Semi-Intensive Poultry Management Explained

Semi-intensive poultry management is a widely adopted system by small-scale producers. It involves the use of one or more pens where poultry can freely forage on natural vegetation and insects, supplementing the feeds provided by the farmer.

This article provides a detailed outline of the semi-intensive management system, including the arrangement of runs, housing requirements, bird management practices, and the advantages and disadvantages of this system. Additionally, it explores the concept of fold units as a specific example of semi-intensive poultry management.

I. Poultry Runs in a Semi-Intensive Management System:

Poultry runs, enclosed by wire netting or other barriers, serve as essential components of the semi-intensive system. During the day, birds roam in the run, while at night, they are housed within the enclosure.

It is advisable to have at least two runs to prevent disease buildup. Feeders and waterers are strategically placed within the run area to ensure easy access for the birds. The run can be divided into two sections using wire netting, enabling the rotation of birds to preserve the grassland and avoid excessive droppings.

The amount of space allocated per bird depends on the flock size, with 25 square meters for flocks of 50 birds or smaller, and 13 square meters per bird for larger flocks.

II. The House in the Semi-Intensive Management System:

The house serves as a shelter for birds during adverse weather conditions and at night. Various types of houses can be utilized, but all must include perches and laying boxes. Proper littering of nests, especially in wet conditions, minimizes the soiling of eggs.

Feeders and water troughs can be placed inside the house, but adequate lighting should be ensured. Constructing the house along the partitioning fence allows for outlet doors or peepholes, facilitating bird movement between runs. Houses with solid floors require 3 square feet of space per bird, while those with slatted or wire floors may require less.

III. Management Practices in the Semi-Intensive System:

1. Dropping boards should be cleaned daily, and droppings removed from the poultry run.
2. Nest box litter should always be fresh, clean, and dry.
3. Littered floors must be renewed when necessary.
4. Adequate feed and water must be provided, ensuring clean containers. Movable troughs should be shifted periodically to avoid excessive soiling of the area.
5. Birds should not remain in one run for an extended period to prevent adverse effects on the land. The recommended duration is up to six months, depending on land area and weather conditions.
6. Peepholes from each run into the house are beneficial for bird movement. When birds are relocated, the farmer can apply agricultural lime to the vacated land.
7. Good disinfection practices aid grass nitrogen absorption from droppings. Additional measures include using cement stones or wire platforms to reduce fouling of land and routine deworming and coccidiostat administration.

IV. Advantages of the Semi-Intensive System:

1. Requires less land compared to free-range systems.
2. Suitable for commercial egg production.
3. Inexpensive equipment that can be constructed easily.
4. Protects birds and eggs from thieves and predators.

V. Disadvantages of the Semi-Intensive System:

1. Overstocking and prolonged occupancy can lead to contamination by parasites and disease germs.
2. Increased parasite levels decrease production and raise mortality rates, while rainy seasons may cause muddy and odorous grassland.
3. Requires extensive fencing and more elaborate housing.

VI. Fold Units as Examples of Semi-Intensive Systems:

Fold units provide a unique approach within the semi-intensive system. They consist of combined housing and runs, offering continuous shelter and roaming areas for the birds. Fold units can be designed as completely roofed houses that serve as both run and shelter or as units with wire mesh-enclosed run and covered sleeping compartments. These units are systematically moved over grassland areas.

Each bird within a fold unit is allotted approximately 5 square feet of space, and the number of birds accommodated depends on available labor and machinery for unit shifting. Feeders and waterers are attached along the sides of each unit for easy access from outside. However, birds kept in enclosed compartments of fold units may develop vices such as cannibalism.

VII. Management of Fold Units:

To maintain hygiene and prevent parasite buildup, fold units should be relocated daily to new grassland areas, with a minimum of 30 days before reusing previously used land. This interval allows sunlight, wind, and rain to disinfect the ground and eliminate any lingering parasites. Units containing diseased birds must be promptly removed and isolated in a separate area to prevent disease spread.

VIII. Advantages of Fold Units:

1. No need for additional fencing.
2. Even distribution of manure across the farm.
3. Isolation of diseased birds is easier, preventing disease transmission.
4. Birds remain free from parasites as they access fresh land daily.
5. High production of eggs and meat.
6. The droppings fertilize the land, enhancing its fertility.
7. Fold units can be utilized for various poultry types, including growers, layers, broilers, turkeys, and ducks.
8. Protection against pests, predators, and birds that may invade permanent structures and endanger bird health.

IX. Disadvantages of Fold Units:

1. Portable units require daily movement, making them more expensive to manage compared to permanent structures in free-range systems.
2. They are prone to depreciation, especially if used in grazing areas.
3. Shifting fold units on hilly terrain can be challenging due to their lightweight and shape.
4. Fold units are best suited for well-drained soils, making them unsuitable for swampy or flood-prone land.
5. Egg production may decrease during inclement weather.

Conclusion:

The semi-intensive poultry management system, whether implemented through the use of poultry runs or fold units, offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Proper management practices, such as regular cleaning, adequate feeding and watering, and controlled bird movement, are essential to maximize productivity and maintain a healthy environment for the birds.

Understanding the various components and considerations of the semi-intensive system can help poultry producers make informed decisions and ensure the well-being of their flocks while optimizing their farming operations.