Benefits of Poultry Farming: Types, Uses & Definitions

Poultry farming is a type of animal husbandry that involves raising birds to produce meat, eggs, and feathers. Chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese are the primary species of poultry reared on a large scale by farmers. These poultry products are utilized in various industries, including vaccine production, leather goods, soap, paint, animal feed, fertilizers, cushions, and mattress manufacturing.

Poultry farming encompasses different categories, including chicken, ducks, turkeys, geese, guinea fowls, and quail. The methods employed in poultry farming consist of free-range systems, deep litter systems, battery systems, and the use of folds, among others.

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The poultry industry can be categorized into two main production methods: village flocks and commercial farms. Village flocks are characterized by small numbers of birds kept by each household and play a vital role in supplying eggs and meat in rural areas. Commercial farms, on the other hand, are managed by industries, co-operatives, or individuals and typically raise between 500 and 10,000 exotic birds.

The success of the poultry industry relies on several factors, including the availability of high-quality day-old chicks, top-notch feeds, financial support through loans and credit schemes, affordable poultry inputs, efficient marketing, and transport systems, training programs for farmers in both marketing and poultry production, effective disease control measures, and consideration of poultry production policies for imported birds by a regulatory body.

Reasons to Encourage Poultry Production

Encouraging poultry production is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides income to farmers and contributes to the overall income of the country. Secondly, it helps diversify the national economy. Poultry production also addresses the issue of malnutrition, as poultry meat and products are highly nutritious.

Furthermore, poultry offers quick returns, enabling faster growth of the enterprise. Poultry has a high production rate, which encourages specialization. With the rapidly growing population, there is a need for small animals that require minimal land, making poultry production essential.

Poultry production also stimulates ancillary businesses and creates employment opportunities, such as farm supply shops. Lastly, poultry manure can be utilized as organic fertilizer for gardens, benefiting agriculture.

Characteristics of Poultry

Poultry farming is highly adaptable and can be conducted under a wide range of conditions, including extreme hot and cold weather. Poultry has a short generation interval, allowing for faster returns per unit of time. Poultry products, such as eggs and meat, have good keeping qualities and do not require extensive preservation methods.

Additionally, small-scale poultry production requires low investments due to the small size of the birds. Poultry products are also rich in proteins, making them highly nutritious for human consumption. Lastly, poultry can be integrated with other agricultural enterprises, such as crops.

Types and Breeds of Poultry

Poultry can be classified into three categories: light, medium, and heavy breeds.

a) Light breeds:

Light breeds are characterized by their lightweight, with females weighing between 1.8 and 2 kg, and males weighing between 2.5 and 2.8 kg. They are active and lay a large number of eggs, but they rarely go broody. These breeds are commonly used for commercial egg production and consume fewer feeds, with an average feed consumption of 110g per bird per day. An example of a light breed is the White Leghorn, known for its white plumage, active nature, and low feed consumption.

b) Medium breeds:

Medium breeds, such as the Rhode Island Red, Red, and New Hampshire, are dual-purpose breeds suitable for both egg and meat production. These breeds are known for their hardiness and docility, with hens weighing 2.5-3 kg and cocks reaching 4 kg. They have an average feed consumption of 120 g per day.

c) Heavy breeds:

Heavy breeds, such as the Cornish and Corn Rock, are primarily raised for meat production. They have a larger body size and consume more feed compared to other breeds. However, they are low egg producers, with a mature body weight of over 3 kg.

d) Hybrids:

Hybrids are the result of crossbreeding two different chicken breeds and are commonly used for commercial purposes and meat production. They often exhibit superior performance compared to their parent stock.

Examples of light commercial hybrid birds include Badcock White, Bovan's White, Hobbart White Leghorn, Hyline White, and Shaver Original Canadian. Medium commercial hybrids include Bovan's Brown, Sussex Brown, Hubbard Golden Comet, and Goldlines. Heavy commercial hybrids include Astrallorps, Rose Shaver Stabbro, Indian River, Cobb, Hubbard, Hybro, and Arboracise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poultry farming plays a crucial role in providing meat, eggs, and feathers. It offers numerous benefits, including income generation, economic diversification, and the ability to address malnutrition. Poultry farming is flexible and adaptable, with various production methods and breeds available. By understanding the characteristics and types of poultry, farmers can make informed decisions and maximize the potential of this thriving industry.