Comprehensive Guide to Broiler Production in Kenya: Best Practices, Breeds, and Management Principles

Introduction

Broiler production in Kenya has emerged as a significant sector within the poultry industry, providing a vital source of protein and contributing to the country's food security and economic growth. The demand for broiler meat has increased steadily, driven by a growing population, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences. To capitalize on this demand and ensure the success of broiler farming, Kenyan farmers must adhere to a set of well-established principles and rules. These principles, discussed in detail in the following sections, include meticulous hatching egg selection, stringent day-old chick management, optimal grow-out housing and stocking densities, precise feeding management across the starter, grower, and finisher regimes, consistent assessment of flock uniformity, and careful handling of mature birds during transport to processors. By following these guidelines, farmers can achieve high productivity, enhance bird welfare, and produce high-quality broiler meat, meeting market demands and improving their livelihoods.

Broiler breeds

In the Kenyan broiler market, various breeds cater to different production needs, including both slow-growing and fast-growing varieties. Fast-growing breeds such as the Cobb 500, Ross 308, and Arbor Acres are famous for their rapid weight gain and efficient feed conversion, reaching market weight in as little as six weeks. These breeds are favoured for commercial operations focused on high turnover and productivity. On the other hand, slow-growing breeds like the Sasso and Kuroiler are gaining traction among small-scale and organic farmers who prioritize meat quality, flavour, and animal welfare. These breeds typically take longer to reach market weight, around 12 to 16 weeks, but offer robust health and resilience, making them suitable for free-range and low-input systems. The choice between fast and slow-growing breeds allows Kenyan farmers to align their production strategies with market demands and operational goals.

1. Hatching Egg Selection

The selection of hatching eggs is a critical step in broiler production. The quality of hatching eggs influences the flock's overall health, growth, and productivity. Essential considerations of hatching egg selection include:

•   Egg Size and Weight: Eggs should be uniform in size and weight. Typically, eggs weighing between 52 and 68 grams are considered ideal. Small or large eggs may result in poor hatchability and chick quality.

•   Shell Quality: Eggs must have strong, clean, uncracked shells. Shell quality is crucial to protect the developing embryo from external contaminants and physical damage.

•   Egg Shape: Eggs should have a regular shape, avoiding elongated or misshapen eggs, as these can negatively impact embryo development.

•   Age of the Breeder Flock: Eggs from younger and older breeder flocks may have lower hatchability rates. The optimal breeder age is generally between 30 and 50 weeks.

•   Storage Conditions: Hatching eggs should be stored at 55-65°F (13-18°C) with a relative humidity of 70-80%. To maintain hatchability, eggs should not be stored for more than 7-10 days.

2. Day-Old Chick Management

Proper management of day-old chicks is crucial for ensuring their survival and growth. Key aspects a farmer must adhere to include:

• Transport: Transport chicks in well-ventilated, clean containers. Minimize transit time to reduce stress.
• Brooding: Set up a brooding area with adequate heating (32-34°C initially), which is gradually reduced over time. Ensure there is enough space to prevent overcrowding.
• Environment: Maintain proper ventilation, humidity (50-60%), and cleanliness to prevent respiratory and other health issues.
• Feeding and Watering: Immediately upon arrival, provide clean, fresh water and high-quality starter feed. Ensure feeders and drinkers are easily accessible.
• Health Monitoring: Monitor chicks closely for signs of stress or illness. Look for uniform activity levels and check for any unusual mortality. Vaccinate per the health management schedule, typically including vaccines for Marek's disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Newcastle disease.

3. Grow-Out Housing and Stocking Densities

Housing:

• Design: Houses should be well-ventilated, insulated, and equipped with appropriate lighting.
• Flooring: Use dry, absorbent litter (like wood shavings) to maintain hygiene.
• Space: Ensure adequate space per bird to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to stress, disease, and poor growth.
• Temperature Control: Maintain optimal temperature (24-26°C) as birds grow, with proper heating and cooling systems.
• Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.

Stocking Densities:

• Starter Phase: 30-35 kg/m²
• Grower Phase: 25-30 kg/m²
• Finisher Phase: 20-25 kg/m²
• These densities should be adjusted based on the bird's age, weight, and environmental conditions.

4. Feeding Management

For Cobb 500, Ross 308/708, and Arbor Acres that are typically reared for up to 42 days, the following feeding regimes may optimize productivity:

Starter Regime (0-10 days):

• Feed Type: High protein (20-24%) and energy (2900-3000 kcal/kg) feed with balanced amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Feeding Method: Fine crumbs or finely ground feed to ensure easy consumption.

Grower Regime (11-25 days):

• Feed Type: Moderate protein (18-20%) and energy (3000-3100 kcal/kg) feed.
• Feeding Method: Pelleted feed to promote uniform growth and reduce feed wastage.

Finisher Regime (26 days to market):

• Feed Type: Lower protein (16-18%) but higher energy (3100-3200 kcal/kg) feed.
• Feeding Method: Pelleted feed, providing continuous access to encourage maximum weight gain.

5. Flock Uniformity Assessment

Assessing flock uniformity ensures that birds grow consistently and helps identify management issues.

• Starter Phase: Check weight and health daily. Uniformity should be around 85-90%.
• Grower Phase: Conduct weekly weight checks. Aim for uniformity of 80-85%.
• Finisher Phase: Continue weekly assessments. Uniformity should be around 80%.

Parameters to monitor include:

• Body Weight: Regularly weigh a sample of birds.
• Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Measure the efficiency of feed utilization.
• Mortality Rate: Keep track of deaths to identify health issues.
• General Health: Look for disease, stress, or poor welfare signs.

6. Transporting Mature Birds to Processors

Pre-Transport Preparation:

• Feed Withdrawal: Withdraw feed 8-12 hours before loading to reduce contamination during transport and ensure continuous water availability.
• Catching: Handle birds gently to minimize stress and injury. Use trained personnel for catching and loading.

Transport Conditions:

• Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow in transport vehicles to avoid heat stress.
• Loading Density: Follow guidelines to avoid overcrowding and ensure bird comfort during transit.

Arrival at Processor:

• Inspection: Check birds for signs of stress, injury, or illness upon arrival.
• Resting Period: Allow birds a rest period in holding pens with access to water before processing.

Conclusion

Efficient broiler production requires careful management at each stage, from hatching egg selection to transporting mature birds to processors. As a farmer, please pay close attention to environmental conditions, feeding regimes, and health monitoring as they significantly impact the overall productivity and profitability of the operation. By maintaining high standards and implementing best practices, farmers will ensure the well-being of their flocks and the quality of their final products.

Figure 1. Hatching broilers from eggs in the incubator area.

Figure 2. Broiler chicks, a few hours after hatch.

Figure 3. 10-day-old broiler pullets on a production floor.

Figure 4. 6-week-old broilers on a production floor

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