FEEDING YOUR HORSES.

Learn how to keep your horses happy and colic free!!! http://www.thehorse.com/ecards/Nutrena_102915.html

COCCIDIOSIS -MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

New methods to cut losses in poultry value chain due to coccidiosis has been unveiled.The new management entails http://poultryhealthtoday.com/new-coccidiosis-management-initiative-aims-reduce-losses/

FEEDING SNAILS !!!

Feeding snails is easy ,but could be very complex if care is not taken and ants invade the snailery because of wrong feed or wrong feed presentation. Snails eat by rasping the feed by their radulla.The radulla are teeth -like,performing the function of teeth.Snails must be presented with finely grounded or succulent feed. The common snail feeds are fruits and leaves.They can also thrive on agricultural waste such as blood meal.Poultry feed finely grounded can also be provided,and water must be made available. The common feeds include;1) compounded broiler/layer/grower feed. 2) calcium sources for shell development are....oyster shells,chalk(grounded),limestone. 3)protein sources..blood meal,fish meal. 4)grounded maize,groundnut cake. 5) pawpaw,cocoyam,banana peels. 6)cooked potato or yam. 7)leaves of banana,cassava,potato. Water is provided in shallow dishes and must be cool and fresh. The feed must be fresh,finely grounded and have low fibre content.The temperature in the snailery must not be high to ensure snails are comfortable and feed properly.

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.

RAISING LAYERS FOR PROFIT.

The cost of raising 500 birds; EXPENDITURE COST. 1)Land...................................................................................1,500,000. 2) Housing................................................................................900,000. 3) D.O.C @ 200.........................................................................100,000. 4) Cages @ 70,00........................................................................350,000. 5) Labor @ 20,000...................................................................40,000. 6) Brooding @ 30/chick...............................................................15,000. 7) Vaccination/medication @ 80/chick...............................................40,000. 8)Farm tools,supplies/implements................................................35,000. 9) Feed @60 g/chick for 0-8 weeks @ 2,500/bag............................................168,000. 10) Feed @ 90 g/chick for 9-20 weeks @ 2,800/bag............................................423,360. 11) feed @ 120 g/chick/day for 21-40 weeks @ 3000/bag..................................1,008,000. Total.................................................4,579,360. PROFIT ANALYSIS Sale of birds @ 2000 x 450(10% mortality).....................900,000. profit= recurrent expenditure- proceeds= .................1,794,360-900,000 =894,360 naira. The layers provide additional profit at same cost..... sale of eggs @ 900/crate for 234,000 naira. The overhead cost will reduce from 2nd phase of production as the cost will include recurrent expenditure only,meaning more profit for the investor. The production phase can also be prolonged by forced moulting to extend laying period,resulting more bigger eggs. RAISING LAYERS FOR PROFIT.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION OF INVESTMENT IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

REARING COST FOR 5OO BROILERS; EXPENDITURE AMOUNT. 1) Land...............................................1,500,000 2)Housing...........................................900,000. 3) D.O.C @ 200#.....................................100,000. 4) Brooding cost @ 25#/chick........................12,500. 5)vaccination/medication @ 40#....................20,000. 6)Farm supplies,tools,wheel barrow................15,000. 7)Drinker/feeder.....................................25,000. 8) Feed @ 100g/chick/day @ 0-3 weeks cost of feed(2800).....11,760. 9)Feed @ 180g/chick/day for 4-7 weeks and cost of feed..3000....226,800. 10) Labor...................................20,000. TOTAL.............................2,831,060. Analysis. sale of birds @ 2000/bird. 2000x 490(2% mortality}......980,000. Profit=sale proceeds-recurrent expenditure = 980,000- 391,060 588,940 Naira. An investor will have a profit of 588,940; and subsequent production cost will reduce because the capital expenditure is paid for at onset of production An investor can have this turn over every 42 days,thats a good turn-over. Join the chicky train!!! invest in the poultry value chain.

MONEY MAKING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

There are sub sections in the chain that can be investment opportunities :1) Training: here investors can train on poultry rearing and production.The investors will train and encourage small,medium scale and large scale production. The training will encompass all aspects of production including proper branding and marketing.The participants will also train more people and employment opportunities will be created. 

The graduates are tracked and in constant touch with training institutes,this will generate a data pool for the organization. The data generated will give adequate information about the production status,success of project will be monitored,easy access to drugs,feed and vaccines.This data will be used to pool information regarding location,capacities and also as performance indicators,which will be a springboard for expansion and export opportunities. 

 Production, these are the graduates that set up the farms.The production could be broilers,cockerels,layers and turkeys.The type of production depends on the individual and target market. I have highlighted the advantages in previous posts,check them out. 

 2) Processing: here investors have a wide array to choose from. Packaging: the processors using the slaughter line can produce and package chicken in branded bags.The packaging could be plain chicken or spiced/flavored.The processor could go into production of spice chicken such as marinated chicken,curry chicken,per boiled chicken, and chicken parts packaging. 

 The 2nd level of investment here will be processing the chicken into new products such as a)sausages b)minced chicken c)chicken kebabs d) chicken nuggets e) chicken fingers f)chicken fillings. Investors here will profit from production and sale of these products.Investors could be manufacturers of these machines, suppliers of processing equipment or the producers of these products. 

 The 3rd level of production in the processing is the canning segment; here the chicken is processed into various products and presented in cans. The chicken can be processed and canned in tomato sauce, oil or just broth. 

 The next phase of investment is 3)Transportation: here investors supply various cooling vans to transport the products.The transport is not only cooling vans but properly aired cars,trucks and buses to transport other products to the market. 

 Investors could also access this chain,by utilizing waste from the chicken. 

Waste to wealth initiative 

 The waste from birds are directed to bio digester to produce electricity. Feathers from the birds are processed,colored and used as decor,fashion accessories,clothing ornaments;investors here have both local and international market. The feed makers can also benefit from chain by processing the blood,making it into blood meal and including it as feed ingredients  

Marketing: investors form a network from producers to processors.This will provide the necessary supply of products for onward distribution to supermarkets,stores,offices e.t.c. Investors in this chain have a wide array to choose from,with money making opportunities at every level.

Education,branding and marketing are vital keys to success of this venture,and investors here will need to embrace them. Start today!!! get involved!!!!

INVESTING IN POULTRY.

The poultry value chain is a lucrative venture, with so many investment opportunities. This is an overview of the value chain, emphasizing the money making potentials and viability of project. Training; interested individuals will undergo training, where they will be exposed to the technicalities of proper rearing and production of poultry. The interested individuals are trained in modern methods and handling of birds. The training will also be refresher courses for those with limited knowledge of poultry, this is to ensure the project is kicked off on right footing. INVESTORS AT THIS LEVEL ; 1) Agricultural institutes with training facilities. 2) Agricultural colleges/training schools. 3) International organizations with exchange programmes with the aim of technology transfer. Production; this refers to the rearing of various poultry such as broilers, layers, cockerels, turkeys, quails and guinea fowls. The area of production will depend on the market the producer is targeting or season at hand.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

AGRIBUSINESS: FEED CARE AND MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

AGRIBUSINESS: FEED CARE AND MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN. Feed costs accounts for 75% of production cost as such adequate care must be instituted to ensure maximum production. 1) Buy feed from reputable companies .When compounding feed:use good quality feed stuff sourced from reputable merchants. 2)Store feed inn cool dry and properly ventilated store, 3) The store should be rodent proof to prevent damage and contamination to feed. 4)Proper storage also prevents waste of feed by pests. 5)Feed must be dry and not cake. 6)Store feed on stacks/pallets. 7)Dont over feed or under feed your birds. 8)Dont feed birds with stale or damaged feed. 9)Avoid wastage from damaged feeders 10) Avoid overstocking of birds to ensure proper utilization of feed.

10 COMMANDMENTS FOR POULTRY HEALTH.

1) Procure healthy birds from reputable hatcheries.


2)Enforce and ensure strict bio security protocol.


3)Attach your farm to  a veterinarian and adhere to professional advice


. 4)Be alert for signs of diseases and notify vet immediately.


 5)Restrict movement of animals,people and farm tools to farm premises.


 6)House birds in clean,properly ventilated and disinfected quarters.


 7)Follow a proper vaccination and medication programme.


 8) Give well balanced ration and water to birds.


 9) Dispose waste and dead birds properly.


10) Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

FEED MILLING IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN..

Feeding accounts for the majority of the cost of running a poultry venture.The feed quality and quantity is paramount to achieving desired outcome of large eggs,market weight and proper growth and development. The feed milling aspect can be done in 2 ways;1) concentrates can be procured from established feed millers and maize/wheat offal can be mixed at specified proportions. 2) The procurement of all ingredients and making your feed based on a proven formula that will stimulate growth and development. The basic feed requirement are a) carbohydrate b)protein c) mineral sources and d) roughages The common carbohydrate sources are 1)sorghum,millet,cassava chips and maize. The protein sources are fish meal, blood meal,soya beans,groundnut cake meal and cotton seeds. Roughages are in form of brewers spent grain,rice bran and wheat offals,these are supplemented with minerals such as oyster shell,bone meal and dicalcium phosphate. The other inputs are salt,vitamin and minerals All ingredients must be properly crushed and thoroughly mixed to produce a feed of high quality.This is achieved in the milling section by using a crusher and mixer.

FEEDING FISH.

Feeding fish accounts for about 65-75% of total cost of production,hence there is a need to understand the requirements of fish,the feed stuff ,and how to get the desired value for the cost of feeding. Fish feed must be a balanced meal consisting of carbohydrate,protein,fat and oil,and vitamin premix.The sources of these component will depend on availability,cost and weighed advantages of the feed stuff over other options. Carbohydrate sources can be any of the following; millet,maize,wheat,rice bran or sorghum.Protein sources include; soya beans,fish meal,groundnut cake.Fat and oil include palm oil,vegetable oil or fish oils.The vitamin premix is a combination of additives and supplements . Atovi premix is the choice for enhanced growth and early harvest. The combination of these various feed stuff depends on the age of the fish with regards to the crude protein level,and stage of development.Fish feed must posses certain qualities for it to be considered suitable for use; 1)it must be balanced;contain all components in required quantities. 2)it must be attractive and palatable to fish. 3)it must be cost effective. 4)must promote growth of fish. 5)must be stable in water but must not pollute the pond. fish feed depends on the management employed; feeding may be by using natural feed,compounded feed,live feed or a combination of natural and compounded ration.The compounded feed are presented in powdered ,granular or pelletized forms.Fish feed could also be presented in flakes,this is usually the form for ornamental fish.Natural feed include the normal feed that fishes are exposed to in their natural habitats such as aquatic weeds,water hyacinth and water lettuce. Phytoplankton,zoo-plankton,insects,shrimps,maggot,tadpoles and earthworm. Animal offals are also sometimes used to feed fish; these offals include chicken intestine,pig scrapings, and cattle cuttings. The offals are washed properly,boiled and then coated with cornflour to absorb oil,this is then fed to the fish.The flour helps prevent pollution in pond by limiting /preventing oil deposits. Eggs can be used as well; the eggs are boiled,shelled and the yolk is mixed with water to form a paste.This is then broadcast ed on the pond for fish to feed.The disadvantage of feeding with yolk is that the pond must be flushed after every meal to prevent contamination of pond. Fish are fed at specific times to create a rhythm/pattern,the feeding is done at specific points so that the fish can be easily observed and weak/inactive ones are isolated. The quality and quantity of the feed is important,as it plays a vital role in the success of the production.When feed is incomplete,inadequate and has potential to pollute pond,these hampers the growth and development of fish.

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!

AGRIBUSINESS: HEALTH BENEFITS OF SNAILS.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SNAILS. 1) It has low fat and cholesterol content. 2)It is rich in iron,thus recommended for anaemic patients. 3)Its a good source of protein. 4)The meat is juicy and tender suitable for young and old. AGRIBUSINESS: HEALTH BENEFITS OF SNAILS.