Agriculture Business Week

Chicken egg production in the Philippines is a minor industry compared to the broiler production sector that takes center stage in the Philippine chicken trade. But the chicken layer sector had the most growth between 2001 and 2002 because of the increase of chicken layers in the country.

In 2002 alone, chicken egg production contributed 3% of the total value of agriculture in the Philippines.

With the current socio-economic problems in the country, the chicken egg is one of the cheapest food products that are vastly available in the market. The chicken egg is also considered as one of the most complete food sources with high nutritional value. Chicken egg production in the Philippines mainly serves the domestic market.

Feed compositions
The correct formulation of feed depends upon local conditions. It requires knowledge of the relationship between energy content of the feed and the amount of feed consumed daily. With correct formulation the latter will contain the correct daily allowance of protein, vitamins and minerals. Some vitamin supplementation can be done via the water and a continuous level of vitamin supplementation is virtually essential during all period of heat stress.

Water is the single most important nutrient that chickens consume. Therefore, it is necessary to provide adequate amounts of clean, fresh water daily during growth and egg production. Birds will drink between two and three times as much water by weight as they eat in feed. Their consumption of water increases in warm weather.

Sanitation and waste management
Maintain only a very shallow layer of litter on concrete floors. This will maximize any cooling effect which the concrete floor may have on the birds through absorption of body heat. Dry, dusty litter can cause severe irritation and damage to the eyes of chickens. Avoid dustiness by sprinkling water generously on litter at regular intervals. This spraying can, during extremely hot, dry spells, be advantageously extended to the birds themselves and the feed.

Vaccinations and control of common pests and diseases Many bird diseases can be difficult to diagnose. The list below includes some of the things to look for that signal something might be wrong with your birds. Early detection of signs is very important to prevent the spread of disease.

Watch out for the following signs of disease:
• Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock
• Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and nasal discharge
• Watery and green diarrhea
• Lack of energy and poor appetite
• Drop in egg production or soft- or thin-shelled misshapen eggs
• Swelling around the eyes, neck, and head
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs (Al)
• Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or lack of movement.

Proper handling of vaccines should be practiced. The quality of a vaccine cannot be guaranteed if the product is mishandled or improperly used after it leaves the manufacturing plant. All vaccines are labeled with instructions for use and dates of expiration.

Suggestions are listed below for an effective vaccination plan for your flock:
1. Rotate vaccine stock. An outdated product may have deteriorated.
2. Each vaccine is designed for a specific route of administration. Use only the recommended route.
3. Do not vaccinate sick birds (except in outbreaks of laryngotracheitis or fowl pox).
4. Protect vaccines from heat and direct sunlight.
5. When using the drinking-water method of vaccination, be sure the water is free of sanitizers and chlorine. Live-virus vaccines are readily destroyed by these chemicals.
6. After vaccinating, burn or disinfect all opened containers to other poultry.
7. Hatcheries and poultry suppliers are usually the best sources for vaccines. Be sure to carefully follow label directions when vaccinating.

To be continued…

Part 1–> Layers Production and Business Guide(Part 1)

Conclusion –> Layers Production and Business Guide (Conclusion)

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Posted on July 19th, 2008 under Poultry. Tags: Chicken, Hatchery, Layers. RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback.