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.

AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY .

AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY . The brooding phase of production is the determinant of the overall success of the venture.This is definitely hinged on procurement of healthy chicks from renowned hatcheries.The management factor is key to the success of other operations in the cycle hence extra attention must be given to birds for the first few weeks of life. The common causes of chick mortality are; 1) hatchery defects,this is common in birds that were not exposed to proper conditions of temperature and humidity in the incubator.The chicks that were brought out under such conditions,will not thrive at all,they will die off after a few days. AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY .Chocking and suffocation;these occurs when brooder lanterns/heating systems are faulty,this coupled with poor ventilation results in build up of smokes/fumes in the house.This results in inhalation of fumes by chicks resulting in chocking/suffocation. Chilling; when the brooder house is cold and the heat source is not adequate,especially on cold nights when its cold.The chicks will huddle towards light source,resulting in death from overcrowding as a result of chilling. AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY .Thirst: when inadequate drinkers are provided and also when sufficient water is not made available,this will result in dehydration leading to death of chicks. AGRIBUSINESS: COMMON CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY . Starvation, arise when adequate feed is not provided,or when necessary feeders are not provided,the chicks will not have access to enough feed.This will encourage huddling towards feeder,where only few birds have access to feed,causing starvation and eventual death in the birds.Where the birds dont have enough water,they will not take adequate feed as well,because the chicks need twice amount of water for feed consumed. Trauma; can arise from improper handling,wrong placement of brooder equipment,or using equipment with sharp edges resulting in injuries that can result in death or deformation.This results in culling of deformed chicks. There are disease conditions that cause mortalities such as,yolk sac omphalities, aspergillosis,chronic respiratory disease,salmonellosis e.t.c.This will be discussed later.

Incubators.

Incubators are handy machines in breeding farms whether commercial or small scale production. The incubators are of various types such as manual and electric, and in various sizes ranging from small to big sizes.The effectiveness of the incubator is hinged on proper temperature and humidity control,this determines the success rate of hatching the eggs. Incubation is not restricted to only chicken but other birds raised for commercial purposes such as quail,ostrich and turkey.The key to choosing an effective incubator depends on size of eggs and number of eggs and reliability of regulation of temperature and humidity.Many farmers have added incubation of eggs as part of their production to earn extra income.Raising birds starts from a proven parent stock but the handling of eggs in incubators and first few days after hatching determines the overall success of the production. Thinking of hatching birds for a living? choose the right incubator!