My Experiences

So far I have not posted the rearing of broilers which started on 26.8.2015. Whatever I have posted, all are the results of web search. I have not explained, how my broiler farming is going on. Everything I will post my practical experiences, faults, etc., after lifting all of my birds by the integrator. Still 6 days to go for desired period. The Market price of chick is very low, less than the expenditure. Let me see when the birds are going to be lifted by the integrator. 

Prevention and Control of Disease

Disease prevention and control programme
1. Start with disease free stock
2. Vaccine chicks against Ranikhet and Gambora
3. Keep feed free from aflatoxins
4. Donot allow visitors inside the poultry house unless they wear dis-infected clothes and foot wear
5. Cover floor with clean litter atleast 3 inches deep
6. All in all out system of rearing should be followed to ensure minimum disease problems
7. Foot bath at the entrance of the shed must be constructed
8. Adequate clean and fresh water should be available

Simple Rules for prevention of Poultry Diseases

1. Give chicks the healthy Feed and clean Water, especially the small chicks.
2. Protect them Wind and Rain.
3. Poultry sheds should be clean regularly
4. Provide dry litter as and when required.
5. Do not keep too many birds together.
6. Vaccinate chicks for most important diseases (only healthy birds to be vaccinated).
7. Sick birds should be isolated. If not cured or not curable disease, then kill them to avoid infestation
8. Burn or bury dead birds.
9. Follow strict bio-secure methods.

List of the requisites to setting up a Poultry Farm

• Water availability throughout the year. Water quality : Hardness below 750 ppm, pH 6.0 to 8.5  (Ours 7.1 pH)
• Shed breadth should be 25 feet and shed floor should be at least 2 feet above ground level (Our shed's breadth is 30 feet and floor is 1' to 5' above the ground level)                                         
• E.B service, Tube light @ 1No for every 400 sq. ft, is essential  (Fitted with 25 tube lights)           
• Foot bath / dip with disinfectant for better bio – security (Foot bath / dips erected)                                                          
• Separate feed room near to the shed with stacking arrangement for feed bags (Separate feed room is there but feed stocking on four feed plat farms erected in the middle of the shed and each platform having capacity to hold 30 bags)                                                                                   
• Side Curtain for the entire length of the shed for both sides, inside and outside (Both sides and out side only. We had inside curtains to cover only brooding area )                                                 
• Partition for every 500 sq. ft  ( Partitions made every 1000 sqft )                                                   
• Provision of death pit for disposal of dead birds  (Death pit made 200 feet away from the shed )  
• Plat farm Provision for placing weighing scales 3 feet X 3 feet  ( Foot baths can be used )       

Vaccine Schedule etc

  The above charts found at Venkateshwara Hatcheries Office

DAY TO DAY MANAGEMENT

 1.       Watch the chicks for an hour at least. If the water spills over, take out the wet paper and replace with dry one. If the height of the drinker is too low, increase the height. If the chicks are drinking with difficulty. check and reduce the height if necessary. 

2.       Sprinkle feed on the paper when the chicks arrive. Introduce the feeders after 6 hours. One small feeder for 50 chicks.  If the chicks are supplied in paper boxes, the same boxes can be used as feeders for 2 days after cutting the height of the sides. Small round plastic feeders or GI feeders also can be used. Start feeding in the feeders. Frequent feeding with small quantities attract the chicks and they grow better. Try and feed once in every two hours in small quantities. Do not spill feed. Feed saved is the ultimate profit. (Not followed the feeding in this manner due to ignorance)


3.       Fill in the waterers only half to start with. Wash the waterers and refill at least twice in  a day. Adjust the water quantity in such a way that the waterers get empty twice. Medicated water should not be thrown out. (This is also not followed)


4.       Continue the practice of watering and feeding. The brooders should be raised in the day time. If the day is too hot, put off the brooders and raise them so that there will be more aeration. If the paper is wet, replace the paper. 


5.       Take out the paper on 3rd day. Increase the diameter of the guard by another two feet. Increase the height of waterers and feeders so that litter does not fall on the water or feed. The chicks and the surroundings should be dry. (Removed the paper on 2nd day itself)


6.       Day 6th: - EYE DROP VACCINATION.  Vaccinate the chicks with Lasota vaccine to protect the birds from Raniket disease. Procure vaccine as fresh as possible, check for expiry date, carry it in ice to the shed, Plan to finish the vaccination with in 30 to 45 minutes after mixing.  If the vaccine packing is large, like 2500 doses, organize two people to vaccinate, Keep the balance vaccine in ice, and Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Mostly this vaccine is given in the eye. Keep the label of one vial pasted to the daily chart. This helps to refer back if the problem arises. Vaccinate on a cool part of the day. Increase the place for the chicks. Put 30 ml of water in the dropper and count weather it is delivering 1000 drops. If not adjust the quantity or change the dropper. Improper droppers leave some chicks un-vaccinated in the end or some vaccine is left over. Both are undesirable. 


7.       Some times killed vaccine is recommended between 6th days to 8th day. The ND killed vaccine should be injected in to the neck with an automatic vaccinator. 


8.       Day 7th:- Increase the number of feeders. Replace chick feeders with adult feeders. Raise the height of the drinkers and feeders to avoid the spillage. Place the feeder and drinkers alternatively. The chick should not move more than 10 ft to found feed or water. Reduce the temperature by taking out the bulb out of 4, when used. 


9.       Day 8th, 15th, 23rd, 29th, 36th, 43rd:- Weigh some chicks. Take some chicks to a corner with the help of guard and weigh all of them. 20 to 50 chicks are enough in each room. Take the weight of the empty bucket. Put some chicks and record the 
Weight. Calculate the average. After 4th week weigh males and females separately and average again. 


10.     Record the balance feed in the morning before weighing the chicks. Calculate total   feed consume to date by deducting the amount left over from the amount delivered. Calculate the feed per bird by dividing the feed by the balance number of birds. Calculate the Feed Conversion by dividing the average feed per bird with average weight of the bird. Compare with the following chart. Total the dead chicks to date and divide by the number received to get mortality percentage. Compare with the following chart. 


11.     PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 
               
DAY     WEIGHT        FEED            FCR          MORTALITY 
8th     140-180        105/120        0.85               0.5 
15th      400             360            0.9                 0.8 
22nd     750             800             1.1                1.0 
29th    1050            1360            1.23               1.2 
36th    1600            2200            1.47               1.5 
42nd   2000            3500            1.75               1.8/2 

   These Calculations will tell you where you are. If the performance is not up the mark you can take help from the feed and chicks suppliers. 


12.     Check on feed, water and space daily. See that the feeders have some feed always. Avoid wastage. If the mortality is more, get the dead chicks examined and give medicines. If feed medicines are suggested, mix correctly. Take the medicine and equal quantity. Once you make 10 kg, put the medicine premix and feed layer on the ground. Mix from one side. Mix twice to ensure thorough mixing. The routine is same up to 12th day. 


13.     Day 12th to 14th :- This is the day for vaccination against Gumboro disease. Take the advice of the chick supplier or the local veterinary doctor regarding which vaccine to be used. There are mild strains for relatively new areas. In crowded and infected areas, they recommended intermediate or intermediate strains. Follow the guide lines as given for lasota. Vaccinate as recommended, in the eye. Destroy the used bottles after use by burning. Check the droppers before use weather they deliver 1000 doses. The vaccine is costly. If, 100 chicks are left in the end, you have to break another vial. Keep track of quantity used and number of chicks vaccinated frequently. Do not leave some chicks unvaccinated. (Vaccinated on 13th day i.e., on 07-09-2015)


14.     Day 15 to 21st:-   Follow the routine. See that the chicks are full fed without wastage of feed.  Enough fresh quality of water should be made available. Keep record of daily mortality and feed consumption. 


15.     22nd to 28th day:- WATER VACCINATION-Another dose of lasota vaccine in   the drinking water is recommended during this period in some places especially if the killed vaccine is not given. If the drinking water vaccine is recommended, prepare well for the day. Procure vaccine in advance and store it properly. Plan to vaccinate in the early hours during summer and by 10 a.m in winter. Count the number of drinkers available. Take a measure and measure the same number of drinkers. Add Ice to the water to cool it little below normal water temperature. Add skim milk powder the vaccine vial and add the diluent. Mix the vaccine to the cool water with the milk powder. Set the drinkers back. When automatic drinkers are available, vaccine can be mixed in the water tank. See that the tank is filled only up to one fourth levels, cooled and milk powder added to the water before the vaccine is mixed. The vaccine water should be finished in one hour time. After the waterers are put back, move the birds sitting at the corner to the drinkers. All the birds should dip their beaks at least once in the vaccinated water. Disinfectants in water kill the vaccine. Stop using disinfectants 3 days before vaccination. Use water direct from the bore well for vaccination. 


16.     22nd to 28 days period is very vulnerable for diseases like Gumboro,   Ecoli or Respiratory problems. Gumboro can affect if the vaccine fails. Get all the dead birds examined and take proper steps. Give supportive treatment like Vitamins, jaggery water and antibiotics like Amoxyl in water. If the problem is E.Coli or CRD, sronger antibiotics like Enrofloxin should be given. Give the water medication in the morning water. Take out all the drinkers and wash them properly and dry for half an hour. When automatic drinkers are used cut off the water and cleans the drinkers dry. Calculate the required quantity of medicine. Some medicines are given “per bird” basis and it is easy to calculate the amount. Some medicines are given on per liter basis. Mix thoroughly and put all drinkers back with medicated water. When medication is done, no fresh water should be available. Medicines can be added directly in the smaller tank in the shed. 


17.     Vitamins and antibiotics can be used in water as a precautionary measure for two days after vaccination even when there is no disease. This prevents diseases or reduces the impact of the disease. 


18.     SUMMER MANAGEMENT:-  Feed the birds early in the morning and do not feed during the day time. It is better to estimate the quantity of feed required for the day and put only that amount in the feeders early morning and late in the evening. If the feed is remaining, it is better to lift the feeders during the hot part of the day. If the birds are too hungry, they may peck at each other. Again feed after them after the hot part is over towards the evening. 

          Electrolytes in water help to over come hot weather. Put the required quantity in the water at noon. 

Spray water directly on the birds during the mid day. Thatch the roof during the summer. Have a shady extension on the sides for narrow houses to avoid radiation heat. Pedestal fans help in humid climates. One fan in 40ft length is sufficient. 

Liver tonics and Anti toxins are recommended if toxicity is detected. 

BROILER FARM MANAGEMENT - PREPARATION

ONE WEEK BEFORE ARRIVAL OF  CHICKS 

1.       Plan the next batch at least 15 days after liquidation depending on the size of the farm. Clear gap of minimum 7 days should be available after cleaning and before arrival chicks. Plan to house the total farm with one batch. Calculate the number of chicks required for the whole farm. 

         (Available space in our farm is 9750 sft, but I brought 9500 ODCs and we entered into agreement with Venkateshwara Hatcheries for integration farming) 

2.       Remove all litter scrape the floor off the caked litter. ( Done )

 
3.       Clear cobwebs at the roof, broom all the dust.  ( Done )

4.       Wash the roof with a pressure hose, if the roof is washable. ( Gravel flooring )

5.       Clean the floor with water. ( Cleaned with Broom )

6.       Sprinkle caustic soda flakes on floor and apply with broom. ( Sprinkled lime )

7.       Wash with water after a gap of one hour. ( Not possible )

8.       Spread bleaching powder on the wet surface and apply with broom. 

         ( Spread lime on wet surface )

9.       White Wash the side walls and floor. Leave the shed vacant for one week. (Done)

10.     For mud floor- Scrap off some mud along with litter-Replace at least 3 inches of fresh mud. Stamps well apply dry lime powder +bleaching powder on the wet surface and allow it to dry.  ( Done as I have mentioned above )

11.     Take out the equipment and clean with water. ( Done )

12.     If the side curtains are HDP or plastic, dip them in water and leave to dry. 

         (Not Done)

13.     Clean the surroundings of the poultry house off the grass and Vegetation. ( Done )

14.     Drain out the water tank and pipe lines. Put Acetic acid of Chlorine liquid 3 times the normal quantity and leave for a day. 

        ( Cleaned with the chemical supplied by VHL )

ONE DAY BEFORE ARRIVAL OF CHICKS 

1.       Put back the curtains. ( Done )

2.       Disinfect equipment like brooders, waterers and feeders by dipping them in disinfect solution or spraying the surface with disinfectant. (Formalin, Asiphor) Disinfect-S can be used for this purpose. (Done with the solutions supplied by the VHL)

3.       Spread husk on the ground ( Done )

4.       Check water and electrical connections. ( Done )

5.       Depending on the number of chicks to arrive, complete the brooding arrangements. Make a round shaped guard and hang the brooder in the center. If electric bulb brooding is used, make a round of 5ft diameter for 250 to 300 chicks. If gas brooders are used, up to 2500 chicks can be brooded in one group. Follow the manufacturer’s specification. Arrange to hang the brooders, so that, they can be raised during the daytime. 

        (18 brooders arranged for 9500 chicks)

6.       Spray 2% Formalin (200ml in 10ltrs of water.) all over the interiors of the shed, over the equipment and the surroundings. ( Done )

7.       If the house is small, consider fumigation. Measure width / breadth /average height in feet to arrive at the total cubic feet. Use 40 ml Formalin for 100cft. Place it in a bigger container(the quantity should be half full) Take Potassium Permanganate 50% of the quantity of Formalin. See that all persons are out. Pour Potassium Permanganate crystals in to the Farmalin liquid and come out quickly as the fumes raise.(The fumes burn the eyes)25/40/10 ft=1000 cft for this 4000ml Formalin and 2000gms Potassium Permanganate is required. Keep all curtains closed. ( Not Done )

8.       Open the curtains on the sides on the sides one hour before the arrival of chicks to allow some fresh air. (curtains lifted during transporting into shed )

9.       Spread news paper on the litter carefully after making the litter leveled. ( Done )

10.     Add medicines in water tank as required. We use one antibiotic like Amoxyl, Tetracycline or Furasol @ one gm per liter of water. B-complex liquid @ 30 ml/100 chicks and AD3EC @ 5ml/100 chicks. ( Done as per the instructions of Supervisor, VHL )

11.     Keep small drinkers inside the guards. One for 80 chicks. Keep them at least 2 inches above ground level on a stand to prevent chicks getting in . ( Done )

12.     Sprinkle maize powder or feed on the paper slightly. (spread feed)

WHEN THE CHICKS ARRIVEL 

1.       If the weather is too cool, request the hatchery to deliver the chicks in the day time. The chicks will have time to settle down. Find out the time of hatch. If the chicks are delivered on the same night and if the weather is bad, the chicks can live without feed or water for 48 hours. Keeping them in the boxes is better than leaving them in chilled weather. Delay leads to dehydration. The chicks should reach the house in minimum possible time. 

2.       Open the boxes and ensure that all chicks are alive and active. The chicks should try to jump out of the boxes, when the lids are taken out. Check the number against the delivery note. Take out the dead and dull chicks. 

3.       Take medicated water in a plate. Dip the beak of each chick in the medicated water before releasing.  Count while releasing. If you find some chicks too small or weak while handling, destroy them or place them in a separate brooder. Few chicks should be shown to nipples. Others copy them. 

4.       Put the heating system on before the chicks are released. When gas brooders are used, use an extra bulb for light above the brooder so that all the chicks can see the surroundings clearly. If the temperature is high, the chicks move away from the heat source, If the temperature is low, they crowed in the center. Adjust the height of the brooder or the source of heat accordingly. 

MY POULTRY SHED CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURE

This is actual expenditure I incurred, This may vary from place to place and time to time etc.,

1	Bricks	100000
2	Cement	80000
3	Electrical Items	30000
4	Electrician	10000
5	Fabrication steel sheets etc	650000
6	Gravel & Site development	100000
7	Labour Charges	25000
8	Mestri for construction	100000
9	Metal	15000
10	DD for Power Supply	180000
11	Paintings and white wash	30000
12	Water connections total	40000
13	Water Tanks	17000
14	Feeders, drinkers, Mesh etc	180000
15	Sand	60000
16	Transportation	15000
17	GP Permission	75000
18	Plan preperation	5000
19	Bank loan process	15000
20	Shed insurance	3500
21	Tarpaulins	35000
22	Bore Well and Motor pump excluded	0
23	Deisel for Generator	10000
24	Deisel for car	30000
25	Misellaneous	25000
	TOTAL EXPENDITURE	1850000

LOCATION OF FARM

1.       The broiler farm should be closer to cities or dressing plants to reduce the transport time and costs. Long distance travel results are shrinkage. The traders pay more for farms in close vicinity. 

          (My farm located 2 kms away from residential locality i.e., Shivunipally village of Station Ghanpur mandal and 23 kms away from Kazipet, Hanamkonda)

2.       The farm sits should be away from other poultry farms, at least one km from the nearest farm. The site very near to road should be avoided due to bio security reasons. Plan the site to be little away at least 30 ft from the main road. 

     (Another Poultry farm situated within 700 metres and an approach road 400 metres from BT Road Ghanpur to Palakurthy and situated amidst of Mango orchid)

3.       The site should be longer East West. ( My Farm's longer side is East West having 325' length and 30' width )

4.       Plan living quarters for workers, offices and stores nearer to gate so that the incoming service vehicles need not go inside the farm every time. The casual visitors can be avoided. 

         ( My Farm Care Taker's quarter is situated 50' southward away from Farm and Store room situated west side adjacent to the Farm )

5.       Plan the poultry houses with maximum possible distance between the houses. The minimum distance of 30 ft is recommended. ( Only one continuous Shed )

6.       Keep the future expansions also in mind while planning the constructions. 

7.       Fence the area in such a way that no stray animals and outsiders get in. Chain link fencing is the best. ( Area covered with Mango Orchid and fenced with barbed wire )

8.       Have a proper secured gate with wheel wash for the vehicles. Plan a decontamination entry for vehicles like mechanical spraying of the whole vehicle. 

        (Only gate existing to my Farm )

9.       In large farms, provide decontamination for the staff, Facilities are provided for taking bath and changing clothes. ( Practically impossible for me )

10.     If feed delivery is not through silos, have a feed store at the gate and an internal service vehicle from store to farm. 

         ( Not possible for me, four Feed stands erected at convenient places in the shed and each Stand bears 30 bags )

11.     If possible, prefer the site where poultry was not reared earlier. This will help a to maintain strict biosecurity. ( No prior rearing of Broilers at this Place )

12.     It is advisable to buy more land for the furthur expansion of the farm. 

         (Had sufficient land for future extension and I will expand if rearing is financially feasible)

13.     Tress passing of persons and animal in the farm site can result into the spread of Disease. Make sure that the farm area is properly fenced. ( Farm properly fenced )

COMMENCEMENT OF VEERABHADRA POULTRY FARM

My Poultry farming delayed due to delay in power supply by NPDCL. Things are not in our control. Construction commenced three months delay and Grampanchayath Shivunipally permitted the construction of Poultry Farm on 08.04.2015 and NPDCL authorities supplied power in third week of August 2015. Project delayed nearly four months and atlast 1st batch commenced from 26th August 2015, i.e., early hours of Ekadashi, Shravana masam, Tuesday.