisai, said when setting up a successful poultry production enterprise, continuous attention must be given to these three fundamentals.

Feed is an essential component that a farmer must understand and apply correctly for chickens to achieve optimal growth and performance, he explained.

For instance, when rearing dual-purpose chickens such as Rhode Island, Boschveld, Koekoek, Sussex and Sasso breeds, it is important to remember that these birds require water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fiber and minerals to meet their daily nutritional needs.

“It is therefore essential to feed the birds a ration that contains these nutrients in adequate amounts."

Moreover, it is vital to feed each bird an average of 130 grams daily.

Saisai said a farmer can also utilise kitchen and garden remains to feed the birds; however, commercially, the birds can be fed with poultry mix or grain mix, which supply carbohydrates and protein.

Additionally, farmers can incorporate water-soluble supplements such as Opti-Boost or Aviboost to supply the birds with essential vitamins and minerals.

Saisai said that as for layers, day-old chicks should be fed with Pullet or Chick Starter from day one to six weeks old.

From the age of six weeks, chickens can be fed with Pullet or Chick Grower until they are 16 weeks (four months) old, after which the hens can be introduced to layer mash with access to about 110 grams of feed daily.

Broilers, on the other hand, can be fed with commercial feeds on a phase-feed basis. From day 1 to 14 days, they can be fed Broiler Starter (in a mash form), and at the age of 15 to 37 days, the chickens can be introduced to Broiler Grower, and finally, the last five days, the chickens can be introduced to Broiler Finisher.



Production systems

“Secondly, apart from feed, it is essential to remember that the manner in which the birds are reared has a direct impact on their productivity," Saisai said.

Farmers who aim to achieve profitability are encouraged to rear chickens in a semi-intensive production system when raising dual-purpose chickens.

This system allows the chickens freedom of movement and exposure to a variety of feed sources, which in turn help to improve the flavour and texture of the meat they produce, he explained.

As for broilers and layers, it is essential to adhere to an intensive production system as it enhances the productivity of birds.

He said an intensive production system ensures that birds are protected against weather elements and predators, thus reducing the risk of diseases, theft and mortality.

“An intensive production system also ensures that a strict health programme that prevents diseases using vaccines, antibiotics and supplements is followed. Ultimately, when the birds are comfortable and provided with sufficient feed and water, their productivity levels tend to peak.”

Housing

Housing is the last, but most crucial factor that has a direct influence on the success of a poultry enterprise.

“When building a chicken house, it is advisable to construct it at about 2.2 metres in height, while the length and width of the house depend on the stocking density of the chickens.”

When building a placement house that is ideal for day-old chicks, it is important to remember that each placement house must be equipped with infrared heating bulbs that will be used to supply warmth to the chicks.

These bulbs should hang with a string that can be easily adjusted to regulate temperature. Additionally, the recommended stocking density is about 20 to 55 chicks per square metre.

Saisai added that in the production house, the recommended stocking density is about 10 to 12 chickens per square metre and each square metre must be equipped with a drinker and a feeder to ensure that the chickens have unlimited access to food and water.

Furthermore, when building the coops, it is advisable to make use of chicken wire mesh that restricts the entrance of snakes, rodents and other unwanted animals.