To keep up with the growing demands in the livestock and poultry industry, poultry farm owners have to set clear goals in the long term operations of their business. In addition to the continuous yield and high- quality production, owners must also look upon the feasibility of the industry to run it smoothly. One of the critical factors in running a successful poultry operation is a clear focus and highly- effective, sustained health system that translates into better outputs.
Going into the poultry industry is not as challenging as it was years ago when best practices in raising poultry and livestock were not clearly outlined yet. Now, there are more straightforward ways to learn this fast-moving industry without having to get overwhelmed with the ideas and the steps involved.
One major issue to deal with in the poultry industry is the presence of infectious diseases that can immediately spread throughout the brood and cause great loss in investments. Hence, poultry owners and enthusiasts must come up with stringent health and safety policies and guidelines to counter this threat.
Animal Stocks
The stock themselves can be significant carriers of disease inside the coops. The rate of transmission and infection is especially higher when there are dead animals involved. These deceased animals can carry highly- infectious pathogens that can easily creep into the corners of the poultry into the feathers of the hens, going to their insides. Further spread of the infections can be encouraged by movements across the farm.
There has to be efficient disposal of the waste system to address this, especially those involving dead animals. This not only serves as a cleanliness measure but also as a means of discouraging cross infections all over the farms. The owners must also consider regular disinfection procedures.
Choice of Animal Feeds
Though animal feeds are essential to the growth of the produce, these can also unwittingly contribute to the transfer of diseases. For one, during the transportation fo these feeds, these can accumulate infectious bacteria and viruses along the way. Additionally, pests can infest the feeds causing the transfer of disease easier and faster.
Composting & Waste Management Procedures
One of the least paid attention aspects of poultry farming is the installation of compost in the premises. These neglected part of any poultry business can, unsurprisingly, pose greater risks among the fowls regardless of the measures imposed on other management aspects.
Composts attract a host of intruders since these areas are sources of food among animals such as foxes, rats, among others.
Since these areas provide the likelihood of food availability, these predators can inhabit these or the areas near. These intruders’ constant movements can carry along infectious diseases that can be transported into water supplies and further affect the quality and state of the poultry business.
There are some countermeasures done; however, these have not proved any significant results yet. Remodeling compost into open-air styles attract flies that are also active carriers of the same deadly infections.
Transportations, Vehicles and Farm Tools
Inside farms, constant and continuous movements signify active business growth. But at the same time, it also demotes possible risks for the fowls. The transportation of equipment and even animals can actively hasten the transfer of bacteria and viruses in the surroundings. This may not be known to farm owners, but this is one way that infections are transported.
To combat this occurrence, strict protocols on incoming and outgoing deliveries and visits must be implemented. This means a stringent flow of movement from handling incoming deliveries and other goods to implementing compliance among visitors regarding disinfection and sanitation. All poultry farm owners must be aware of these stringent standards, and everyone must be placed in strict coordination with the rules.
Farm Facilities
An efficient poultry business and operations must have efficient biosecurity measures installed form the conception of the business. This helps guarantee that clear boundaries are considered and outlined from the very beginning, with close attention paid to the details on the nearness of other poultry operations that may significantly affect the whole production. When there are already existing farm fixtures of the same nature, then it is up to the biosecurity plan to address the countermeasures that will ensure separation of the different working units on the farm. The entrance and exits have to be clearly defined. Consequently, the kinds of movements permitted in the areas also have to be accurately delineated. A clear flow of movement has to be synchronized and adapted. For example, the rainwater control system has to function properly to prevent outflows into the chicken broods.
Guests and Visitors on the farm
Not only visitors and outsiders can bring is problems for the coops. It is safe to say that roughly everyone who goes in and out of the facility can be an active carrier of diseases in the farms. There has to be a clear and implemented standard operating procedures known and adhered to by every staff member to address the issue. The said policy must apply to all the personnel. Wearing sanitary uniforms around the farm premises is a good way to exhibit this. There must be thorough disinfection of the units, and the people and clear limits have to be established in regards to wearing these uniforms. Hence, clothing that is worn inside the farm area should not be brought into the strike areas.
The farm owners should also encourage them to change clothes and footwear and the personnel’s complete sanitation from taking a hot shower up to using overall change and covers.
Water Supply
As important as this might be in any operations, water is also known as carriers of deadly diseases. A contaminated water can easily infiltrate the system, causing the spread to move at a faster pace.
When there are contaminants such as animal or human stools present in the water, the quality automatically degrades, which means that
the water is no longer fit for consumption, neither by humans nor by animals.
Water quality should be one of the utmost priorities of farm business owners. Aside from the common contaminants, ph and acidity levels are also crucial factors. When any of these changes, the effects can be observed in the fowls, causing a host of inconveniences. So, it is a must always to ensure top water quality in the farms.
Medications
Poultry farm owners are faced with several challenges in procuring the right medicines for their fowls’ needs. This is due to reasons such as inaccessibility/ availability of the drugs and, worst, the manufacture of counterfeit dosages. Some farm owners maybe lead to the use of these harmful substances readily available in the market. But in the long run, these pose more significant risks. Aside from the obvious ineffectiveness, these medicines are usually dispensed without the consent of veterinary practitioners. For this reasoning, self- medication to fowls are not advised. It is much better to seek professional consultation.
Financial Capacity
Considering all business types, financial risks account for more than 80% of the challenges that business owners encounter. Money involved in capitals, tools, and other investment significantly determine the path of the business.
Truth be told, the initial capital investment that the business owner puts in his or her business makes up for the route that the poultry can take. This means, the higher the capital, the more advantageous it is for the farm in terms of access to other farm improvements.
There are a variety of ways to start off with a poultry business. The capitals involved are not as big compared to other business models. Even more, banks can help finance the startup. The only downside is that these loan institutions tend to add high-interest rates that hinder farmers from gaining profits. So, one viable solution is to avail of subsidies being offered by the government. This works both ways as the prospective business owners can set up their coveted businesses. The government can let the money circulate and allow for more projects and opportunities for the citizens, businessmen, or not.
