Summary
Some of the wide range of feed materials suitable for poultry in developing countries
is listed in the order of
their availability to small holders. Most are already fully utilised. A simple method for determining the
amount of feed material available in a region for a chicken development project is described. The size of the
SFRB in a village is limited, of low quality (crude protein approximately 9%), and fully utilised. Village
populations of scavenging chickens grow until the capacity of the SFRB is exceeded. The low crude protein in
the SFRB is inadequate for chicks and growers. Consequently the weaker chicks and growers die of starvation
when there is competition for scavenging feed. Growth and survival rates of chicks are greatly improved if
they are given preferential access to household refuse supplemented with protein. The ultimate cause of death
of chicks and growers is usually predation.
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| Primary Relevance |
Low - High |
| Feeding and Nutrition |
 |
| Animal Health |
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| Commodities and Markets |
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| Other Husbandry |
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| Policy Relevance |
 |
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Advantages of the existing scavenging system include having their own chickens at no cost or low cost,
breeding their own replacements, and access to all components
of the SFRB. A premium price is paid for
village poultry products in most countries. Disadvantages include the restricted size and poor quality of the
SFRB, and waste of eggs, chicks and growers, caused by population pressure and inefficiencies associated
with the use of broody hens. Low cost ways of alleviating the problems of the existing scavenging system are
discussed in terms of improved production.
(a) Concentration of the family on the utilization of the refuse
from its own household, with limited use of scavenging.
(b) Hatch fewer chicks and treat them preferentially.
(c) Restrict the broody periods of hens.
(d) Information exchange on husbandry procedures for scavenging
village chickens should be encouraged.
Small-scale intensive production in villages is feasible if feed
resources are assured. A production package should include source of birds and feed, secure appropriate
housing, reliable vaccines and access to markets. An infrastructure is needed to assure the supply of inputs to
small holders, and could be provided by a cooperative, a poultry shop, an aid organization, government
services or large-scale industry. Suitable genotypes for utilization of the SFRB, and for more intensive village
poultry production, are discussed. Particular reference is made to the relationships between genotypes, the
quality of feed available, and productivity. A procedure for selecting chicken genotypes for a supplemented
scavenging production system is described. A similar procedure can be used to select chickens for production
on a low protein diet. All selection is based on production in the environment in which the chickens will be
used. Scavenging poultry production with other species of birds is considered. It is suggested that there are
many locations with irrigation channels, paddy fields, ponds or swamps, which would be suitable for mallard
ducks, but are presently
not utilised. |
