Small-scale Commercial Poultry Research Articles

Production Performance and Profitability of Small-scale Commercial Poultry Farms in Arsi and East-Showa Zones, Central Ethiopia

Poultry farming and the demand for chicken meat and eggs are growing due to their quality protein, essential nutrients, affordable price, and low investment cost. The current study was designed to investigate the productivity and profitability of small-scale commercial poultry enterprises. Data were collected from 221 poultry farms using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were presented using descriptive statistics. Farm performances were measured by total-factor-productivity (TFP), benefit-cost-ratio (BCR), and net-profit-margin (NPM). The majority of the poultry farm owners were male (69.68%) and married (77.4%). Around 55.2% of poultry farmers aged 31-45 years. Group-owned farms had 4.59 ± 1.77 individual members. On average, a batch of layer chickens was kept for 17.0 ± 3.87 and 18.12 ± 4.25 months on individual and group-owned farms, respectively. Moreover, the mean selling ages of pullet and broiler chickens were 2.55 ± 0.71 and 2.18 ± 0.51 months, respectively. The flock size of layer chickens in sole-proprietor farms (562 ± 724) was significantly lower than in partnership farms (1165 ± 877). The average numbers of produced pullets by sole-proprietorship and partnership farms were 3177 ± 2360 and 3137 ± 1826, while the mean numbers of broilers produced were 2257 ± 1875 and 3269 ± 1669, respectively. The average egg and broiler weights in sole-proprietorship farms were significantly higher compared to group-owned farms. Annual egg production rates in individual and group-owned farms were 76.5% and 70.4%, respectively. The cost of feed, chicken, housing, labor, and medication were the top five production expenditures, while feed cost shares 60.4%. Egg producers had NPM, BCR, and TFP indices of 38.99%, 1.03, and 2.03, respectively, with notable differences by ownership types. The NPM, BCR, and TFP indices for broiler and pullet farms, respectively, were 42.78%, 0.93, and 1.93 for broilers and 35.21%, 0.92, and 1.67 for pullets. The results indicated that poultry firms performed optimally, regardless of ownership type. To further improve the efficiency and profitability of poultry enterprises, farmers need technical, finance, and management skills and input supply chains. Keywords: Broiler, Layer, Poultry, Production, Profitability, Pullet

Economic assessment of an intervention strategy to reduce antimicrobial usage in small-scale chicken farms in Vietnam

Antimicrobials are a core aspect of most livestock production systems, especially in low-and middle-income countries. They underpin the efficient use of scarce feed resources and stabilize returns on capital and labor inputs. Antimicrobial use (AMU) contributes to the production of healthy animals, yet AMU in livestock is linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals, humans and the environment.The Vietnamese Platform for Antimicrobial Reduction in Chicken Production was implemented during 2016–2019 and was one of Southeast Asia's first interventions focused on AMU reductions in livestock production. The project targeted small-scale commercial poultry farms in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam using a “randomized before-and-after controlled” study design. It provided farmers with a locally adapted support service (farmer training plan, advisory visits, biosecurity, and antimicrobial replacement products) to help them reduce their reliance on antimicrobials. A partial budget analysis was performed comparing the control group (status-quo) and intervention group (alternative). The median net farm-level benefit of the intervention strategies with the project's support was VND 6.78 million (interquartile range (IR) VND -71.9–89 million) per farm. Without project support the benefit was reduced to VND 5.1 million (IR VND -69.1–87.2 million) to VND 5.3 million (IR -VND 68.9–87.5 million) depending on the antimicrobial alternative product used. At the project level with a focus on AMU and its reduction, subsequently influence on the resistance reduction, our results showed that achieving resistance reduction benefits with the current knowledge and technologies required investment of at least VND 9.1 million (US$ 395.10) per farm during the project's lifetime. The results highlight the positive net profit for the majority of enrolled farms and a reasonable investments from the project. The recommendation focuses on the implementation of policies on financial support, legislation, and information as potential solutions to facilitate the application of intervention strategies to reduce AMU in poultry production.

Antimicrobial Usage by Small-Scale Commercial Poultry Farmers in Mid-Western District of Masindi Uganda: Patterns, Public Health Implications, and Antimicrobial Resistance of E. coli.

Poultry production in Uganda is growing at a fast rate due to increasing demand, notwithstanding, poor husbandry practices, and diseases, prompting farmers to rear healthy productive flocks with antimicrobials. The study evaluated the knowledge and practices as regards the use of antibiotics among poultry farmers in Masindi district and determined the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of E. coli strains from chickens. A cross-sectional study using a closed-end questionnaire was conducted in 140 selected small-scale commercial poultry farms in Masindi district between June and December, 2020. Analyzed qualitative data were presented as frequencies, percentages, and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fecal swabs from chickens were inoculated onto a MacConkey agar, and E. coli was confirmed by standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method for 7 antibiotics. Most farmers (74%) used antibiotics, mainly tetracycline (51.4%) and sulfonamides (28.6%), given to the chicks (45%), for both curative and prophylaxis purposes (80%), and via drinking water (67%). Farmers mainly used antibiotics recommended by the veterinarian (76.4%), more than relying on experience (10.7%), while 45% were involved in self-medicating the birds. On choosing the correct dosage, 45.7% read the instruction, and 42.9% consulted a veterinarian. Only 10.7% observed the drug withdrawal period, while 53.6% consumed eggs at home or sold eggs (35.7%) from birds under treatment. Of the 200 E. coli strains, 90 (45.0%) were resistant to one drug, 74 (37.0%) to two, and multidrug resistance to three classes of antibiotics was 36 (18.0%). Overall, E. coli resistance to tetracycline was (69.0%), ampicillin (37.0%), sulfonamides (36.0%), and to kanamycin (1.5%). The small-scale poultry farmers frequently use antimicrobial drugs, mainly tetracycline and sulfonamides for curative and prophylaxis. Thus, enforcing measures against antibiotic use supported by a strong veterinary service sector and farmers' training on judicious use of antimicrobials are needed.

Poultry farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward poultry waste management in Bangladesh.

The improper handling of poultry litter and waste poses risks to humans and environment by introducing certain compounds, elements, and pathogenic microorganisms into the surrounding environment and food chain. However, understanding the farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) could provide insights into the constraints that hinder the appropriate adoption of waste management. Therefore, this study aimed to assess poultry farmers' KAP regarding waste management issues. A cross-sectional KAP study was conducted with native poultry keepers and small-scale commercial poultry farmers in seven districts of Bangladesh. In the survey, 385 poultry producers were interviewed using validated structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews to collect the quantitative data in their domiciles. The overall KAP of farmers regarding poultry waste management issues demonstrated a low level of KAP (p = 0.001). The analysis shows that roughly 5% of farmers have a high level of knowledge of poultry waste management issues, followed by around one-third of respondents having a moderate level of knowledge. Considering the attitude domain, more than one-fifth of native poultry keepers and nearly two-thirds of commercial producers demonstrated a low level of attitude toward poultry waste management. Considering the overall analysis, roughly half of the respondents found a high level of attitude, and over half of the farmers showed a moderate level of attitude toward poultry waste management issues. The analysis showed that the level of good practices for native and commercial poultry production systems is estimated at 77.3% versus 45.9%, respectively, despite the farmers' lesser knowledge and attitudes toward poultry waste management systems. Overall, analysis showed that nearly 60% and 40% of poultry producers had high and moderate levels, respectively, of good practices in poultry waste management issues. Analysis of the KAP data shows that farmers had a low level of KAP toward poultry waste management. The result of this study will assist in formulating appropriate strategies and to adopt poultry waste management solutions by poultry farmers to reduce environmental degradation.

Clinico-Pathological Investigation of Chicken Coccidiosis at Different Upazila in Bogura District

The experiment was conducted with the interest to know the overall condition of coccidiosis in small scale commercial poultry farms at different upazilla in Bogura district and the investigation was done from July to December, 2018. A thorough clinical and necropsy examination was done for characterizing the clinical signs, recording of gross lesions and collection of different organs mainly the small intestine and the caecum for further histopathological examination. A total of 343 suspected and dead chickens were examined, among them 52 (15.38%) (20.6% in broiler, 10.47% in sonali, 10.25% in layer) chickens were found positive for chicken coccidiosis. The proportional mortality rates were 19.25%, 21.42%, 8.23% and 7.5% respectively in age group of 0-4 weeks, 5-6 weeks, 7-8 weeks and above 8 weeks and the highest value was found in age group of 5- 6 weeks. Depression, ruffled feather, bloody diarrhoea, anaemia, drooping of wings and reduction of feed and water intake were commonly observed. Several gross changes were recorded including enlargement and discoloration of caecum, pinkish or blood mixed catarrhal contents in the intestinal lumen with numerous haemorrhagic lesions over intestinal mucosa. Histopathologically there was architectural destruction of caecum, destroyed and disorganized villi mucosa without any continuation of the lining epithelium. Some facts like farmers knowledge, the bio-safety measures and different protection programs with vaccination against the disease did not properly comply with the approved standards. Thus consideration of such points in management program of coccidiosis can improve the poultry farms of Bogura district.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(2): 267-274, August 2020

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in chickens from small-scale (backyard) poultry farms in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Aim: This study investigated the occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in chickens from small-scale (backyard) commercial poultry farms in Maiduguri. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 cloacal swab samples were collected. This comprised of 24 samples each from broiler chicks, pullets, layers, and broilers (adults). The samples were examined for the presence of E. coli using conventional microbiological culture and biochemical tests. The pure E. coli isolates were screened for ESBL production by culturing onto BrillianceTM ESBL agar. Isolates that showed positive reactions with production of bluish or pinkish colonies were tested for susceptibilities against some selected β-lactam antibiotics which include cefotaxime (30 μg), ceftriaxone (30 μg), cefpodoxime (10 μg), aztreonam (30 μg), and ceftazidime (30 μg). Isolates that exhibited resistance to any two or three of the antibiotics were selected and confirmed by combination disk diffusion method with ceftazidime (30 μg) and cefotaxime (30 μg) alone and in combination with clavulanic acid (30 μg/10 μg). Results: The total occurrence of E. coli was 67.6% (65/96) with the highest occurrence of 83.3% (20/24) from broiler chicks and least detection of 54.2% (13/24) from layers. Of this, 32.0% were ESBL-producing E. coli with the highest detection rate from layers (38.5%) and least occurrence from pullets (26.7%). Conclusion: This study revealed the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in chickens from small-scale commercial poultry farms in Maiduguri, thus indicating that chickens may serve as important reservoirs for the transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens to humans through the food chain.

Prevalence of Major Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Scale Commercial Poultry Farms from Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Prevalence of Major Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Scale Commercial Poultry Farms from Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Pathologic Diagnosis of Infectious Bursal Disease Outbreak In Vaccinated 3-week Old Pullet Chicks on A Small Scale Commercial Poultry Farm In Leleyi-kwali, Abuja, Nigeria: A Case Report

sudden mortality which lasted for seven days with the peak on the third day, was investigated in vaccinated 3-week old pullet chicks. Signs of depression, ruffled feathers, sneezing, huddling together and pasted vents with about 50% morbidity were observed. While chicks were off feed. Vaccination history against Marek’s and Newcastle diseases was reportedly up to date. The first dose of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccination was done 12 days before the onset of the outbreak preparatory to the second dose. Detailed post mortem examinations showed multifocal petechial to ecchymotic haemorrhages on the breast and thigh muscles with swollen, oedematous and haemorrhagic bursa of Fabricius in affected chicks. The bursa of Fabricius showed diffuse lymphoid depletion with multifocal vacuolations and eosinophilic cystic follicles. Similar diffuse lymphoid depletion and cytoplasmic vacuolation with fibrinous exudation were also present in then spleen, Serological analysis revealed 88.23% IBD antibody positive sera in affected pullets 16 days after cessation of mortality. A diagnosis of Infectious Bursal Disease outbreak was made based on the observed pathological presentations along with the clinical signs, typical spiked mortality pattern, and serological titre. These findings highlighted the need for continuous pathological investigations as a ready diagnostic tool in vaccinated and unvaccinated pullet chicks in Nigeria where Infectious bursal disease has become endemic.

Antimicrobials usage assessments in commercial poultry and local birds in North-central Nigeria: Associated pathways and factors for resistance emergence and spread

The World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) recommended monitoring of antimicrobial use (AMU) through surveillance and research to help mitigate AMR. This survey was aimed at assessing poultry owners’ knowledge/awareness and practices regarding AMU, identified pathways for AMR emergence and spread in small-scale commercial poultry farms and free-range local bird flocks in North-central Nigeria. An interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on commercial poultry farmers and local bird flock keepers in 2017. Also, a Traffic Light system model was used assess risk status of AMU in farms and flocks. All the 384 recruited poultry farmers/keepers participated in the survey. Female respondents were the majority (67.2%). Low proportion of poultry farmers (46.4%, 89/192) and very low proportion of bird keepers (6.8%, 13/192) knew antimicrobials misuse to be when administered under dose. About 48% (93/192) of farmers and 93% (179/192) of keepers arbitrary determined antimicrobial dosage before administration. Respondents used antimicrobials for therapeutic, prophylactic, and growth promotion in birds. Also, participants significantly identified contaminated poultry products, infected poultry or contaminated formites, and discharged contaminated faeces into environment as pathways for transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens to humans. Traffic Light system model revealed 88.5% of small-scale commercial poultry farms to frequently used antimicrobials without veterinarians’ consultations thereby attaining Class 1 (Red risk) status. The model showed that 92.1% of free-range local bird flocks rarely used antimicrobials thereby attaining Class 3 (Green risk) status. Improper antimicrobial dosage in poultry (OR: 7.23; 95% CI: 2.74, 19.21), non-enforcement of AMU regulating laws in poultry (OR: 4.12; 95% CI: 2.39, 7.10), weak financial status of poultry owners (OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 2.39, 7.10), and management system (OR: 8.94; 95% CI: 5.62, 14.24) were more likely to satisfactorily influenced antimicrobials misuse in poultry farms and local bird flocks. The survey revealed low knowledge level regarding AMU in the poultry. Antimicrobials were rarely used in local bird flocks, making them likely organic and safe from AMR. It is imperative to educate farmers on judicious AMU, enforce existing veterinary legislation on antimicrobials, establish antimicrobials surveillance system, and sensitize farmers on adequate biosecurity measures and routine vaccination of farms, so as to assure food safety, food security, and public health.

Do Social Networks have Effects on the Risk Attitude of Commercial Poultry Farmers? Evidence from Southwest Nigeria

AbstractPoultry production decision setting is full of risk and imperfect information. Attitude towards risk is a measure of farmers’ willingness to take risks which is an important determinant in their production decisions. Strong social capital emanating from social networks can lead to efficient risk management strategies, thereby minimizing risks faced by the farmers. Therefore, the effects of social capital on the risk attitude of small-scale commercial poultry farmers in Oyo state were assessed. Data were collected from two hundred small-scale farmers and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, factorial analysis, multinomial logit and a two-stage least square. Results showed that 52.5%, 37.5% and 10% of the poultry farmers were risk averse, risk neutral and risk preferring, respectively. About 31.4% and 68.6% of the female and male farmers respectively were risk averse. Close to a fifth, a quarter and two-thirds of the risk averse, risk neutral and risk takers respectively contributed 21-30% of the decisions in the associations. Fourteen percent of the farmers belonged to homogeneous groups. The choice of being risk averse was affected by marital status, educational level, family size, percentage spent on poultry income and aggregate social capital. There was no reverse causality between risk attitude and social capital.

English

This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess disease management and biosecurity measures of small scale commercial poultry farms by structured questionnaire through personal interview. The data was analysed by χ2 and t-test, one way analysis of variance and general linear model by SPSS software. The result shown that, only 38.8% of the producers’ suspects Coccidiosis was the frequently occurred disease in the farm. Some of the producers (30.6%) suspect the cause of the disease might be environmental problem, 24.5% management problem, and 12.2% both environment and management. The most leading symptoms of diseases that occurred in the study area were ruffled feather (15.5%), loss of appetite (15.1%), depression (12.6%), diarrhoea (9.7%), and others. About 79.6% of the farms had close relation with the veterinarian and consult about disease management. Only 12.2% of the farms vaccinate NCD, 49% NCD and Gumboro, 28.6% NCD, Gumboro and fowlbox and the rest 10.1% vaccinate their chicks for NCD, Gumboro, fowlbox, Fowl cholera/typhoid and Marix disease. Biosecurity measures were very crucial in the poultry farms. About 63.3% of the producers dressed on protective cloth (tuta), only 8.2% of the producers wear hand gloves. About 77.6% of the producers used the foot path in front of their farm entrance. Prevention and treatments were the major mechanisms for controlling measure of disease and the mortality percentage of chicks was only 4.7%. From this study, it could be concluded that better disease management and biosecurity measures are required to attain better poultry production Key words: Biosecurity, disease, mortality rate, symptoms, vaccination.

Awareness and Perceptions of Food Safety Risks and Risk Management in Poultry Production and Slaughter: A Qualitative Study of Direct-Market Poultry Producers in Maryland.

The objective of this study was to document and understand the perceptions and opinions of small-scale poultry producers who market directly to consumers about microbial food safety risks in the poultry supply chain. Between January and November 2014, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 16 owner-operators of Maryland direct-market commercial poultry farms. Three overarching thematic categories emerged from these interviews that describe: 1) characteristics of Maryland direct-market poultry production and processing; 2) microbial food safety risk awareness and risk management in small-scale poultry production, slaughter and processing; and 3) motivations for prioritizing food safety in the statewide direct-market poultry supply chain. Key informants provided valuable insights on many topics relevant to evaluating microbial food safety in the Maryland direct-market poultry supply chain, including: direct-market poultry production and processing practices and models, perspectives on issues related to food safety risk management, perspectives on direct-market agriculture economics and marketing strategies, and ideas for how to enhance food safety at the direct-market level of the Maryland poultry supply chain. The findings have policy implications and provide insights into food safety in small-scale commercial poultry production, processing, distribution and retail. In addition, the findings will inform future food safety research on the small-scale US poultry supply chain.

Constraints of Small-Scale Commercial Poultry Farms Analyzed by Garett's Ranking Technique in and around Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Constraints of Small-Scale Commercial Poultry Farms Analyzed by Garett's Ranking Technique in and around Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Poultry Farm Vulnerability and Risk of Avian Influenza Re-Emergence in Thailand

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains of concern as a major potential global threat. This article evaluates and discusses the level of vulnerability of medium and small-scale commercial poultry production systems in Thailand related to avian influenza virus re-emergence. We developed a survey on 173 farms in Nakhon Pathom province to identify the global level of vulnerability of farms, and to determine which type of farms appears to be more vulnerable. We used official regulations (the Good Agricultural Practices and Livestock Farm Standards regulations) as a reference to check whether these regulations are respected. The results show that numerous vulnerability factors subsist and could represent, in case of HPAI re-emergence, a significant risk for a large spread of the disease. Bio-security, farm management and agro-commercial practices are particularly significant on that matter: results show that these practices still need a thorough improvement on a majority of farms. Farms producing eggs (especially duck eggs) are more vulnerable than farms producing meat. Those results are consistent with the type of farms that were mostly affected during the 2004–2008 outbreaks in Thailand.

Occurrence of Eimeria species parasites on small-scale commercial chicken farms in Africa and indication of economic profitability.

Small-scale commercial poultry production is emerging as an important form of livestock production in Africa, providing sources of income and animal protein to many poor households, yet the occurrence and impact of coccidiosis on this relatively new production system remains unknown. The primary objective of this study was to examine Eimeria parasite occurrence on small-scale commercial poultry farms in Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. Additionally, farm economic viability was measured by calculating the farm gross margin and enterprise budget. Using these economic measures as global assessments of farm productivity, encompassing the diversity present in regional husbandry systems with a measure of fundamental local relevance, we investigated the detection of specific Eimeria species as indicators of farm profitability. Faecal samples and data on production parameters were collected from small-scale (less than 2,000 birds per batch) intensive broiler and layer farms in peri-urban Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. All seven Eimeria species recognised to infect the chicken were detected in each country. Furthermore, two of the three genetic variants (operational taxonomic units) identified previously in Australia have been described outside of Australia for the first time. Detection of the most pathogenic Eimeria species associated with decreased farm profitability and may be considered as an indicator of likely farm performance. While a causal link remains to be demonstrated, the presence of highly pathogenic enteric parasites may pose a threat to profitable, sustainable small-scale poultry enterprises in Africa.

Determinants of Participation of Small Scale Commercial Poultry Farmers in Agricultural Insurance Scheme in Kwara State, Nigeria

Risks and uncertainties associated with poultry enterprises is great to an extent of undermined the productivity and sustainability of the sector by reducing the availability of institutional credit for investment in agriculture. This study was carried out to determine the factors influencing the level of poultry farmers’ participation in agricultural insurance scheme in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select a sample size of 150 farmers and structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the farmers. The data collected from the farmers was analysed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. The findings revealed that 74% of the farmers were aware of the existence of Agricultural insurance scheme but only 32.7% of the farmers participated in the agricultural insurance scheme. The logit regression showed that age, educational level, farm size and accessibility to credit were significant variables that influenced the probability of participation of the farmers in agricultural insurance scheme while household size, membership of association and contacts with extension agents were found to be insignificant in influencing the farmers’ participation in agricultural insurance scheme. The major challenge faced by farmers in the course of their participation in agricultural insurance schemes was delay in indemnity payment. It is recommended that effective service delivery by insurance service providers will ensure continuity of farmers’ participation in agricultural insurance and also participation by farmers who are yet to participate.

Assessment of biosecurity practices of small-scale broiler producers in central Egypt

In the current situation of endemicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Egypt, improving the biosecurity of poultry production has become essential to the progressive reduction the incidence of the disease. A significant proportion of the Egyptian commercial poultry system consists of small-scale poultry producers operating with low to minimal biosecurity measures. An investigation was conducted into the level of adoption of standard biosecurity measures of the small-scale commercial chicken growers, including both farm- and home-based commercial production, input suppliers and other actors along the meat chicken value chain in Fayoum, Egypt. The study which used direct observations and group discussions of nearly 160 participants and structured interviews with 463 respondents, assessed biosecurity implementation to improve management practices and ultimately to control and prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The survey found that overall, biosecurity measures are rarely implemented in small-scale commercial poultry production units. Compliance with recommended biosecurity practices did not greatly vary from home-based to farm-based commercial production. Furthermore, serious risk practices were identified, such as unsafe disposal of poultry carcasses and potential disease spread posed by poor biosecurity measures implemented during vaccination. HPAI control measures have been ineffective due to limited cooperation between public and private sector, aggravated by the unpopular measures taken in the event of outbreaks and no compensation paid for incurred losses. Outreach and biosecurity awareness raising initiatives should be specifically developed for small-scale producers with the objective of improving general poultry management and thus preventing HPAI and other poultry diseases.

Small scale commercial poultry farmers training needs on improved production techniques in Oyo Zones of the Agricultural Development Programme. (ADP)

The study ascertained small scale commercial poultry farmer trainings needs on improved production techniques in Oyo Zone of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting all the forty eight (48) registered poultry farmers with Poultry Association of Nigeria(PAN) in the Zone. Also forty (40) non registered poultry farmers were selected through snowball sampling method. Findings revealed that the percentages of poultry farmers that need training on various poultry production techniques are as follows,: housing system(83.1%),feeds and feeding strategies(86.7%),disease/parasites prevention control(81.9%) and marketing strategies(88%) percent .Findings also show that about twelve percent (12.1%) of the poultry farmers hired labour for the business, (53.0%) are making used of family/relatives for the business while (30.1%) of the respondents employed both labour and family together. Marital status, level of education and awareness of improved poultry production techniques were significant(X2=6.136,P<0.05) and X2=19.679,P<0.05).Also there was no significant relationship between farmers awareness of poultry production techniques and training needs( X2=1.016,P<0.05).It is hereby recommended that seminar/workshops should be regularly organized for the poultry farmers on the best practices that will save the cost of feeds and reduce mortality in their poultry production techniques.Keywords: Small scale, commercial, poultry, farmers, training, technique.

Assessment of Biosecurity Measures Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Risks in Small-Scale Commercial Farms and Free-Range Poultry Flocks in the Northcentral Nigeria

There is considerable global concern over the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has affected domestic poultry flocks in Nigeria and other parts of the world. There have been little investigations on the proposition that free-range flocks are potentially at higher risk of HPAI than confined small-scale commercial enterprises. The objective is to analyse the biosecurity measures instituted in the small-scale commercial poultry farms and established free-range bird flocks owned by households in the rural areas and qualitatively assess the risk status at the two levels of poultry management systems in northcentral Nigeria. We used data collected through questionnaire administration to farms and flock owners and subjected them to a traffic light system model to test for relative risks of HPAI infection based on the biosecurity measures put in place at the farm and flock levels. The results indicate that free-range flocks are at lower risk compared to small-scale commercial operations. These findings are plausible as birds from free-range flocks have more opportunities to contact wild bird reservoirs of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains than small-scale commercial poultry, thus providing them with constant challenge and maintenance of flock immunity. The development of efficient and effective biosecurity measures against poultry diseases on small-scale commercial farms requires adequate placement of barriers to provide segregation, cleaning and disinfection, while concerted community-led sanitary measures are required for free-range poultry flocks in the developing topical and subtropical economies.

Structural changes in the poultry sector: will there be smallholder poultry development in 2030?

The major structural changes that have occurred in poultry production and marketing in recent decades have been driven by the growing consumer demand for cheap animal protein. As a result, a strong and internationally integrated poultry industry has evolved that utilizes economies of scale and advanced technology. In developing countries, however, the majority of poultry are still kept by smallholders in less intensive systems. For these households, poultry has served as both a safety net and a means to acquire assets and move out of poverty.However, increasing external pressures on the poultry sector arising from social, economic and environmental factors are strengthening the trend towards intensification. It seems likely that poultry production will continue to serve two needs: supporting livelihoods of poor rural households and as a source of lean meat for growing populations in non-agricultural areas. It is less clear where and for how long small scale commercial poultry systems will serve as a tool for poverty reduction. This paper examines the evidence and proposes conditions that may support or discourage smallholder poultry development.