(a) State: (i) four advantages and (ii) four disadvantages of the deep litter system in poultry management. (b) Mention one disadvantage of using saw-dust a...

(a) State: (i) four advantages and (ii) four disadvantages of the deep litter system in poultry management.

(b) Mention one disadvantage of using saw-dust as litter in a deep-litter house.

(c) The recommended floor space for fowls In a deep litter house is three (3) adult fowls per square metre. Calculate the number of adult fowls that can be kept in a deep-litter house of size 10 metre by 50 metre. (d) State three other methods of keeping poultry.

Answer Details

(a)

1. (i) Four advantages of the deep litter system in poultry management are:

   • It is cost-effective as it requires less labour and materials compared to other systems.
   • It provides insulation for the birds, keeping them warm in cold weather.
   • It allows for natural scratching and foraging behavior in the birds, promoting their welfare.
   • The litter can be used as a fertilizer for crops when properly managed.

2. (ii) Four disadvantages of the deep litter system in poultry management are:

   • It requires frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent disease and odor.
   • It can lead to a buildup of ammonia and other harmful gases if not properly managed.
   • It may attract pests such as rodents and flies.
   • The litter can become wet and compacted, leading to poor ventilation and increased risk of disease.

(b) One disadvantage of using sawdust as litter in a deep-litter house is that it may become compacted and wet, leading to poor ventilation and increased risk of disease. Sawdust also has a high moisture content, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria if not managed properly.

(c) The recommended floor space for fowls in a deep litter house is three (3) adult fowls per square metre. Therefore, in a deep-litter house of size 10 metres by 50 metres, the total area is 500 square metres. Hence, the number of adult fowls that can be kept in this house is 3 x 500 = 1500 adult fowls.

(d) Three other methods of keeping poultry are:

1. Battery Cage System: This system involves housing birds in individual cages that are stacked on top of one another. It is a high-density system that maximizes space and allows for easy management and disease control.
2. Free-Range System: This system allows birds to roam freely outdoors during the day and return to a shelter at night. It promotes natural behavior and improves the quality of the meat and eggs produced.
3. Colony System: This system involves housing birds in small groups in a communal space. It allows for social interaction between birds and promotes natural behavior, but may be more difficult to manage compared to other systems.