Service Article

1. 
   Broiler Production

   • Raising chickens specifically for meat.

   • Short production cycle (about 6–8 weeks).

   • Requires good housing, balanced feeding, and disease control.

2. Layer Production

   • Raising chickens mainly for egg production.

   • Layers start laying around 18–22 weeks and can produce for 12–18 months.

   • Requires calcium-rich feed for strong eggshells.

3. Dual-purpose Production

   • Chickens raised for both eggs and meat.

   • Common in smallholder and backyard farming.

4. Other Poultry

   • Turkeys – mainly for meat.

   • Ducks – meat and eggs (especially in Asia).

   • Guinea fowls & quails – specialty poultry farming.

🔹 Key Inputs in Poultry Production

• Housing: Well-ventilated, predator-proof, dry, and easy to clean.

• Feeding: Balanced rations with energy (maize), protein (soybean, fish meal), vitamins, and minerals.

• Breeds: Hybrid breeds (like Ross, Cobb, Lohmann) give high yields.

• Health Management: Vaccination, biosecurity, clean water, and disease control (e.g., Newcastle disease prevention).

🔹 Benefits of Poultry Production

• Quick returns due to short production cycles.

• High demand for eggs and chicken meat.

• Provides jobs and income for farmers.

• Source of high-quality protein for nutrition.

🔹 Challenges in Poultry Production

• High feed costs (feed can take up to 70% of total expenses).

• Diseases (e.g., Newcastle, Gumboro, Avian influenza).

• Market fluctuations and competition.

• Poor biosecurity leading to losses.