(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...

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.