(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...
Question 1 Report
(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)(i) Four advantages of the deep litter system
- Birds move about freely and take exercise, keeping them healthy.
- Cost of construction and equipment is relatively low.
- The litter builds up manure that can be used on the farm.
- Birds obtain some vitamin B12 and warmth from the built-up litter.
(a)(ii) Four disadvantages of the deep litter system
- Diseases and parasites spread easily because birds are in contact with droppings.
- It is difficult to detect and cull individual sick or non-laying birds.
- Damp litter releases ammonia and encourages disease.
- Eggs laid on the floor may be dirty, broken or eaten by the birds; cannibalism may occur.
(b) One disadvantage of using saw-dust as litter
Saw-dust is dusty and can be eaten by the birds or cause respiratory problems; it also cakes and becomes damp easily, encouraging disease.
(c) Calculation
Floor area of the house \[ = 10\,\text{m} \times 50\,\text{m} = 500\,\text{m}^2 \]
At 3 adult fowls per square metre, number of fowls \[ = 500\,\text{m}^2 \times 3 = 1500 \text{ adult fowls}. \]
(d) Three other methods of keeping poultry
- Battery cage system.
- Free range (extensive) system.
- Fold (ark/semi-intensive) system.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
