Small Poultry Farms Research Articles

Sanitary management and the presence of Salmonella spp. in a small-scale aviary and poultry carcasses

Salmonella spp. is one of the primary foodborne pathogens and is a problem for public health and poultry farming. This study aimed to evaluate the sanitary management of a small poultry farm of a family farming company under female management in Jataí-GO and how such management affects the presence of Salmonella spp. Samples were collected for microbiological analysis from the environment of two batches of chicks at the entrance (D0), on the 28th (D28) and the 60th (D60) day of the chicks; from the carcass, from the evisceration table and the chicken plucker. The presence of Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the samples, which were taken from the bottoms of the transport boxes, from eggshell residues, from the growth and fattening rations, from shoe covers, from chicken litter, from the reception sheds, from the feeders and water fountains, from the walls and screens, from the external area of ​​the shed, from the compost pile and the carcasses. The pH, water chlorine, ambient temperature, and carcass temperature were assessed using a good production practices monitoring form and were considered adequate. The descriptive analysis of the data considered the current legislation. Therefore, strict monitoring of the standards underlying the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Hygiene Operating Procedures (SHOP) programs controlled the spread of Salmonella spp. in the poultry meat rearing and processing process and also ensured the quality of the final product for consumption.

ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY AND HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Today, both producers and consumers of fodders are aware that achieving high productivity of animals and poultry, as well as optimal quality of final products, is impossible without the use of complete and nutritionally balanced feed. Requirements for the quality of compound feeds continuously grow and change, as new, more productive animal breeds and poultry crosses appear. It is proved that the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war in Ukraine, climate variability and the global economic crisis are seriously undermining efforts to fight hunger and improve food security and nutrition. In the countries of Europe and Central Asia, the number of people who face problems in accessing adequate nutrition, including quality and safe products, has increased by 25.5 million people. According to FAO estimates, by 2050 we will have to increase the production of food and animal protein, including by 60%, to provide food for the world's 9.3 billion people. It has been established that poultry products are the most common and available source of animal protein to meet the needs of the world's population. The dynamics of changes in the feed production volume in 2018-2023 according to the data of the annual Agri-Food Outlook are presented. The top 10 leading countries in the feed production in 2022 are listed. They consume 64% of the world's compound feed, and half of the world's compound feed consumption is concentrated in four countries (China, USA, Brazil and India). A comparative analysis of the structure of compound feed production by types of agricultural animals and poultry for 2021-2023 shows that there is a growth trend for almost all types. The production of compound feed for pigs has been negatively affected by ASF all over the world. The greatest growth is observed in the field of compound feed for pets. It has been proven that a third of consumers prefer poultry products due to their availability and quality. In Ukraine, the industry is developing rapidly even in the conditions of a full-scale war, personnel shortages, power outages, inflation and disruption of logistics chains. The volume of global poultry production from 2012 to 2023 is shown. It is constantly increasing, caused by the increase in demand for affordable and relatively cheap animal protein. As a result of the analysis of the dynamics of poultry meat production by country in 2022-2023, it was established that the USA remains the leader in the production of poultry meat in the world for many years. Brazil and China remain in second and third place. Brazil has the largest growth during the reporting period. High competition in the field of breeding of laying hens and broilers stimulates the development of niche industries, such as guinea fowl breeding. Guinea fowls are raised for meat, eggs and fluff. This can be a very profitable business, especially for small poultry farms, due to the speed of payback of small investments and the unpretentiousness of the bird

In-silico insights of ESBL variants and tracking the probable sources of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in a small-scale poultry farm

Commercial broiler farms face challenges of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli transmitted from both vertical and horizontal routes. Understanding the dynamics of ESBL-E. coli transmission in compromised biosecurity settings of small-scale rural poultry farms is essential. This study aimed to elucidate the probable transmission pathways of ESBL-E. coli in such settings, employing phylogenetic analysis and molecular docking simulations to explore the catalytic properties of β-lactamase variants. Sampling was conducted on a small-scale poultry farm in West Bengal, India, collecting 120 samples at three intervals during the broiler production cycle. E. coli isolates underwent resistance testing against eight antimicrobials, with confirmation of ESBL production. Genotypic analysis of ESBL genes and sequencing were performed, alongside molecular docking analyses and phylogenetic comparisons with publicly available sequences. Among 173 E. coli isolates, varying resistance profiles were observed, with complete resistance to cefixime and high resistance to amoxicillin and tetracycline. The incidence of ESBL-E. coli fluctuated over the production cycle, with dynamic changes in the prevalence of blaCTX-M-type and blaSHV-type genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated partial clonal relationships with human clinical strains and poultry strains from the Indian subcontinent. Molecular docking confirmed the catalytic efficiencies of these ESBL variants. The study highlights probable vertical transmission of ESBL-E. coli and emphasizes drinking water as a potential source of horizontal transmission in small-scale poultry farms. Strict biosecurity measures could prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in birds and their products in a small scale poultry farm.

Study on the Evaluation of the Profitability, Efficiency and Investment Trends of Different Poultry Farming Systems

Over the past 20 years, the Indian poultry sector has transformed into a dynamic entity with more structured operations. Following all these practices almost at every level, poultry industry is now achieving new heights day by day. The entire livestock sector's contribution to India's GDP is greatly aided by the poultry industry in the country. India's poultry sector ranks second and third in the world in terms of meat and egg output, respectively, with 3.4 million tonnes of meat and 65 million tons of eggs produced (FAO). Significant advancements in the industry have resulted from management initiatives. Most of India's organized structure has contributed to the effective use of resources and the right implementation of policies, which have improved firm financial positions and produced the intended results. The data was collected from stakeholders with the help of pretested interview schedule. Separate interview schedule was prepared for broiler farmers (100 samples), breeder farmers (10 samples) and processing cum distribution centers (20 samples). A combination of tools viz. average, percentage, cost and return analysis. To get better understanding of the study, the sample farmers were classified into different supply chains based on their mode of working and business stages performed. Feeding management practices were followed aptly by most of the farmers. Almost all farmers were following suitable health management practice by vaccinating their birds. Based on number of birds reared poultry farms were classified as small, medium and large poultry farms. Small farms were in only in Supply Chain II and III. Fixed investment they did was `583010 and `46733 out of which nearly 85 per cent building charge. In medium sized poultry farms category, poultry farms from Supply Chain II, III and IV were present. Fixed investment they made was `12,22,096, `15,94,147 and `13,27,778 respectively of which more than 90 per cent was spent on farm buildings construction purpose. In large poultry farms, Supply Chain IV farmers had made quite huge fixed investment. For all the farms, of the total investment, 90 per cent was in buildings and 10 per cent was in equipments.

Knowledge and practices related to antibiotics among poultry producers and veterinarians in two Indian states

BackgroundAntibiotics are frequently utilized in livestock, particularly poultry, for therapy and growth promotion, resulting in antimicrobial resistance. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are frequent in poultry samples from India. The purpose of this study was to better understand main antibiotic consumption patterns in poultry value chains, as well as antibiotic knowledge and practices among the stakeholders. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Assam and Karnataka, India. The poultry farmers were interviewed on antibiotic usage, antibiotic knowledge, feeding practices, and preventive measures on the farm. Poultry farmers reported their veterinarians, and we also interviewed them on knowledge and practices related to antimicrobial use in poultry and antimicrobial resistance. Item response theory (IRT) was used to assess the association between the answers and demographic factors. ResultsThis survey interviewed 62 poultry farmers and 11 veterinarians. Small poultry farms with fewer than 4000 birds were owned by 51.6% of farmers. Most poultry farmers had heard about antibiotics, and 62.9% thought they cured all diseases. If one chicken is sick, 72.6% said others should be given antibiotics to prevent the disease. All veterinarians utilized tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and cephalexin on the poultry farms. Over half (54.5%) stated antibiotics prevent diseases, and 72.7% said they treat and prevent diseases. Some (45.5%) said antibiotics boost growth. IRT analysis showed that 8 questions assessed a knowledge scale well. Univariable analysis showed that Assam farmers and women were likely to have have more knowledge. ConclusionThe poultry farmers were mostly unaware of the relation between antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Despite being aware, the veterinarians agreed with use antibiotics as a prophylactic measure. It is vital that these stakeholders understand the repercussions of such widespread antibiotic use. In order to increase knowledge, frequent trainings and antimicrobial stewardship programmes with effective communication and incentives for behaviour change should be conducted.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis in Household Chicken Eggs: A Case Study From Erzurum, Türkiye

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is the most predominant serovar in poultry and eggs, and it poses a significant threat to public health worldwide as it is a leading cause of salmonellosis in humans, which is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated poultry products like eggs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of S. Enteritidis in household chicken eggs collected from Erzurum Province, Türkiye. A total of 168 household chicken eggs were collected from 168 small family poultry farms. Salmonella spp. was not isolated from any of the examined egg internal contents; however, successful isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. were achieved in 4 of the shell samples. Further characterization of the identified Salmonella spp. isolates was performed at the serovar level using 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and all 4 isolates were identified as S. Enteritidis. In conclusion, this study highlights the inherent risk of S. Enteritidis contamination in household chicken eggs and emphasizes the vital significance of implementing stringent food safety measures to safeguard consumer well-being and ensure the protection of public health.

Factors affecting highly pathogenic avian influenza vaccination practices at poultry farms in Tra Vinh, Vietnam.

The increased number of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as a zoonosis has raised concerns in terms of poultry and human health. Farmers' preventive practices are an effective way of reducing zoonosis. However, this practice may have been affected by many factors, including production behaviors, awareness, and farmers' perceptions of farmers toward zoonosis. This study was conducted on 166 poultry farms in Tra Vinh Province with 14,894 poultry heads to determine the socioeconomic profiles and production characteristics of poultry farms and analyze the effect of these factors on HPAI vaccination practices. Respondents were selected from lists provided by government officers. Descriptive statistics were used to describe all variables, and factors affecting HPAI vaccination practices were analyzed using binary regression analysis. The results showed that most farmers raised poultry with other livestock using the free-range method, which is a semi-intensive system. The primary objectives of poultry farming are meat sales and augmenting household consumption, with farmers primarily raising chicks produced on their farms. The implementation of the vaccine was less than 50% on the surveyed farms, with a small number of farmers administering an HPAI booster dose. However, only 6% of the farmers confirmed that their livestock had been exposed to HPAI. In addition, HPAI vaccination and booster dose practices significantly increased when farmers had 4-6 family members and received HPAI prevention training. Moreover, increased poultry numbers have led to increased vaccination rates and the implementation of booster doses for poultry. The study also reported that the vaccination rate decreased when poultry was used for household consumption. Sociodemographic characteristics and production behaviors can affect the implementation of HPAI vaccination on small poultry farms.

Dependence of the uniformity of feed mixing in the feed mixing device of the granulation line on the number of paddle shaft revolutions and mixing time

Today, 87 percent of the number of cattle, as well as 90 percent of the number of sheep and goats in Uzbekistan are cared for by farmers. 85-90 percent of the number of livestock in our Republic belongs to peasant farms, and the preparation of feed for the livestock kept in these peasant farms should be implemented using best practices and modern technologies in developed countries, increasing the competitiveness and economic efficiency of the livestock sector is important. Based on the aforementioned information, a small-sized granulation line and a feed mixing device were created that are comparable to large-sized devices in terms of work quality and meet small livestock and poultry farms in terms of size, productivity, and energy consumption. The homogeneity of the feed mixing ratio in relation to the device’s paddle shaft rotation count and mixing duration was investigated through experimentation. The results of the trials showed that when the feed mixer paddle rotor was turning at a speed of 50 revolutions per minute and the mixing period was set for five minutes, the optimal mixing quality of ground wheat grain, ground maize grain, ground rice, and wheat bran for the manufacturing of granular feed was reached.

The Composition of Zoophilic Fly Species in Eastern Ukraine

Zoophilic Diptera plays a leading role in the epizootic foci formation of many infectious and parasitic diseases and directly affects the quality of livestock products. The current study aimed to analyze the number and species composition of parasitic Diptera in industrial, farm, and homestead agrobiocenoses of large and small cattle, pig, and poultry farms in Eastern Ukraine. The research involved entomological collection during the peak activity daylight hours in early May, July, and early September 2021-2022 per farm. A total of 360 entomological collections were made, and 4310 zoophilous flies were examined. In livestock farms of five districts of the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, 28 species of zoophilic flies were registered, among which Musca domestica, Muscina stabulans, Stomoxys calcitrans, Lucilia sericata, Protophormia terraenovae, and Drosophila species were dominant species. The analysis revealed that cattle biocenoses hosted 27 fly species, pigs had 8 species, and poultry and small cattle each had 7 species. The study indicated an increase in the population of Musca autumnalis, the main species in the pastures, near livestock premises during the summer. Stomoxys calcitrans was also recorded in livestock agrobiocenoses. The species Musca domestica, Musca autumnalis, and Stomoxys calcitrans account for 78.8% to 88.3% of the entire complex of zoophilous flies. The two species of Ortellia caesarion (shiny dung beetle) and Ortellia cornicina (green dung beetle), known for their role as manure mineralizers and deemed non-threatening to animals, were completely absent during the research period. The findings indicated the species of Eristalis tenax in agrobiocenoses in 2021. Therefore, it can be concluded that zoophilic flies are physical irritants to animals and potential carriers of many infectious diseases, especially diseases caused by unicellular organisms.

Chicken mixed infection in Kotayk region of the Republic of Armenia

The purpose of the research is study of chicken parasitic associations in small farms of Kotayk region, and analysis of the determined factors. Materials and methods. Research was conducted in 2021 to 2022 in small poultry farms of Kotayk Marz. Poultry feces samples were examined at the Laboratory of Parasitology of the Research Center of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise, Armenian National Agrarian University. Totally 210 fecal samples were examined. Eimeria spp. oocysts and nematode eggs were detected by means of method after Darling. The results of the research were processed by statistical methods. Results and discussion. Results of the research have shown that poultry eimeriasis had a wide prevalence in Kotayk Region (52.86%). Three species of Eimeria spp. have been detected: E. acervulina, E. tenella, and E. necatrix. E. acervulina was the most prevalence species (34.29%). The highest intensity of the infection has been registered in Nairi and Kotayk Regions of the region. The above-mentioned species of Eimeria spp. have been occurred both in mono- and poly-infection, with various combinations of the species. E. acervulina + E. tenella combination was the most common. Poultry eimeriasis occurred as a mixed-infection with ascaridiasis, heterakiasis, and capillariasis. The highest extensiveness of the poultry infection has been registered in Kotayk and Hrazdan Regions of the region (65.71% in both cases). Geographical location, as well as natural and climatic conditions of the region promote the prevalence of the mixed infection of poultry.

A study on constraints faced by small poultry farmers in highlands

A study on constraints faced by small poultry farmers in highlands

Poultry Monitoring and Controlling System using Arduino Uno

This work is used to save the time and dependence on the work. By combining wireless system networks to manage and monitor environmental parameters such as light intensity, fan, water and temperature are automatically monitored and controlled. This system also helps farmers to monitor the poultry farm. It is a combination of Arduino Uno, gas sensor, LDR sensor, water sensor and temperature sensor which makes the work easier. The changes in this system are observed with the help of LCD display. The production of automatic feeding machines for poultry farming may be necessary to expand this industry in rural India. In the present system, a poultry farm requires labour. The chickens are fed manually by humans. This automatic feeding system solves the labour shortage while reducing labour costs. This automatic feeding system can be used in both large and small poultry farms and agriculture. In this method, the feed is put into a feeder or a feeder. This device also uses an automatic misting system to maintain a constant temperature in the farm. This automatic misting device can also be used to keep the room at a constant temperature. This automatic misting device can also be used to keep the air in the livestock farm at a comfortable temperature. This device is easy to use and affordable. Small poultry farms in India can use it. It can be controlled by android phone.

Науково-проектні рішення для створення сучасних малих птахоферм: огляд

The purpose of research is to carry out a review of scientific and project solutions for the creation of modern small poultry farms. Research methods. The review of scientific and project solutions for the creation of modern small poultry farms was carried out based on the materials of available information sources in the following directions: science; projects; comparison. Research results. When creating a scientific design solution for a small poultry farm building for keeping up to 700 laying hens, it is important to take into account the following data: hangar-type premises (width 6 m, height 3,8 m, wall height 3,0 m); the width of places for laying eggs is 0,8 m; the width of the slotted floor is 2,4 m; the width of the solid floor with bedding is 2,8 m. The main thing is to keep laying hens on the floor, cascading in tiers with places for laying eggs. In order to prevent poultry diseases, it was proposed for the first time to increase the technological area for keeping chickens from 6 heads/m2 to 5 heads/m2. Small-sized hangar-type buildings are recommended for keeping poultry on small poultry farms, with dimensions in the width-height ratio: 5,0 m-3,2 m; 8,0 m-4,0 m; 10,0 m-4,8 m; 12,0 m-5,6 m. It is important that during the creation of scientific and project solutions, the technological features of growing different types of poultry (chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks), including those that are seasonal, the duration of growing and livestock fattening, maintenance of parent flock, period of economic use of poultry, etc. Conclusions. According to the results of the review of scientific and project solutions for the creation of modern small poultry farms, which were carried out based on the materials of available information sources in the following directions: science; projects; comparison, it was established: for keeping poultry of various species (chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks) on small poultry farms, small hangar-type buildings are recommended; the basic method of keeping poultry is free floor, cascade keeping, in particular, in rows of chickens and floor - of turkeys, waterfowl (geese, ducks) and keeping poultry in general using aviaries, which brings the conditions of their keeping closer to natural ones. Keywords: geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, poultry farming, poultry farms, systematization of factors, technological areas, keeping conditions, product quality.

АНАЛІЗ ВИМОГ ДО БУДІВНИЦТВА СУЧАСНИХ МАЛИХ ПТАХОФЕРМ

Summary Purpose of the study is to analyze the requirements for the construction of modern small poultry farms for keeping poultry of various species. Research methods. Analytical studies devoted to the requirements for the construction of small poultry farms were conducted based on available scientific and informational reports by means of an analysis of the current state of this problem in European countries. Results. It was noted that during the construction of small poultry farms, it is important to comply with the requirements for the placement of poultry, depending on the available land in the farm and the dimensional characteristics of buildings for keeping poultry. Research in the conditions of a poultry farm was analyzed, with a comparison of different types of bedding materials. The main trends in the construction of small poultry farms were noted: the placement of poultry depending on the available land in the farm and the dimensional characteristics of the buildings; small hangar-type buildings for keeping poultry; mobile poultry houses; the main method of keeping poultry is floor; cascading keeping of chickens on three levels; the floor in the poultry house must be waterproof; the slatted floor can occupy only a limited area of the poultry house; use of bedding materials, including non-traditional ones; calculation of the thermal balance of the building; organic production of poultry products; landscaping of walking areas for birds. Conclusions. The analysis of the requirements for the construction of modern small poultry farms testified that in European countries with developed poultry farming there is a constant process of improving buildings for keeping poultry in order to effectively manage the industry and obtain high-quality products. The materials presented in the publication will be useful in the future for the development of design solutions for buildings for keeping poultry of various species. Key words: poultry, geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, poultry farming.

ԲՆԱԿԼԻՄԱՅԱԿԱՆ ՊԱՅՄԱՆՆԵՐԻ ԱԶԴԵՑՈՒԹՅՈՒՆԸ ՀԱՎԵՐԻ ԷՅՄԵՐԻՈԶԻ ՏԱՐԱԾՎԱԾՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՎՐԱ ՀՀ ԱՐՄԱՎԻՐԻ ԵՎ ԱՐԱՐԱՏԻ ՄԱՐԶԵՐՈՒՄ

One of the current issues of small poultry farms is the prevalence of Eimeriosis infection (especially in floor housing conditions). The research activities were conducted throughout 2021-2022 years in the small rural poultry farms of some communities at the RA Armavir and Ararat marzes. Eimeria infection of chickens was identified on the basis of the results of laboratory tests performed throughout the year. Two species of Eimeria were detected: Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria tenella. Infected samples made up 36% of the overall examined ones. Heat and humidity are among the factors of external environment contributing to the Eimeria propagation. During the year, one or two outbreaks of epidemic nature of invasion may be recorded. The intensity of invasion in Armavir and Ararat marzes was 33 % and 39 %, respectively. Weather conditions favor the preservation and sporulation of Eimeria oocysts in the outdoor environment, leading to spring outbreaks of infection. During the research, as a result of the monitoring carried out in the permanently insecure areas against the disease, high indicators of the extensity and intensity of the invasion were recorded from the beginning of April until the first ten days of June. Lack of precipitation in the summer contributed to a sharp decline in the extensity and intensity of the invasion. And in the long and warm autumn, due to heat and humidity, a certain increase in the mentioned indices was registered, which, anyhow, did not lead to autumn outbreaks of the invasion.

Assessing smallholder farmers' perception of value creation and appropriation in sustainable production

Market opportunities and improved demands for sustainable production and consumption highlight the importance of engaging smallholder farmers. This study aims to understand the transition towards sustainability through the perception about the value created and appropriated of small poultry farmers who supply a company that practices Nature Farming, in a vertical integration system. The authors adopted a system of indicators (Ambitec-Agro, assessment of the impact of technological innovations in agriculture) and used content analysis software (ATLAS.ti) to assess farmers' perceptions. The results suggest that the transition to sustainable production creates capacities to add value, mainly from social and economic perspectives. In addition, the relational value has a strong influence on this dynamic. The study contributes by proposing an application of methodology based on mixed methods to identify the perceptions of smallholder farmers about created and appropriated value in migrating from an input-intensive production to a sustainable system, offering opportunities for improvement in traditional supply chains.

АНАЛІЗ РОЗМІРІВ ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ ПЛОЩ ПІД ЧАС УТРИМАННЯ СВІЙСЬКОЇ ПТИЦІ: ОГЛЯД

Summary The purpose of the research is to analyze the size of technological areas under traditional and organic conditions for keeping poultry of various species. Research methods. Analytical studies on the size of technological areas under traditional and organic conditions for keeping poultry of various species were carried out on the example of poultry farming in developed European countries according to available scientific and informational reports, including in a comparative aspect. Results. Analytical studies have established that, according to the regulatory requirements of European countries with developed poultry farming, technological areas during floor, cascade keeping of chickens’ amount to 9 heads/m2 (for organic production of products - 6 heads/m2), a maximum of four levels of livestock placement is allowed (in terms of organic production - three levels). On poultry farms for keeping laying hens, group places for laying eggs are designed for 80-120 heads/m2. Perches for laying hens at the rate of 15 cm/head. (for organic production 18 cm/head). Walking areas for laying hens are arranged at the rate of 4 m2/head. Technological areas during keeping turkeys should not exceed 45 kg/m2 (21-30 kg/m2 is allowed in organic production). In the poultry house, geese must be kept at a processing area of 2 heads/m2 (15 kg/m2). For free-range keeping of geese, the technological area should be 10 m2/head. Organic geese need at least 15 m2/head. In the poultry house, ducks are kept at a technological area of 25 kg/m2. Conclusions. In European countries with developed poultry farming, there is an increase in the production of products based on the principles of organic farming and animal husbandry. Main trends regarding technological areas during poultry keeping: increase of technological areas by at least 50%; floor keeping of poultry; optimized cascade keeping of chickens; rational dimensions of the place for laying eggs, perches, etc.; free-range keeping of poultry; provided shelter for birds on walking platforms. The materials presented in the publication will be useful in the future for the development of design solutions for buildings of small poultry farms for keeping poultry. Key words: geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, poultry farming, poultry farms, technological areas, keeping conditions.

Development of a small grain crusher device for small livestock, poultry and fish farms

Livestock breeding in Uzbekistan is established mainly in small farms, and more than 80 percent of the total product is produced in them. With the development of animal husbandry in small farms, there is a demand for equipment used in the preparation of feed, including the preparation of concentrated feed by crushing grains. Taking this into account, a small-sized grain grinder device for grinding grains was developed for small farms. The height of the device is 1170 mm, the length is 500 mm and the width is 700 mm, the weight is 45 kg, and the power of the electric motor is 1 kW. This shows that its construction is compact, metal consumption is low and energy efficient, and its use in small farms is effective enough.

Epidemiological investigation of morbidity and mortality of improved breeds of chickens in small holder poultry farms in selected districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundA longitudinal study was conducted in six intensive and three semi-intensive poultry farms in Shebedino and Dale districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia from November 2018 to May 2019. The objectives of the study were to estimate incidence rates of mortality and morbidity, identify the risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality and establish differential diagnosis of major diseases affecting poultry in the area. Chickens belonging to two breeds namely Sasso, and Bovans Brown reared in purposively selected small-scale farms was included from two districts. The chickens on the selected farms were monitored for morbidity and mortality every week. Diagnosis of different diseases was made based on the flock history, age of birds, clinical signs, characteristic gross and microscopic lesions, and fecal flotation technique for coccidiosis. Semi-structured questionnaires were also administered to gather information on the risk factors and farming practices. ResultsThe incidence rate of morbidity and mortality in the studied farms was 16.14 and 12.69 per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. The minimum and maximum incidence rates of morbidity were 2.02 and 58.43 cases per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. The minimum and maximum incidence rates of mortality were 0.21 and 58.18 deaths per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. Among the risk factors studied feed type, age of chickens, and number of sick chickens on farms were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the incidence of disease. Age of chickens and number of sick chickens found on the farms were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the incidence of death using multivariable logistic regression. Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), Fowl typhoid, and Coccidiosis were the important diseases identified during the follow up period in the study area. Of the overall mortality and morbidity, 90.48% and 42% were respectively attributed to ND. Infectious bursal disease and Coccidia co-infection occurred in 31.55% of chicken in the infected farms. ConclusionsThe present study documented the incidence rate of morbidity and mortality in smallholder poultry farms in selected districts of Sidama Region. The study findings indicated that infectious diseases appear to be a major constraint to improve chicken production in the study areas. Therefore, the veterinary and livestock authorities should take this into account when planning poultry development activities and setting up systems of livestock production and health monitoring.

NON-INVASIVE METHOD OF BIOSTIMULANT ADMINISTRATION INTO THE EGG: AN ALTERNATIVE TO IN OVO INJECTIONS

This article discusses practical aspects of a non-invasive method to administer biostimulants inside the egg versus an injection method. Considering literature data and our own long-term studies, benefits and disadvantages were identified for each method of biostimulant administration. Given a large number of small poultry farms, the non-invasive method is technologically simple and cost-effective for the poultry industry. The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of certain biostimulants composition for different types of poultry in a non-invasive way of its administration. The studies were conducted on different poultry farms in the Russian Federation. The experiments used eggs of Hybrid Converter turkeys, Japanese quails, grey-speckled guineafowls, and Ross 308 broilers. Biological control indicators of incubation were recorded against hatched eggs by a method generally accepted on the poultry farms. We received positive results that proved the high efficiency of the non-invasive method of delivering biostimulants into eggs, which contributed to the increased hatchability of young birds. Thus, considering all advantages of the presented method, it can be recommended for use on poultry farms.