Mia Patel
Broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl, bred and raised specifically for meat production. In Uganda, broiler chicken farming is a common practice, with farmers raising these birds for their meat. This guide will take you through the process of keeping broiler chickens in Uganda, including the necessary preparations, daily care, and potential challenges. Raising broilers can be easier than keeping layers, but it still has its challenges, and it is important to be well-prepared, especially regarding feeding and housing.
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$30
What You'll Learn
Broiler chicken breeds and their requirements
Broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl. They are bred and raised specifically for meat production. Typical broilers have white feathers and yellowish skin. Most commercial broilers bred for meat reach slaughter weight at between 5 to 7 weeks of age, although slower-growing strains take around 14 weeks to reach the same weight.
Broilers are typically kept under an intensive system of poultry management, which includes two subsystems: the semi-intensive system, where a small number of birds are produced in complete confinement, and the industrial system, where large numbers of birds are raised based on industrial principles.
In Uganda, there are hatcheries that specialize in hatching eggs for poultry. However, local breeders let chickens mate naturally. When keeping broiler chickens in Uganda, it is important to consider the following:
Broiler Chicken Breeds
The specific breeds of broiler chickens are not mentioned, however, there is a reference to improved local chicken. These birds are larger than local birds, weighing between three to four kilograms in five months compared to one to two kilograms for local birds. They also have lower resistance to diseases and require similar disease control measures as exotic birds.
Requirements for Broiler Chicken in Uganda
- Housing: The broiler chicken house floor should be covered with about six inches of litter (wood shavings or coffee husks) to absorb waste. It is important to keep the litter dry to prevent diseases and slow growth. The poultry house should be well-ventilated, and curtains should not be left hanging.
- Vaccinations: Broiler chickens should be immunized against New Castle Disease and Gumboro, following the recommended vaccination program.
- Feeding: Feed is the largest cost of production for broiler chickens in Uganda, constituting 60-70% of total production costs. It is important to calculate the total feed requirement for your birds to reach market weight and ensure a guaranteed supply. Feed ratios and quantities should be followed to prevent wastage.
- Spacing: Plan for 11 to 13 broilers per square meter. For feeding space, allow for 4cm per bird for long feeders and 2.5cm per bird for round feeders. For drinking space, plan for 2cm per bird for long drinkers and 1.5cm per bird for round drinkers.
- Temperature Control: Before the arrival of broiler chicks, heat the poultry house to attain a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius. Maintain specific temperatures for the first four weeks: 32-34°C for weeks 0-1, 30°C for weeks 1-2, 28°C for weeks 2-3, and 26°C for weeks 3-4.
- Debeaking: In Uganda, it is common to prevent aggressive feather pecking by "debeaking" chickens, which involves the partial removal of the tip of a hen's beak. This procedure is often done without anaesthesia or postoperative treatment.
By following these requirements, you can successfully raise broiler chickens in Uganda, ensuring their health, growth, and productivity.
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Preparing the chicken house
First, it is essential to have a well-ventilated poultry house. This will help keep the air circulating and prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to diseases. Make sure to avoid leaving curtains hanging, as they can block ventilation and create damp conditions.
Next, you should cover the floor of the chicken house with about six inches of litter, such as wood shavings or coffee husks. This litter provides a comfortable surface for the chickens and helps absorb droppings, keeping the environment dry and clean. Regularly turn the litter to prevent it from becoming caked and moist, as this can also lead to disease.
Before introducing the chickens, clean and disinfect the chicken house thoroughly. Let it rest for 7 to 14 days to ensure that any disinfectant has taken effect and that the house is free from pathogens. During this time, you can also set up the necessary equipment, such as feeders and drinkers, and ensure they are clean and sanitary.
To create a comfortable environment for the chicks, construct brooder guards using 2-foot-high hardboards. For every 300 chicks, you will need four boards. Place these guards within your poultry house and turn on the heat source three hours before the chicks arrive to attain a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius.
It is also important to plan the spacing for your broiler chickens. Typically, you will need to allow for 11 to 13 broilers per square meter. Ensure that the feeders and drinkers are easily accessible, with the recommended spacing of 4cm per bird for long feeders and 2.5cm per bird for round feeders. For drinking space, plan for 2cm per bird for long drinkers and 1.5cm per bird for round drinkers.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to successfully preparing a chicken house for broiler chickens in Uganda.
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Feeding and vaccination routines
Broiler chickens are typically bred and raised specifically for meat production. They are usually kept under an intensive system of poultry management, which can include the semi-intensive system or the industrial system. It is important to note that broiler chickens are susceptible to various diseases, so proper vaccination and feeding routines are crucial for their health and growth.
To begin, you must create a feeding routine for the broilers based on their age until they are ready for sale. For the first month, the chicks should be fed starter feeds, such as chick mash or broiler starter mash. From 3 to 6 weeks, you can introduce broiler starter feeds, and thereafter, you can transition to broiler finisher feeds. It is important to ensure that there is always enough food available for the broilers, as they tend to eat continuously throughout the day. Cleanliness is also crucial to prevent infections. Make sure to clean the feeders regularly using disinfectants like phenols and bleaching powder. Additionally, always provide fresh and clean water for the birds.
Regarding vaccination, it is essential to immunize your broiler chickens against deadly diseases such as New Castle Disease and Gumboro. Follow a vaccination program and always use distilled or boiled and cooled water to prepare the vaccines. A typical vaccination schedule for broiler chickens in Uganda includes administering New Castle 1 intraocularly through eye drops during the first week. Additionally, provide vitamins in the water after vaccination.
It is important to note that broiler chickens may be more susceptible to diseases due to their close living conditions. To mitigate this, ensure that your broiler chicken house is well-ventilated and keep the floor covered with about six inches of dry litter, such as wood shavings or coffee husks. Regularly turn the litter to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to diseases and slow growth.
By following these feeding and vaccination routines, you can help ensure the health and productivity of your broiler chickens in Uganda.
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Common diseases and their prevention
Broiler chickens in Uganda are typically kept under an intensive system of poultry management, which can make them more susceptible to disease. Here are some of the most common diseases that affect broiler chickens, along with strategies for prevention:
New Castle Disease
New Castle Disease is a highly contagious and deadly disease that affects broiler chickens of all ages. It is caused by a virus that can be transmitted through direct contact, fomites, and aerosols. The symptoms include abnormal breathing, discharge from the eyes, and greenish diarrhea. To prevent New Castle Disease, it is crucial to immunize your broiler chickens through a proper vaccination program.
Gumboro
Gumboro, also known as infectious bursal disease, is another common and highly contagious disease in broiler chickens. It primarily affects young chickens and can cause significant economic losses due to high mortality rates and reduced growth rates. Prevention of Gumboro involves proper vaccination and strict biosecurity measures.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that causes severe economic losses in intensive broiler production. It is caused by a parasite that infects the intestines of chickens, leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and even death. To prevent coccidiosis, it is important to maintain a dry and clean environment, regularly raking and turning the litter to prevent sporulation of oocysts. Additionally, using anticoccidials in feed as feed additives can help avoid acute outbreaks.
Air Sac Disease
Air Sac Disease is a respiratory syndrome that affects broiler chickens between 4 and 8 weeks of age. It is characterized by airsacculitis, perihepatitis, and pericarditis, and pneumonia is often present as well. The primary factors associated with this disease are poor air quality and dust, along with viral or mycoplasmal agents. To prevent Air Sac Disease, focus on maintaining good air quality and minimizing dust levels in the broiler house.
Infectious Bronchitis
Infectious Bronchitis is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system and can cause renal disease and a drop in egg production. It spreads rapidly through flocks and can be transmitted through airborne routes. To prevent Infectious Bronchitis, focus on maintaining proper biosecurity measures, including isolating infected birds and disinfecting equipment.
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Selling your broilers
Broilers can be sold to restaurants, hotels, individual households, bakeries, and food processing companies. It is important to advertise your business and reach out to potential clients to ensure a successful sale. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain the health and quality of your broilers until they are ready for sale. This includes providing a clean and well-ventilated environment, regular vaccination, and proper feeding routines.
The feeding routine for broilers varies depending on their age. For the first month, chicks are fed starter feeds, and from the second month onwards, they are transitioned to finisher feeds. It is important to ensure that the feeders are clean to avoid infections and provide enough fresh and clean water. The recommended amount of food for a broiler is 4cm in a long feeder and 2cm in a circular feeder, with the feeder filled to no more than two-thirds capacity to prevent feed wasting.
When your broilers are ready for sale, it is important to consider the average price of a bird in your area and calculate your costs accordingly. This includes factoring in the cost of feeding, which can be estimated at around one-third the price of an adult chicken. By following these steps and maintaining the health and quality of your broilers, you can successfully sell your broilers and reap the benefits of your broiler farming venture.
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Frequently asked questions
Broiler chickens are a domesticated fowl, a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl, bred and raised specifically for meat production.
You should plan for 11 to 13 broilers per square meter. For feeding, allow 4cm per bird for a long feeder and 2.5cm for a round feeder. For drinking, plan for 2cm per bird for long drinkers and 1.5cm per bird for round drinkers.
For the first month, chicks should be fed on starter feeds, and finisher feeds from the second month. Feeders should be kept clean to avoid infections and diseases.
The chicken house should be well-ventilated and the floor should be covered with about 6 inches of litter (wood shavings or coffee husks). Keep the litter dry to avoid diseases and slow growth.
Broiler chickens should be immunized against New Castle Disease and Gumboro.
