Poultry is an important farm species in almost all countries. It is an important source of animal protein, and can be raised in situations with limited feed and housing resources. Chickens are ‘waste converters’: they ‘convert’ a scavenged feed resource base into animal protein. They are therefore by far the most important species for generating income for rural families.

People raise chickens all around the world under widely varying circumstances. Their main objective is generally the same: maximum production for minimum costs and with minimum risks. The two main forms of keeping small-scale chicken are small-scale subsistence farming and commercial farming. If poultry is mainly kept for home consumption of eggs and meat, costs and effort can be kept to a minimum. But for a poultry enterprise to be successful, it must have a reliable market for its products and a steady supply of reasonably priced quality feed. It is important that feed resources are locally available.

This Agrodok refers mainly to semi-intensive farming. It can help beginners and experienced poultry raisers to solve problems that come up. Its focus is on keeping layers. Keeping broiler poultry presents different problems and requires particular expertise. Nevertheless, some attention will be paid to keeping cocks as these have to be fattened too.

Small-Scale Chicken Production by N. van Eekeren, A. Maas, H.W. Saatkamp and M. Verschuur

To download click on the title above.


Roduve Healthcare Soltuions

Earn Money with your website simply by referring FileSonic.com

Other PinoyEcoFarmer Posts That You May Like

  • February 6, 2012 -- Manage Insects on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies
    Manage Insects on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies. Ecological pest management employs tactics that have existed in natural ecosystems for thousands of years. Since the beginning of agriculture — indeed, long before then — plants co-evolved with pests and with the natural enemies of tho...
  • September 13, 2010 -- The Vegetable Garden in the Tropics
    Fruit and vegetables are necessary for the good health of children and adults. They make their diet more balanced and tastier. By keeping a garden people are less dependent on shops and markets, where supplies are often irregular and prices are high....
  • September 8, 2010 -- Propagating and Planting Trees
    This document describes techniques used to propagate and plant agroforestry trees. It has been written primarily for farmers and extension workers. Simple, low-cost and low-input methods are emphasized....
  • September 7, 2010 -- Nurseryman and His Trees
    This paper is written as a tribute to John Maurice, in the conviction that his propagation methods deserve wider application, particularly in the Third World. ...
  • August 12, 2010 -- SMI Implements Cutting Edge Seedling Technology
    To ensure better yield and higher rate of survival for seedlings prepared in its very own nursery, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) is employing the "elevated seedling hardening" technology on the seedlings they distribute to communities in South Cotabato. Elevated hardening is a leading-edge pract...
  • August 5, 2010 -- Goatraising in the Yard
    Barnyard in Your Backyard: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Goats gives a detailed and comprehensive guide to raising goats. Raising goats has many benefits including meat and milk. Their manure can also be used in composting. ...
  • July 2, 2010 -- A Guide to Plant Propagation
    I know that nothing beats hands-on experience but I think this reference material on Plant Propagation will come in handy for those who want to learn. ...
  • June 23, 2010 -- Tree Crops of the Developing World
    The Agronomy and Economy of the Important Tree Crops of the Developing World is a good read for those interested in growing trees that have commercial value....