RAISING TURKEYS FOR PROFIT.

Rising turkeys should be targeted towards celebrations such as thanksgiving and Yuletide season.The production cycle is 6 months,hence a good head start will be the beginning of the year,to market at midyear.The second phase of the year can be targeted to start off and market at the end of the year. The first step towards success is to start off with healthy poults,that are sourced from reputable hatcheries.The breed you desire is also chosen before you start venture, the large white or the broad breasted bronze.These are the common species with much preference for the broad breasted as it matures faster and reaches market weight faster. The following should be considered when you are planning to raise turkeys; 1)source poults from reputable sources. 2) prepare the brooder house before arrival of poults. The heat must be turned on before the arrival,feeder and drinker clean and ready. 3)use clean and dry litter in the house. 4)dont raise chickens with turkeys. 5)practice the all-in-all out system. 6)ensure free air flow,proper ventilation. 7)adequate feed and water to be provided. 8)give feed with adequate protein level; 0-6/8 weeks....................28% protein. 9-12 weeks........22%protein. 13-16 weeks.....19% protein 17 weeks - market...............16% protein. Vitamins,vaccinations and antibiotics /other medications are essential.Ensure strict bio-security protocols at all times.

AGRIBUSINESS:HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CHICKENS.

AGRIBUSINESS:HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CHICKENS. AGRIBUSINESS:HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CHICKENS. The success of the venture depends on following strict health protocols that are wrapped around simple but effective bio security protocol.The health protocol involves vaccinations coupled with medications.The use of drugs take into consideration the withdrawal time,so as not to process birds with antibiotic residue for human consumption. Vaccination refers to a method of disease prevention in healthy animals by challenging the animal with an attenuated/killed agent of a disease so as to elicit the production of antibodies. When vaccinations are done properly and immunity conferred,the animal is said to have been immunized against such causative agents of disease.Vaccination though stimulates antibodies production to protect the animals ,but if not done properly ;the desired immunity will not be conferred.When immunity is not conferred,2 major causes are fingered.These are vaccine failure or vaccine break. When immunity is not conferred due to vaccine break,the following are causes; 1)when the cold chain is broken; usually from point of sale to area you need them.The vaccines are to be transported in coolers with enough ice packs for the trip.The potency of the vaccines cant be guaranteed when this occurs,and when used the required immunity is not conferred. 2) when using inappropriate dilution and concentration; this nullifies any effect the vaccine should have on the birds. 3)when expired vaccines are used,definitely no immunity can be conferred. While vaccine failure could occur in any of the following scenarios;1)using inappropriate dose; under/overdosing will not elicit any antibody reaction. 2)wrong dilution/route. 3)vaccination of sick birds. 4)stress on birds during handling especially in hot weather. 5)Use of chemicals along side the vaccines especially water purification solutions. 6)vaccinating birds when signs of diseases are visible in flock. AGRIBUSINESS:HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CHICKENS. Vaccinations,though very essential ,if not properly carried out will just be a waste of resources. When planning to vaccinate; keep it simple. 1)place vaccine in ice pack. 2)engage qualified personnel. 3) use vaccine as directed by manufacturers.