POULTRY PRODUCTION,MANAGEMENT AND RECORD KEEPING

Introduction

It is important to know the market requirements; the investment costs, running costs, and expected revenue for the different products before starting any production activity. These include: Whole birds for meat, eggs, parts: gizzards, drumsticks, chicken wings, chicken breasts manure etc.

Record Keeping

Production Records

 Flock size

Mortality (clinical signs and/or suggested cause of death)

Flock structure

Expected general laying ability/percentage lay (number of eggs  per clutch)

Number of clutches per year

Number of chicks hatched

Number of chicks reared

Age of chicks/chicken

Vaccination and other treatments applied (when and with what)

Birds for Sale

Day old chicks

Cockerels at the age of 5 months

Breeding growers, cocks or hens

Spent hens

Eggs for Sale

Table eggs

Fertile eggs - Pack eggs in boxes, egg trays or other suitable containers to avoid breakage

Cost Benefit Analysis

Before starting any poultry production enterprise, calculate if it is economically feasible, thereby making the right decisions regarding the production system and the necessary interventions.

Revenue or Income

Revenue or income is all the money earned in relation to the poultry enterprise such as:

Income from sale of live birds, e.g. growers, cockerels or spent hens;

Income from sale of eggs;

Value of eggs or poultry eaten or given away.

It is important to also value the standing stock, e.g. the production flock that is the foundation for future income. Poultry manure, empty gunny bags also represent a value when used on the farm or sold for other activities.

Expenditure or costs

These are costs involved in relation to the poultry enterprise

Material for night baskets shelters or poultry houses

Starting up flock e.g. Growers, hens or cocks

Fertile eggs for incubation

Supplementary feed, vitamins or minerals

Vaccines and other medication

Labour and technical advice
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