Brooding Broilers: The Experience of the Nazareth Agro- Pastoral Training and Production Centre (NAPTPC) in the North West Region of Cameroon.

Abstract

The paper observes that the brooding stage in poultry production is often neglected by both poultry farmers and researchers. It then investigates into the brooding techniques, challenges, measures adopted to solve challenges at the brooding stage and the prospects of brooding broilers in the Nazareth Agro Pastoral Training and Production Centre (NAPTAPC) .Data was obtained from the centre through interviews, questioners, and discussions with all stakeholders involved in the brooding stage of production. Participant observation was equally used to obtain some of the data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the brooding techniques used by this centre do not significantly deviate from the expected standard. It was also found that the centre suffered from the problem of loss of chicks, inadequate space, and inadequate capital for expansion and low demand for three weeks old chicks. To reduce this problem, the centre makes provision for a foot bath containing disinfectant to limit the spread of diseases, automatic generator to ensure a continuous supply of electric heat and correct administration of vaccines. Also, the surroundings as well as equipment were also kept clean. Above all, workers work in shifts so as to give adequate attention to the chicks. This center is optimistic to expand its activities in the near future. These findings are important and should not be ignored when examining issues of poultry production in the region. Finally, the paper recommends that the centre should ensure to always receive good quality day old chicks and to carry out brooding of broilers when climatic conditions are conducive to their growth. The center should also respect the standard stocking capacity of chicks to avoid the negative consequences of overcrowding. JEL Classification: E23, F2, F21, F43 Keywords: Brooding broilers, Nazareth Agro- Pastoral Training and Production Centre-Cameroon.