
Introduction to course. This section defines a broiler chicken and lists the factors which you need to consider when choosing a location for your project. By the end of this section students will be able to know a broiler chicken and choose a suitable production site.
Using a movable 3D model students will be able to visualise a proper chicken house. The 3D model will be accompanied by detailed explanation on the orientation, requirements and designing of chicken houses. Students will also know the reasons why chicken houses are designed and oriented in a particular way. By the end of the section students will be in a position to describe a suitable chicken house to the constructor and its orientation.
This lecture defines and lists the equipment required at various stages of growth and also how many pieces are needed for a given number of chicks. By the end of the section students should be able to choose the correct type of equipment and also determine how many are need for a particular number of chickens.
Receiving chicks is work which starts 2 weeks or so before the arrival date. There are several items which should be on your check list to assist in preparing for the arrival of chicks. This lecture concentrates on the items to check before chicks arrive and what should be in place. By the end of this section students will be able to prepare for the arrival of chicks and minimise stress of the chicks caused by the new environment.
Collecting, transporting and placement of chicks is an important procedure which require special attention, otherwise losses start to occur. This lecture discusses how the process should go in order to minimise losses due to death of chicks or slow starters. By the end of this lecture students should be in a position to carry out this process smoothly with minimal stress to the chicks.
This lecture concentrates on brooding management. This is the rearing of day old chicks upto 21 days. Students will learn about feeding, watering, ventilation, temperature, lighting, space requirements and bedding management during the first 3 weeks. At the end of the lecture students will be able to look after day old chicks until they are 3 weeks old.
In this lecture students will learn about mixing their own balanced feed for their chickens but before that students will learn about how to keep 3 week old chicks upto maturity, this will include feeds, ventilation, temperature, lighting, space requirements and bedding management. By the end of the lecture students will be able to mix their own chicken feeds and also rear chickens upto maturity.
This lecture basically covers diseases and conditions which are common in broiler chicken. For each disease I will cover, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment where possible. By the end of the section the student must be able to trouble shoot if he/she encounters a sick chicken while waiting for professional advice from animal health specialist. This will help in minimising damage caused by diseases because experts are not readily available. also download the picture book of poultry diseases.
I will start by defining biosecurity. Then an explanation on how diseases are spread. Finally you will learn how you can implement biosecurity at your production site. By the end of the lecture students will be able to implement biosecurity and also know how diseases are introduced to a flock.
With a comprehensive template of a budget, cash-flow and record keeping sheet this lecture is very important in completing the picture of chicken production. There is also a section on the importance of records. These records of say feed consumed and weight gain are compared with standard performance parameters. There is sheet on standard performance parameters in the resources center which you can download.
In this lecture you will learn about compiling a business plan. There are downloadable table of contents of 2 different business plans to help students in compiling their own business plans. By the end of this lecture students should be in a position to compile or supervise the compilation of a chicken production business plan.
Some would want to produce antibiotic free chicken meat. This very possible through the use of natural herbs. This section concentrates on the use of natural herbs in poultry production. But before that I get to share with you my facebook page for those who would require continued support in their chicken projects. At the end of this section the student will be able to list herbs used in poultry production.
Embark on a comprehensive journey into the dynamic world of broiler chicken production with this meticulously designed course, focused on maximizing efficiency and profitability. This program transcends mere theoretical knowledge, offering practical, actionable strategies to establish and manage a thriving poultry enterprise. We delve into the core principles of successful broiler rearing, emphasizing cost-effective methodologies that minimize operational expenses while simultaneously accelerating turnover rates and reducing mortality.
At the heart of our curriculum lies a deep commitment to chicken welfare. We explore the critical elements of optimal husbandry, including the design and implementation of suitable housing, precise spacing considerations, and the science behind effective feeding and feed formulation. We will also cover essential aspects of environmental control, such as heating and lighting, alongside stringent hygiene protocols and comprehensive vaccination strategies. A crucial component of this course is the ability to recognize and respond to the symptoms of sick chickens, empowering you to proactively address potential health challenges. Furthermore, we will introduce a specialized module on the application of herbal remedies for disease prevention and treatment, presenting a holistic approach to poultry health.
A thorough understanding of prevalent poultry diseases is paramount. We will provide detailed insights into notable ailments such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious coryza, infectious bursal disease (IBD), mycoplasmosis, ascites, and colibacillosis, equipping you with the knowledge to mitigate their impact.
Beyond animal husbandry, this course equips you with the essential business acumen required to plan, implement, run, and evaluate a successful chicken production venture. We will guide you through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, encompassing detailed budgets, cash flow projections, housing blueprints, equipment specifications, and standardized operating procedures. This meticulously crafted business plan serves as a robust tool for internal strategic planning and a compelling document for securing external funding.
Consider this course your definitive field reference, filled with practical tips and real-world insights designed to empower you to excel in the competitive broiler chicken industry. By mastering the principles and practices outlined herein, you will be well-equipped to establish a sustainable and profitable poultry enterprise.