This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
As the new coronavirus pandemic continues to affect various sectors, poultry farmers are facing unprecedented challenges in the egg industry.
One of the primary concerns is the marketing of eggs, which has been severely impacted by the limited operations of restaurants, supermarkets, and schools. This has resulted in a significant reduction in egg sales, leading to cash-flow problems for many farmers.
Another challenge faced by poultry farmers is the availability of raw materials for making feeds for layer birds. Many of these materials come from neighbouring countries, which have imposed restrictions on cross-border movements, further exacerbating the situation.
Commercial egg production is a complex and expensive process, involving several stages, including raising day-old chicks, pest and disease control, and marketing. To maximise production, farmers need to be aware of the various challenges and take proactive steps to address them.
Below is a model for maximising egg production from 10 birds in a deep litter or cage production system.
The Numbers
For optimal egg production, farmers need to provide layer feed at the rate of 1.2-1.5kg per day. This can be achieved using one or two poultry feeders of 3kg size and one or two poultry drinkers of three-litre size.
It is essential to provide an adequate supply of clean water throughout the day, as each bird will consume between 120 and 150 grammes of feeds per day.
Deep Litter System
To set up a deep litter system, farmers need an empty room approximately 20 feet squared with adequate lighting or provision of electricity. The room can be a garage, an unused outside kitchen, unoccupied servant quarter, or any vacant house in the compound.
For bedding, farmers can use saw dust, which will help to absorb waste and keep the area clean.
Cage System
For a cage system, farmers can use affordable materials such as galvanised welded mesh, off-cuts, and bamboo sticks. Simple construction tools like a hammer, pliers, hacksaw, nails, binding wire, canvas, or thatch grass can be used to construct the cages.
Each cage should be approximately 3 X 5 x 2ft, with a galvanised wire mesh floor to allow faecal materials to drop to the ground. The roof can be covered with a canvas, black polythene paper, thatch grass, or old iron sheets to protect the birds from extreme weather conditions.
Management
For optimal egg production, farmers need to manage the birds' feed and water intake carefully. Each bird will consume between 120 and 150 grammes of feeds per day, and clean water should be provided throughout the day.
Feed is sold at agrovet shops from a minimum of 1kg to a 70kg bag. An old basin or wooden trough lined with saw dust or dry grass can be used as a laying box.
With proper management, farmers can expect to raise 8-10 eggs per day until the birds are 12 months old, when production starts to decline, and the birds can be sold for meat.
