What Are the Main Challenges in Poultry Farming?
Poultry farming is one of the significant agriculture sectors, being one of the world’s most important sources of income and food. Poultry farming, however, comes with its challenges such as disease outbreaks and high operational costs. Unless these challenges are managed well, there will be a negative impact on productivity, profitability and sustainability.
In this blog, we will focus on the main problems faced by poultry farmers and suggest some of the possible solutions to those problems to sustain a healthy poultry business in the present competitive market scenario.
Understanding Poultry Farming
It comprises the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese for their meat or egg or for their feathers.
Nowadays, poultry farms use modern technologies, adequate feed management and disease prevention strategies in their production systems to improve production.
However, these improvements have not eliminated the challenges that affect both smallholder and large-scale commercial poultry production systems.
Challenges in Poultry Farming
The main problems that are faced by poultry farmers are discussed below:
Disease Outbreaks: It is a common fact that a poultry farm is always in threat to diseases such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, coccidiosis, etc. These diseases are highly contagious and can result in lot of deaths and financial loss.
High Feed Costs: Feed is a major input in poultry farming, constituting 60%-70% of the production cost. Farmers depend on feed stuffs like maize and soybean, but price fluctuations make it hard for them to have returns.
Biosecurity Risks: To safeguard and mitigate the possibility of spread and introduction of pathogens in a poultry farm, a high level of biosecurity needs to be maintained. If the measures are not taken, then losses suffered can be very severe.
Market Fluctuations: The troublesome factor that most farmers in this industry face is the unpredictable market prices that keep on changing, making it hard for farmers when there is a weak season, a surplus or economic hardships.
Climate and Environmental Stress: Birds are also prone to extreme weather conditions that can affect their general health, growth and eggs production.
Labor Shortages: Specialized labor is required in poultry farming to perform disease watching and immunization. Failure to find trained personnel leads to low productive levels and high costs.
Waste Management: The management of poultry excreta significantly helps in controlling the pollution of the environment, which is however resource intensive and quite often absent in the case of most farmers.
It is important to deal with these challenges so as to ensure viability in the business of poultry farming in the long run.
Solutions to Overcome these Challenges
Disease Management: Ensure strict bio-security practices are exercised and regular vaccination schedules are adhered to.
Feed Management: Sources of affordable feeds should be utilised to cut feed costs.
Climate Control: Establish proper ventilation and cooling mechanisms in order to protect birds from severe weather.
Market Strategies: Develop multiple income streams such as product value addition and vertical markets.
Training Programs: Provide training, resources and information where necessary to improve the productivity of the workforce.
Waste Recycling: Transform poultry waste into either compost or bio-gas, which will reduce the strain on environment whilst making extra profits.
Conclusion
Poultry farming is a difficult activity but pays off the risks taken. Nualter Herbovet is an ISO, GMP and WHO GMP certified company, we can help you with important Veterinary medicines, drugs and feed supplements for poultry.