broiler farming assessent

ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF BHUTANCOLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

LOBESA: PUNAKHA

ASSESSMENT OF BROILER FARMING IN DUNGLANG GEOG UNDER TSIRANGDZONGKHAG

PREPARED AND SUBMITTED AS A PARTIAL REQUIREMENT OFTWO YEAR ANIMAL SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM

SILAS DHITAL, ANIMAL SCIENCE, 29/05/2013

AbstractThe study was carried out to assess the management practices,

socio-economic benefits and constrains in broiler farming in

Dunglagang Gewog under Tsirang Dzongkhag. In total 14 houses

were selected randomly to respond the set structured

questionnaires. Some information was collected by observation.

The data was analysed using statistics and graphs

The average flock size was 305.71±134.14. Farmers owned

broilers ranging from 180-600 in numbers. All farmers

practiced backyard broiler farming. Most broiler raisers

(57.14%) were in the age of 31-50 years. All broiler farmers

provided shed. Fifty seven percent of broiler producer used

wood, bamboo, zinc sheet and net to construct the shed. The

birds were provided with feeders and drinkers for feeding and

drinking by all broiler raisers. The birds had enough space

(birds were not overcrowded) for the movement and exercise.

Disease (100%) was the main cause of mortality in the farm

followed by death due to unknown reasons as pointed out by the

respondents. Death of broilers was more during the winter

than during the other seasons.

The marketing weight of the broilers was 2.17±0.54 kg and 57%

of the respondents sold their birds at Nu 120-130 per kg/per

bird. All farmers maintained health records, production

records and financial records. More than 70% (71.14%) broiler

raisers earned Nu. 20,000-30,000 and 7.14% collected Nu

71,000- 80,000 per cycle. Less demand for broiler in the

market, low price from selling broilers, competition from

i

other broiler producers, disease, lack of marketing

information and financial problems (100%) are the main

constraints in broiler farming.

Acknowledgement

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Dr Tshering

Gyeltshen, my research supervisor, for his patient and

professional guidance, enthusiastic encouragement,

constructive recommendations and useful critiques of this

research work. I would also like to thank Mrs. Singye Dem, for

her advice and assistance in keeping my progress on schedule.

My grateful thanks are also extended to Mr. Pema Chophel

(Extension agent, Dunglagang Gewog) and Manbir Chuwan (First

year, Gedu College of Business Studies) for their help in

carrying out data collection in different broiler farms. I

would also like to thank Mr. Jai Narayan (B.Sc Animal Science,

2nd cohort and the former extension agent of Dunglagang Gewog)

for suggesting me this particular topic.ii

I am particularly grateful for the assistance provided by Mrs

Tshering Zangmo and Mrs Tshering Lhamo in helping me to sort

out books from the library related to my research work. I wish

to acknowledge the chairperson of Dunglagang Gewog Mr.K.B

Pradhan for his assistance in presenting the broiler rearing

household and their locations. I would like to offer my

special thanks to College of Natural Resource for introducing

research and statistics module which was very fruitful to me

in upgrading my knowledge.

Table of ContentsAbstract.....................................................i

Acknowledgement.............................................ii

iii

List of Figures and Tables..................................iv

Chapter 1: Introduction......................................1

1.1 Introduction and rationale.............................1

1.2 Objectives:............................................1

Chapter 2: Literature Review.................................2

2.1 Poultry farming and Broilers...........................2

2.2 Broiler management.....................................2

2.3 Diseases and Vaccination...............................3

2.4 Record Keeping.........................................4

2.5 Broiler farming in Bhutan..............................5

Chapter 3: Materials and methods.............................6

3.1 Study area.............................................6

3.2 Sample size............................................6

3.3 Data collection........................................6

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION............................7

4.1 Flock Characteristics............................7

4.2 Socio Economic Background........................7

4.3 Housing and Feeding...............................8

4.4 Health and Mortality..............................9

4.5 Employment opportunities for the family..........10

4.6 Marketing.............................................11

4.7 Record Keeping........................................12

4.8 Production costs and Benefits....................13

4.9 Constraints...........................................14

iv

Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations...................16

References..................................................17

Appendices..................................................18

v

List of Figures

Figure 1: Dunglagang Gewog (source: Election Commission of Bhutan, 2011)................................................6Figure 2: Broiler Housing....................................8Figure 3: Housing Materials..................................9Figure 4: Reasons for Mortality.............................10Figure 5: Mortality Rate during Different Seasons...........10Figure 6: Time Spend By Family Members in Broiler Activities 11Figure 7: Marketing Price of Broilers.......................12Figure 8: Weight of the Broiler When Ready To Be Marketed. . .12Figure 9: Record Keeping By Broiler Raisers.................13Figure 12: Problems and Constraints of Broiler Farming......15Figure 11: Lack of proper feed store........................15

List of TablesTable 1: Distribution of the respondents according to their

age group, educational level, occupation and status of

the family.............................................7

Table 2: Production cost and profitability..................14

vi

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction and rationale

Agricultural and livestock activities are the backbones of the

people of Bhutan. Apart from cultivating various crops,

Bhutanese farmers also raise different livestock to support

their income. Poultry farming is one of the important

components of livestock farming in Bhutan. Poultry farming is

a viable business activity (Nanda, 2008) and has got immense

scope for growth in Bhutan (Nidup et al., 2005). Poultry is

defined as the domestic fowls, such as chickens, turkeys,

ducks or geese, raised for meat and egg (Cambridge dictionary,

2011). Poultry meat is an important source of high quality

proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance the human diet.

Specially developed varieties of chicken (broilers) are now

available with the traits of quick growth and high feed

conversion efficiency (Parkhurst & Mountney, 1988).

In the olden days poultry were reared in small groups, let

free to scavenge on open area, and poor management were

rendered. Moreover this poultry birds were kept as pets or for

consumption at household level. Bhutan has seen a boom in

poultry production with an increase of 25.26% of poultry

population from the year 2008 to 2010 (Livestock Population

and Production 2010).

Broilers are the chickens that are bred and raised especially

for meat production (oxford dictionary, 2008). Broiler chicken

farming in Bhutan is more common in Southern parts of the

1

country in places like Tsirang, Sarpang and Samtse. One reason

for this could be the absence of the religious obligation in

rearing these chickens. Some of the benefits that are seen

from broiler farming are low initial investment than layer

farming, short rearing period of 5-6 weeks, faster return from

the investment; demand for poultry meat is more compared to

sheep/goat meat (Huang & Peijie, 2007).

Management of the birds may play an important role in

profitability of the broiler farming. There are few studies

on broiler chicken farming in the country. Therefore, this

study aims to determine the contributions, management and

constraints of broiler farming.

1.2 Objectives:

a. Investigate the management practices in broiler chicken

farming.

b. Identify the constraints in broiler chicken farming.

c. Assess the socio-economic benefits from broiler farming.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Poultry farming and Broilers

Poultry rearing is one of the major livestock activities

that have been practised around the world. Poultry farming has

shown a great efficiency in terms of return from the flock.

Poultry provide humans with companionship, food and fibre in

the form of eggs, meat and feathers. People around the world

consume poultry meat which is a rich nutritious diet

containing a good source of Vitamin B6 and Phosphorus, and a

2

very good source of Protein, Niacin and Selenium (Agriculture

research service, 2012). Poultry farming offers opportunities

for full time or part-time employment to men, women, children

and elderly people on the farm operation. No laborious job is

required for a poultry unit. Poultry is easy to manage since

the birds are docile. Poultry farming also provides indirect

employment opportunities to the people with regard to

transportation and distribution of these birds among the

consumers in the market. It supports other industries like

feed mixing units, poultry equipment manufacturers, hatcheries

and chicken processing units (Chandy, n.d).

Many people love to raise and show chickens and other poultry

species at fairs and poultry shows. Others just love to raise

them for backyard pets and for fresh eggs every day (Darre,

2008). Bhutan is one of the developing countries where poultry

farming is gaining importance. Nidup et al. (2005) reported

that Bhutanese farmers are giving importance in rearing

poultry birds for meat and egg as farmers get faster return

from the flocks. Broilers rearing have been beneficial in the

lives of farmers as it gets ready to be marketed for poultry

meat at the age between 6 to 10 weeks which means a faster

return (NABARD, 2007). Body weight gain is not the reflection

of the feed intake but it the birds ability to convert the

feed into meat (Onu et al., 2004). Broiler chickens have the

ability to convert a small amount of feed into nutritious

meat.

3

2.2 Broiler management

Management of the broiler farm is very important activity and

therefore every manager or owner must have technical knowledge

about it. Good management also means that one can keep his/her

flocks healthy and productive. The management of the farm

relies on the budget and the willingness of the owner to

improve facilities in the farm. The first thing that needs to

be managed is the house. Houses must be sufficiently

insulated to prevent heat loss in winter and minimize heat

build-up in summer (Delmarva poultry industry, 2012). It

should have sufficient ventilation (natural and mechanical)

for cooling the birds in summer (Doye et al., n.d). The

poultry shed should be made in such a way that is should be

easier to clean, when flushed with water it should not be

stagnated on the floor (Adene et al., 1992). Other management

practice includes feed supply, lighting, ventilation,

nutrition, temperature, stocking density, water supply and

vaccines (Arbor acres broiler management guide, 2009, p.32-

39). According to Parkhurst and Mountney (1998) the space

requirement per broiler is 0.7 sq.ft. Studies by Biligili &

Hess (1995) and Johari & Hussain (1996) showed that provision

of larger floor spacing increases weight per bird and improves

feed conversion ratio.

Broilers are reared in large farms as well as in small farms.

There are always benefits and constraints faced by these

farms. Some of the advantages to large farms include reduced

fixed costs and labour requirements, growers increase their

profits by handling more birds. Although advantages to large

4

farms are significant, there are also inherent disadvantage

which includes Labour problems, disease, equipment maintenance

and waste disposal magnify as farm size increases (Agriculture

education, 2012). Small scale broiler farms are more popular

in Bhutan where farmer and entrepreneurs keep about 200 to 500

birds (Nidup & Wangchuk, 2007). The performances of broilers

under small-scale farm conditions are much poorer than those

obtained elsewhere under improved management conditions.

Factors contributing to the poor performance under small-scale

farm conditions are complex, but feed supply and quality,

chick quality and farmer training appear to be areas for

immediate improvement (Badubi et al., 1999, 2012). A study in

Bangladesh reveals that small-scale independent broiler

farming has potential to increase profit, employment

opportunities and per capita income with increase meat

production efficiency (Islam et al., 2011). According to Reo

et al. (2004) feed is the source of energy for broilers. It

provides broilers with calcium, phosphorous and other

essential minerals (Jacob et al., 1998). Water is an important

constituent of the diet which helps the broilers in the intake

of feed (Shanway, 1988). Water also helps broilers in

digestion, respiration and excretion of metabolic waste.

2.3 Diseases and Vaccination

Outbreak of disease is unpredictable and good health can

be maintained by hygienic practices. Broilers are very much

susceptible to various diseases like coccidiosis, Newcastle

disease, Marek’s disease, worm infestations and necrotic

enteritis (Tashi, 2006). As per Tashi (2006) vaccination for

5

the Maraek’s disease should be done when the chicks are

hatched, for Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine is to be given

when the chicks are 3 to 4 days old and should be repeated on

the 10th day. There are several metabolic diseases in

broilers. As per Julian (as cited in Greef et al., 2012)

ascites is one if the metabolic disorders in broilers that is

associated with insufficient oxygen supply relative to oxygen

demand of tissues (Julian, 1993).Cannibalism or vent pecking

is another factor that can lead to mortality in broilers and

other birds that are kept in large flock. It is assumed due to

the stress factor and poor nutrients to the birds (Internet:

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/). There are

four types of cannibalisms; feather pecking, head pecking,

vent pecking and toe pecking (Halls, 2011). Halls (2011)

states that debeaking is the best way of preventing

cannibalism.

2.4 Record Keeping

Henderson & Gomes (1974) noted that one possible approach

to improving small-scale farming is through the use of farm

records. Without farm records, a farmer will not make it very

far in today’s business environment. Torres study (as cited in

Agyekum et al., 2010) stated that record keeping is keeping of

detailed records by a farmer of his farm’s daily operations,

income and expenses. Record keeping and meeting production

targets are good management practices that allow the

identification and solution of problems (Glatz &Pym, n.d).

Barnett et.al, 2001 (as cited in Glatz & Pym, n.d) said

records kept over time can help identify some of the possible

6

causes of problems and assists in preventing the reoccurrence

of the problems. It is likely that most broiler raisers will

try to maintain production records, financial records,

mortality records and profit & loss records. Records

maintained in small broiler farms can help farmers in

calculating the profitability of the farm and make future

plans on broiler production. Though record keeping is an

essential part of broiler farming, Devonish et al., (2000)

stated that farmers who owned the larger farms tended to keep

records than those with relatively smaller farms. Farmers who

keep farm records are likely to have higher incomes (Agyekum

et al., 2010).Most of the farmers fail to maintain farm

records. Minae et al. (2003) noted that the lack of keeping

farm records is more pronounced due to the high levels of

illiteracy and low numeracy levels in most low resource

African farming communities. Farm records therefore serve as

a helpful tool in obtaining the correct data for examining and

developing sound policies. Farmers must maintain proper farm

records in order to receive subsidies from government. Johl &

Kapur (2001) ( as cited Agyekum et al., 2010) in stated that

farmers are always afraid of new taxes and so they fear that

if they maintain records and their incomes show up high in

their record books, some sort of high tax may be levied on

them.

2.5 Broiler farming in Bhutan

Poultry Development Programme started in the country as

early as 1961 during the first five year plan. It aimed to

7

improve nutrition of the rural population and alleviate

poverty through increased egg and meat production. Majority of

the Bhutanese households in rural areas raised chickens

(Nidup, 2007). Now, most of the poultry farms are set up for

the commercial purposes with the development of formulated

feeds for higher production and income (Dorji, 2011). As per

Nidup (2007), Department of Livestock (Ministry of Agriculture

and Forests -MoAF) encouraged broiler farming in southern

region of the country in places like Samtse, Tsirang and

Sarpang. Number of farmers established small- scale broiler

farms during 2004 and 2006 in these districts. Although

broiler farming is an integral activity for farmers, there are

constraints and problems in broiler farming. Studies in India

(Singh & Sharma, 2001, 2003) reveals that some of the major

constraints are; unavailability of good quality chicks, feed

and veterinary aid, cost of chicks, feeds and poor

transportation facilities. In Bhutan, outbreak of avian flu

(HPAI), new castle disease, predator attacks are the major

constraints in village broiler farming (Nidup, 2007).

Bhutanese rear broilers mostly in the southern part of the

country which could be due to absence of religious obligation

to rear these birds for meat but there is no literature on the

presence/absence of religious obligations in rearing broilers.

Other constraints could be less demand from the market, lack

of electricity facilities, competition from other farmers and

financial problems. There could also problems like lack of

technical knowledge in the field of broiler rearing, feeding

8

practices, construction of shed, vaccination and treatment of

the sick birds.

9

Chapter 3: Materials and methods3.1 Study area

The study was carried out at Dunglagang Gewog under

tsirang Dzongkhag.The Gewog is 15 kilometres away from Damphu

town. The Gewog has an area of 47.5 sq. km. There are 14

villages in the Gewog which includes Hati Dunga, Tokray,

Lalikharka, Dingnegoen, Noon pani, Janegoen, Gopini, Jaringay,

Kharibotay, Khorsaney, Lalidhap, Bichgoen-A, Bichgoen- B and

Gaathay. There are 246 households in the Gewog.

Figure 1: Dunglagang Gewog (source: Election Commission ofBhutan, 2011)

3.2 Sample size

The study sample size was about 60% of the households

rearing broiler chickens which make 14 households out of 24

10

households rearing broilers. This was to obtain qualitative

data.

3.3 Data collection

Data was collected through interview of the broiler

rearing households and through observations. A structured

questionnaire was used for the interview. The data was

collected during the month of December 2012 and analysed using

graphs and statistics. Some of the information was collected

through observation.

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Flock Characteristics

In total 14 households were interviewed. The average

flock size of broilers was 305.71±134.14. The farmers raised

broilers and layers and they did not rear indigenous birds.

The broilers were purchased from RPBC- Regional Poultry

Breeding Center. Broilers were sold out when after two months

of rearing.

4.2 Socio Economic Background

Majority (57.14%) of the respondents were in the medium

(31-50 years) age group with an average age of 40.5 years.

Sultana et al. (2012) in Pabna District of Bangladesh reported

60% of broiler producers to be at the age range of 31-50.

Similar to the present study, Agenda et al. (2000) as cited in

sultana et al. (2012) reported that age of poultry producer

ranged from 35-50. Most broiler producers (71.42%) were

11

educated and had studied till class six (Table 1) which was

consistent with the reports of Sultana et al. (2012). Most

farmers (64.28%) were engaged in broiler farming since broiler

fetches cash in short duration and is also easy to rear. Some

businessmen (28.57%) and civil servant (7.14%) also had taken

broiler farming as an extra source of income. By observation

(condition of house, presence of other business like shops,

vehicles, renovations of house, number of broilers raised,

rearing other livestock) it was found that the status of the

family (85.71%) was medium which was not the case in

Rawalpindi District, Pakistan where 90% of farm owners were

poor (Ogali.l, n.d)

Table 1: Distribution of the respondents according to their age group, educational level, occupation andstatus of the family

Parameters Categories

No Respondent(N=14)

% Respondent (N=14)

Age Young age < 30 4 28.57Medium age 31-50 8 57.14Old age >50 2 14.28

Education Level Illiterate 3 21.42

Grade 1-6 10 71.42Grade 7-12 1 7.14

Occupation Farmer 9 64.28Business man 4 28.57Civil servant 1 7.14

Status Of

The Family Poor 0

0.00

Medium 12

12

85.71

Rich 2

14.28

4.3 Housing and Feeding

Broiler producers have been using local raw materials

(wood and bamboo) as well as manufactured raw materials (zinc

sheet and net). It was found out that 57% of broiler producer

used wood, bamboo, zinc sheet and net to construct the shed as

shown in figure 3. Some producers (14%) used zinc sheet to

roof the broiler house which could lead to heat load on the

birds as stated by (Glatz, n.d). In most of the broiler houses

the roofs were made up of zinc sheet, the ceiling made out of

wood, the walls with bamboo and net (figure 2). The floor was

made up of cement or mud and then covered with saw dusts.

Almost 100% of the broiler

producers provided the birds

with supplement feed (commercial Karma feed in case of Bhutan)

which was not the case in Rushinga District in Zimbabwe where

about 6.2 % of the households practiced zero supplementation,

96.6% partial supplementation and 0.2% always provided

13

Figure 2: Broiler Housing

supplementary feed to their chickens (Mapiye and Sibanda,

2005).

wood/CGI sheet/Net

Bamboo/CGI/Net Wood/Bamboo/CGI/Net

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00% 57.14%

28.57%

14.28%

Different types of raw material used to prepare broiler shed.

No o

f fr

eque

ncy

in

Perc

enta

ge.

Figure 3: Housing Materials

4.4 Health and Mortality

As per the study, disease (100%) ranked the first cause

of death in broiler birds followed by change in climate (86%).

Some respondents as presented in figure 4 (57%) also stated

that mortality is due to vent pecking and almost 93% of

respondents said the birds die due to some unknown reasons. It

was also found out that the mortality rate was higher in

winter season (39%) followed by summer (36%) while autumn had

the lowest mortality rate (18%) (Figure 5), whereas study

carried out in rural Bangladesh reported that the mortality

rate was highest in summer followed by winter and similar to

14

the present study in Dunglagang, autumn had the lowest

mortality rate (Imaeda, 2000). The reasons for the death of

bird could be due to the cold stress and improper insulation

against cold. Therefore 90% of the respondents said that they

don’t rear broilers during winter. As per the Delmarva poultry

industry, (2012) houses must be sufficiently insulated to

prevent heat loss in winter and minimize heat build-up in

summer (Delmarva poultry industry, 2012).Since the broilers

were confined to proper house mortality arising from predator

was nil.

Disease

Unknown reason

Climate

Pecking

Predator

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

100.00%

92.85%

85.71%

57.14%

0.00%

Respondents (N=%)

Reas

on o

f Mo

rtal

ity

Figure 4: Reasons for Mortality

15

36%

7%39%

18%

SummerAutumnWinterSpring

Figure 5: Mortality Rate during Different Seasons

4.5 Employment opportunities for the family

As per the study, Women dominated activities as shown in

figure 6 (feeding, watering cleaning) that were done on a

daily basis because, more frequently, men and children were

not at home being involved in extramural activities which was

similar to the study conducted by Mapiye and Sibanda (2005),

where as in Anambra state of Nigeria men (74%) dominate the

broiler production and time spend with broilers (Ike and

Ugwumba, n.d). Men were also indulged in activities like shed

repairing and treating the birds.

16<1hrs

>2-<_3 hrsnot at all>1-<_2 hrs

>3 hrs<1hrs

>2-<_3 hrs

Women

man

childrens

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

No of people involved

No of respondents (N=14)

catogories and ages

4.6 Marketing

As per the findings of this study, the marketing weight

of the broilers was 2.17±0.54 kg although the findings

conclude that 86% of the respondents on an average sell their

birds when they attain 2.10kg whereas other 14% assume that

2.40kg is the market weight (figure 8). The findings were not

similar in Pabna District of Bangladesh where Sultana et al,

(2012) reported that about 78% of the respondents considered

market weight as 1.5 kg per bird, whereas the rest 22% sold

broiler weighing about 1.8 kg per bird. Fifty seven percent of

the respondents (figure 7) sold their birds at Nu. 120-130 and

the other 29% and 14% sold broilers at Nu. 130-140 and Nu.

110-120 respectively.

17

Figure 6: Time Spend By Family Members in Broiler Activities

14%

57%

29%

110-120120-130130-140

Figure 7: Marketing Price of Broilers

2.25 2 3 1.5 1.75 2.5 2.750

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

Weight in Kilogram

% of

res

pond

ents

Figure 8: Weight of the Broiler When Ready To Be Marketed

4.7 Record Keeping

Types of record keeping in given in figure 9.Respondents

(100%) kept health and mortality records, financial records

and production records. Feeding records were maintained by 86%

of the broiler raisers and only 43% of the respondents

maintained stocking records. As per the study done at Ga East

18

Municipalities in Ghana all respondents (100%) kept production

and financial records whiles 94% of respondents kept health

records and 62%

kept labour records. All respondents in the present study

maintained financial and production records to determine

profit and loss and to apply for loans.

0%40%80%

120%

Different Types of Records

% of

res

pond

ents

4.8 Production costs and Benefits

The findings on costs of feed, costs of shed

construction, revenue earned and profit per stock is mentioned

in Table 2. Broiler raisers (100%) purchase DOC (Day Old

Chick) at Nu.42 per chick. They purchase the DOC from Sarpang,

Bhutan. Sultana et al., (2012) reported that about 50% of the

broiler raisers purchase DOC at 31-33 Taka per chick. This

could be mainly due to the presence of single source of DOC

suppliers for the present study area. 42.85% of the

respondents incurred Nu 40,000-50,000 in purchasing the feed

per year.64% of the respondents reported that the cost in

19

Figure 9: Record Keeping By Broiler Raisers

construction of shed including labours came up to Nu 10,000-

15,000 where as 7.14% of respondent the cost to be between Nu

41,000-45,000. Singh et al., (2013) indicated that in Panjab

India, the small broiler farm shed construction cost Rs

202963. It is also reported from the analysis that 71.14% of

broiler raisers collected revenue of Nu 20,000-30,000 and

7.14% collected Nu 71,000- 80,000. It is indicated that 85.71%

of the respondents made a profit of Nu 10,000-20,000 per

stocks whereas other 14.21% made a profit of Nu 41,000-50,000

per stock. In a study conducted by Sultana et al., (2012) 54%

respondents earned 51000-100000 taka per year from broiler

farm, whereas the rest 22% and 24% respondents earned 19200-

50000 and 100001-144000 taka per year, respectively.

Table 2: Production cost and profitability

Cost of FeedNo. of respondents(N=14)

No. of Respondents (N= %)

40000-45000 2 14.28%46000-50000 6 42.85%51000-55000 2 14.28%56000-60000 2 14.28%61000-65000   0.00%66000-70000 1 7.14%71000-75000   0.00%76000-80000 1 7.14%Cost of Shed including labour

No. of respondents(N=14)

No. of Respondents (N= %)

10000-15000 9 64.28%16000-20000 3 21.42%21000-25000   0.00%26000-30000 1 7.14%31000-40000   0.00%41000-45000 1 7.14%

Revenue per stockNo. of respondents(N=14)

No. of Respondents (N= %)

20

20000-30000 10 71.42%31000-40000 2 14.28%41000-50000 0 0.00%51000-60000 0 0.00%61000-70000 1 7.14%71000-80000 1 7.14%

Profit per stockNo. of respondents(N=14)

No. of Respondents (N= %)

10000-20000 12 85.71%21000-30000 0 031000-40000 0 041000-50000 2 14.28%

4.9 Constraints

Broiler producers face a lot of constraints in production

and marketing aspects. According to the study, lack of

facilities (marketing, storage, transportation and manpower

facilities) (67%) was one of the problems. The major

constraint in the broiler farming was mortality due to

diseases (100%) and low price (100%) for the broilers (less

demand for broilers in the market, low price and competition

from other entrepreneurs). Whereas marketing of broiler

products was the main problem in Kaduna District of Nigeria

(Emaikwu et al., 2011). Studies in India (Singh & Sharma,

2001, 2003) revealed that some of the major constraints are;

unavailability of good quality chicks, feed and veterinary

aid, cost of chicks, feeds and poor transportation facilities.

At Karnataka, India 90% of the respondents complained about

low prices for broilers (Bhende, 2006). More than 80% (82.14%)

had financial problems. About Sixty four percent of the

broiler raisers faced problems of religious obligations in

rearing broilers. Livestock personnel visited the farms

21

frequently in the present study area. It can be considered

that the frequency of visits of personnel from the animal

husbandry sector to broiler farms is an indication of good

extension activity in promoting broiler farming.

0%

40%

80%

120% 100% 100%82%

67% 64% 64%36%

Figure 11: Problems and Constraints of Broiler Farming

22

Figure 10: Lack of proper feed store

Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations

It farmers are generating more income from rearing

broilers since they owned less numbers of layers and other

livestock as compared to broilers. Broiler raisers have little

knowledge on management practices for broiler. Few farmers

have now stopped raising broilers during winter due to high

mortality rate. Therefore training on broiler farming is

required for good management practices. Broiler production

generated revenue within short period of time. Some

respondents were concerned about the different price value

when marketing broilers so the government could fix and

control the price limits up to stability so that they can’t

get deserve as well as less competition from other broiler

raisers.

Extension agents in the region should provide farmers

sufficient training programs on broiler farmers. Farmers are

stopping broiler farming in the region government should take

a note of it for supplying inputs at subsidized or at more

economical rate to make the broiler farms stable and to

strength the faith of broiler farmers in this industry.

Furthermore advices on good management practices must be

rendered by the concerned personnel. Farmers also could adapt

to keep broilers during winter by providing the birds with

heat and insulating the shed. This ways farmer can sustain

broiler production throughout the year.

23

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Alders, R.G (2001). Householder Poultry Enterprise in Asia—Bhutan.

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Chandy,K.T ( no date). Poultry faming in India: Booklet 49

Ciamarra,U-P and Dhawan,M. (2010). Small- Scale poultry farming and poverty reduction in South Asia from good practices to good policies in Bangladesh, Bhutan and India

D, Sharma and Singh.B (2010). Adoption of feeding practices by broiler farmers of Haryana, Indian journal of animal research,Vol 44(1) 36 - 39

Emaikwu K. K., Chikwendu D and Sani A. S (2011). Determinants of flock size in broiler production in Kaduna State of Nigeria, Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural, Development, Vol 3(11) 202-211

24

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2008). Ethiopia: Poultry sector review. Rome.

Glatz. P and Pym .R (no date). Poultry housing and management in developing countries

Imaeda N. (2000). Influence of the stocking density and rearing season on incidence

of sudden death syndrone in broiler chickens. Vol 79: 201-204.

In FAO (2001). Report of the Twenty-fifth Session of the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA), Manila

Islam. S, Takashi.S and Chhabi K.Q.N (2010). Current Scenario of the Small-scale Broiler Farming in Bangladesh., International journal of poultryscience Vol 9(5) 440-445.

Jennifer.L .Rhodes, Jennifer Thomas.J.Richardno Nothingham,Wesley Musser (2011). Broiler production management for potential and exixting growers.

Kalio. Adokiye,G and Okafor, Beatrice, B. (2012). Response of Broilers to Two

Management Systems of Housing in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Vol (2).

Michael J. Darre (no date). The Importance Of Poultry In Our Lives Agriculture research service..

Mohsin,A.Q Riaz R, Asad. S and Mushtaq,A (2008). Profitability analysis of broiler production in rawalpindi District, Pak.journal of agriculture scicence Vol 45(4).

Mozumdar,L. Farid,K.S . Ahmed,J.U and Rahman,M.W(2009). Broiler farming: An approach to improve rural livelihood, Bangladesh agricultural university Vol 7(2) 395-402.

Muhammad, M. Muhammad, L.U. Ambali, A.G. and Mani, A.U. (2010). A Survey of Early

Chick Mortality on Small-Scale, journal of poultry science, vol 9(5) 446-449 Internation Retrived from http://www.pjbs.org/ijps/fin1594.pdf

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National bank of agriculture and rural development (2007). poultry broiler farming.

Nembilwi.D (2002). Evaluation of broiler performance under small-scale and semi commercial farming condition in the northern province.

Nidup, K. (1990). Nature’s Inspiration. http://www.kuenselonline.com. 1 June 1991. OR Kuensel (1990).

Nidup K., Dorji, P. & Penjor (2005). A review of poultry production. NRTI:Extracted from http//www. cms.cnr.edu.bt.

Onu,P.N. Ude,F.E and Okpaniezeani,P.E. (2004). Effect of grwth of dietary penicillin on the growth rate and feed conversion of broiler chicks, journal of agricultural and social research, vol 4.

Ogali,L. (no date). Performance and constraints of the poultry production system among FFS farmers in Pemba Island, Tanzania

Rao, S.V.R. Raju, M.V.L.N. Reddy, M.R. and Panda, A.K. (2004).Replacement of yellow maize with pearl millet, foxtail millet or finger millet in broiler containing sullplmental

enzymes.

RNR census (2000). LUPP. Ministry of Agriculture. Thimphu, Bhutan

Singh,V.P. Sharma,K Sidhu M.S. and. Kingra, H.S (2010). Broiler Production in Punjab : An Economic Analysis

Sultana, F. Khatun,H. Islam , A. (2012). Small scale broiler farming atSanthia upazilla of Pabna District of Bangladesh, Banglasdesh journal of animal science.vol 41 (2) 116-119

26

Appendices

QUESTIONNARE FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Interview no: Date:

Interviewer :

A. Household (HH) characteristics

1. Household head: Husband Wife Other

(specify) ………………….

2. Sex of the respondent: Male Female

3. Age:…………..

4. Marital status: Married Unmarried

Divorced Widowed

5. Occupation: ………………………………………………

6. Education status of respondent:

Illiterate Read & write Grade1–6

Grade 7-12 Other (specify)……

7. Religion:

Buddhist Hindu Other (specify)………………………

8. Status of the family (observed):

Poor Medium Rich

9. Family size…………

10. Number of dependents in the family……………………

1

BF No…………………………….. /

Name (optional):…………………………………………...... Present Address: Village:…………….Geog:………………..Dzongkhag:………………Permanent Address: Village:………….Geog:………………Dzongkhag:………………

B. Farm characteristics11. Total land holdings:…………………acre

12. Major crops grown in the field:

1st ………….……….2nd …….……………….3rd ………………………

4th ………………….5th ………..…………….6th ………………………

13. Livestock holding

i. CattleLivestock

typeNumber Breed type (number)

Local Crossbred Exotic(pure)

CowOxenHeifersCalvesTotal

ii. Poultry (chicken)Types Number Breed type (number)

Local Crossbred Exotic(pure)

BroilersRoostersPulletsCockerelsChicks

iii. OthersLivestock

typeNumber Breed type (number)

Local Crossbred Exotic(pure)

PigsSheepGoatsEquines

2

HorsesDonkeysMules

14. Rank the livestock based on their economic importance to you (1 for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 4 for 4th, and 5 for 5th preference)

Sl.no

Livestock types Rank

1 Cattle2 Pig3 Sheep and goat4 Equines (horse, donkey,

mule)5 Chickens 6 Others

C. Poultry production system15. Why do you keep chickens? (Rank them accordingly)

Sl.no

Purpose of keepingchicken

priority meat egg

1 Income2 Home consumption3 Ceremony/sacrifices4 Others (specify)

17.Why do you prefer to rear broilers instead of layers for

egg?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………

18. Is there presence of any religious obligations in rearing broiler chickens? justify …………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3

19. Is there any religious restrictions in consumption of chicken meat? Yes/No……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20. Is there any cultural/religious belief not to sell chickenmeat. Yes/NoIf YES (specify)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21. What type of poultry production system do you practice?

Backyard Semi-intensive Intensive

22. How long have you been rearing broiler

chickens? ............................years

23. Over the last five years (2007-2011), did the number of

birds in your flock change?

No, Remained same, Increased, Decreased

Why? .........................................................

..............................................................

..............................................................

..............................................................

..............................................................

.......

24. Does the number of birds in your flock change with the

season {Yes/No} and do you like to increase your broiler farm

size?

Why? ……………………………………………………………………………………….

25. Who in the household is the owner of the chicken?

Men Women Children Other………………

26. Do you think that broiler rearing provides employment

opportunities to the family member?

4

Yes No

27. On average how many hours per day do you/your family

spends to take care of the broilers?

Not at all ≤1 hr >1– ≤2 hrs >2-

≤3 hrs more than 3 hrs

28. Describe the allocation of household labour for poultry production.Sl.no

Activity type Responsible family members (Rank)Women Men Childr

en Other familymembers

Hired labour

Other

I Management and marketing1 Shed construction2 Shed cleaning and

maintenance3 Feeding 4 Providing water5 Selling birds6 Treatment of sick

birds (if any)ii Decision making1 Selling birds2 Birds home

consumption3 Purchase of drugs,

vaccines4 Purchase of birds

29. Do you have any poultry recording system? Yes/No

If YES, what do you record?(i)……………………………… (ii)……………………… (iii)…………………………… (iv)

…………………………….. (v)………………………….

If NO, why not?

30. (i)……………………………………………………………………………………………..

(ii)……………………………………………………………………………………………..

5

(iii)……………….……………………………………………………………………………

31. Where do you get your chicken from?

Family Neighbor Sarpang

Market Other (specify)…………

32. How old were the birds when you purchased?

≤6 weeks 7 – 10 weeks ≥11 weeks

33. Is broiler chicken farming profitable to you?

Yes No not sure

Poultry Housing

34. What are the raw materials used for the construction of

shed?

Wooden with net Bamboo Zinc sheet

Raw materialsyes No

wood/CGI sheet/NetBamboo/CGI/NetWood/Bamboo/CGI/Net

(Others specify)…………………………………………………….………

35. What is the floor of the shed made out of?

Clay mud cement wood others

(specify)…………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….......

36. How many broilers are accommodated in a cubic square

meter?

……………….

6

Broiler Feed and Feeding

37. Do you provide supplementary feed to your chicken?

Yes No

If you do not give supplementary feed, reasons for not

providing.

Unavailable Lack of awareness

Expensive

Financial problems others (specify)……………………

38. If YES, what are types of feed do you give to your

chicken?

Grain Vegetable and kitchen leftovers

Commercial feed (Karma feed) other (specify)

…………………………

39. What amount of supplement feed do you give to the flock?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

40. Is Karma Feed is the best source of nutrients for the

chickens? Yes No

41. About how much of the total feed that you give to your

chickens, is purchased?

100% 50% 25% none

42. Describe the sources of the feed purchase

Market dealers Other (specify)

…………………

43. How do you provide feed to your chickens?

By feeder Spreading on the floor

other (specify) ……………….…

44. Do you provide water to your chicken? Yes N0

7

Broiler Health Care

45. Do you take note of the mortality of your chickens?

Yes/No. Name the most important reason for mortality in

chickens in different age groups

Reason of mortality(YES/NO)

Disease

Predator

Climate

Unknown reason Pecking

During

Growth

stage

Season Yes No

summerwinterautumnspring

46. What do you do when birds fall sick?

Treat them by ourselves

Call in the extension officer/veterinarian

Culling Other

(specify)………………………….

8

Chicken reproduction

47. What is the production performance (in kilograms) of your

broilers under existing management condition and what is the

marketing price per kg?

No Breed MarketingWt.

Marketing price per kilo

1 Broilers

1.50kg 110-120

    1.75kg  120-130    2 kg  130-140    2.25kg  140-150    2.50kg      2.75kg      3kg  

48. In which season do you get to sell more of broilers for

meat? ……………………….

Socio-economic benefits and constraints in broiler rearing

49. Did you sell broilers for the past one year? Yes/No

50. If YES, where did you sell?

Neighborhood Local market Urban

Market Other ……..……...

9

51. How much did you earn by selling broilers in the last 1

year? ............................

52. Do you sell it as a live bird or a dressed bird?

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

53. How do you transport your broiler chickens?

1st ………………………………………...2nd …………………………………………..

54What do you do with the waste from the poultry shed?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

55. Are you able to meet the market demand? Yes

No

56. Does broiler rearing provides you employment opportunity?

Yes or no?

Gender

Workinghours

remarks

Womennot at all

  <1hrs

 >1-<_2 hrs

 >2-<_3 hrs

  >3 hrs

mannot at all

  <1hrs

 >1-<_2 hrs

 >2-<_3 hrs

  >3 hrschildren

not at all

  <1hrs

 >1-<_2 hrs

10

 >2-<_3 hrs

  >3 hrs

57. Some of the problems faced in rearing broiler chickens.

No. Some of the constraints Tick

Yes

No

Can you think of some of

the solutions to your

problems1 Less demand for broilers in

market2 Low price3 Competition from other

entrepreneurs 4 Lack of market facilities5 Lack of marketing

information6 Diseases problem7 Lack of broiler rearing

knowledge8 Lack of capital, resources

and inputs9 Lack of Transportation

facilities10 Lack of work force/labor11 Religious obligations12 Land scarcity13 Lack of feed stores14 Financial problems

11

12