Poultry
Transformation of poultry feeding and drinking systems
Efficient feed utilization has a great effect on pro tability as feed represents the major cost of poultry production.
�e mode and pattern of poultry feeding and drinking systems have evolved to conform to the increasingly sophisticated production systems. Backyard free-range production systems, where supplementary feed was scattered by hand over the whole area of the ' run ' with water provided in s i mple s h a l l ow c ont ainers, h ave n ow transformed into large scale and intensive production systems. Provision of feed and water can be closely measured, controlled and automated by using these advanced systems.
One of the biggest problems faced by producers is upgrading / replacement of poultry feeding equipment in line with growth and development, and corresponding changes in the needs of birds. �is includes knowing exactly when to change the system and the huge labour input required. Problems can be signi cantly reduced by adopting an ' all-age ' broiler feeding system comprising a line system of shallow pans for starting chicks, which can subsequently be telescoped out into deep pans as the chicks grow. �e shallow pan rests on the ground and when the line is raised it telescopes out into a deep pan suspended at a height which is suitable for the now grown bird.
Mechanisation and automation of feeding systems is the key to reducing labour costs. �is can be achieved through the use of sliding auger trough feeding systems for broilers powered by low horsepower( hp) motors and used with ' hens only ' or ' all-bird ' grills for the troughs. Other speci c systems include continuousloop, breeder-pan feeding systems that accommodate pullets from one-day old and which can be used to feed adult breeders throughout the laying cycle. Automatic chain feeders are an option for hardpressed producers. �ey are claimed as the ideal choice for the provision of consistent and efficient feeding of pullets and broilers and breeder birds. Essential parts of the system are the feeder, drive unit, trough and the corners and f e e d c h a i n. � e s y s t e m, a c c o r d i n g t o manufacturers, allows feed to be pushed around the complete circuit in the house in just few minutes so that birds are provided with equal access to the same feed formulations. Uniform distribution of feed thus achieved eliminates selective feeding and results in healthier birds, greater uniformity of bird size and considerable monetary saving due to reduced wastage of feed. Systems are equipped with electrical time switches for programmed feeding( controlled or ad libitum) and exclusion grills.
Most feeding systems developed for domestic fowl use de nite feeding points to which the birds are attracted. On the other hand, the spin-feeder is an automatic system that mimics the age-old method of scattering feed and grain to free range birds and in this sense brings intensively raised birds closest to the inherent feeding habits of their wild ancestors. Feed is evenly distributed over a widespread area, and the accurate feeding levels achieved means that most birds achieve point-of- www. farmersreviewafrica. com
FARMERS [ 31 ] REVIEW AFRICA
July- August 2017