Table of Contents
Introduction to Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry originated with cattle farming and the domestication of livestock, marking the beginning of a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals. The practice expanded over time to encompass diverse branches, each tailored to specific objectives and outcomes. As societies progressed, the practice evolved to meet the growing demand for sustenance, leading to innovations in breeding, care, and management techniques.
At its core, animal husbandry refers to the science of rearing and managing animal livestock. This multifaceted practice encompasses not only the care and breeding of animals but also their holistic management. Within the realm of animal husbandry, livestock such as cows, goats, buffalo, sheep, and more are nurtured and sheltered in farms or designated regions. Animal husbandry is a broad spectrum that incorporates various aspects of farming, including cattle rearing, poultry management, egg and broiler production, apiculture, fisheries, and beyond.
Poultry farming and management
Poultry farming focusses on the commercial rearing and management of various domestic birds. The primary objectives of poultry farming include the production of eggs and meat. To meet the diverse needs of consumers, a range of poultry strains or breeds are raised. These strains are carefully selected and bred to optimise their production capabilities, whether in terms of egg laying or meat yield. Poultry farming involves the domestic or commercial rearing of birds, primarily chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, for meat, eggs, and other products. It encompasses practices like housing, feeding, breeding, and disease management to ensure the health and productivity of the flock. With a focus on efficient growth and production, poultry farmers utilise modern techniques such as controlled housing environments, specialized nutrition, and selective breeding. The industry balances economic considerations with environmental sustainability, and the final stages involve processing birds for meat and other products to meet consumer demand.
Poultry Feeding
Well-balanced protein sources contribute to muscle, organ, skin, and feather growth in poultry. Essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, and vitamins like A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins are crucial for bone and egg formation in poultry. Antibiotics are commonly used to stimulate appetite, prevent diseases, and control harmful bacteria. Modern broiler diets yield approximately 0.5 kg of meat from 0.9 kg of feed and a dozen eggs from 2 kg of feed.
Management and environment
Poultry farming necessitates careful management to prevent issues like crowding, chilling, overheating, or cannibalism. Cannibalism is addressed through practices like debeaking and management techniques. Automated systems are used for feeding, watering, egg collection, and cleaning. Wire cages with multiple tiers house birds to save space, improve production, lower mortality, and reduce disease and parasite risk.
Poultry breeding
Poultry breeding employs genetic principles such as inbreeding, crossbreeding, and mass selection. This enhances meat and egg production rates. Hybrid vigor through crossbreeding is commonly utilised for faster and more efficient weight gains and high-quality carcasses. Modern broilers can reach market weight in just five weeks, while egg production per hen has substantially increased over the years.
Disease management
Poultry are susceptible to various diseases like fowl typhoid, pullorum, Newcastle disease, infectious sinusitis, infectious coryza, avian infectious hepatitis, infectious synovitis, bluecomb, fowl pox, avian leukosis complex, coccidiosis, blackhead, infectious laryngotracheitis, infectious bronchitis, and erysipelas and more. However, rigorous sanitary measures, strategic use of antibiotics and vaccines, and modern housing systems like cages for layers and confinement rearing for broilers have contributed to effective disease control.
Role of light in egg production
Light plays a critical role in egg production as it influences the pituitary gland’s release of hormones through the optic nerve, specifically follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Light energy penetrates the bird’s body, stimulating ovarian follicle growth and eventually ovum release. Key considerations include light’s wavelength (400-700 nm), with longer wavelengths like red being more effective in reaching the brain. Light intensity varies due to factors like sun position, cloudiness, dust, and moisture, impacting the length of daylight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day occurs on June 21st, and the shortest on December 21st. Daylight duration slightly exceeds the time between sunrise and sunset due to the curvature of the Earth’s surface.
Types of poultry breeds
Poultry farming encompasses two primary categories:
- Egg production: This facet involves raising layers, which are breeds specifically selected for their egg-laying abilities. These birds are provided with diets rich in vitamins and nutrients conducive to increased egg production.
- Meat production: Broilers are raised for meat production. These birds are provided with protein and fat-rich diets to ensure rapid growth and optimal meat yield.
Indian poultry breeds can be categorised into Desi (local) and Improved (exotic) breeds. Desi breeds like Aseel, Chittagong, and Ghagus are known for their fighting qualities, flavor, and taste of meat. They have limited egg production and slow growth.
Improved breeds, introduced from Europe and acclimatized, are categorized into American, Mediterranean, and English classes.
- American breeds like Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock are sturdy, good for meat, and egg-laying.
- Mediterranean breeds like White Leghorn excel in egg production.
- English breeds like Sussex, Orpington, and Australorp are versatile for meat and egg production.
Hybrid and crossed chickens are also used widely in India.
Diseases in poultry
Bacterial diseases
Coliform Infections: Caused by Escherichia coli, resulting in varying disease severity, from respiratory to enteric symptoms. Entry via respiratory or gastrointestinal tract; navel infections common in young birds.
Mycoplasmosis: Caused by Mycoplasma species, leading to respiratory issues like CRD, air sac syndrome, and infectious sinusitis.
Fowl Cholera: Caused by Pasteurella multocida, a highly contagious disease with contaminated sources like excreta and water.
Pullorum Disease: Caused by Salmonella pullorum, egg-transmitted, affecting young chicks with weakness and high mortality.
Fowl Typhoid: Caused by Salmonella gallinarum, resulting in depression, diarrhea, and mortality.
Omphalitis: “Mushy chick disease,” bacterial infection at navel due to poor incubation or sanitation.
Botulism: Clostridium botulinum toxin from decaying matter causes paralysis and high mortality.
Infectious Coryza: Hemophilus gallinarum results in respiratory symptoms, swelling, nasal discharge, and sinus involvement.
Viral diseases
Vira Avian influenza outbreaks, particularly the H5N1 subtype, have caused concern in India. These outbreaks, affecting poultry populations, led to fears among consumers about consuming eggs and chicken due to potential transmission to humans. Media coverage heightened worries, impacting the poultry industry and causing economic losses. The government responded with culling, movement restrictions, and public awareness campaigns. While properly cooked poultry is safe, the outbreaks created panic and reduced consumption, affecting both the industry and public perception.
- Avian Pox: Slow-spreading viral disease causing nodules on skin and necrotic membranes.
- Newcastle Disease: Highly contagious viral infection leading to respiratory nervous disorders.
- Infectious Bronchitis: Extremely contagious respiratory disease with coughing, sneezing, and rales.
- Marek’s Disease: Affects young chickens, causing visceral, neural, ocular, and skin responses.
- Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro): Acute viral disease affecting young chickens, causing high mortality and immunity issues.
External parasites
Poultry Mites: Including Northern Fowl Mite and Common Chicken Mite, causing growth retardation, skin damage, and reduced egg production.
Depluming Mite: Knemidocoptes laevis burrows into skin, leading to feather loss.
Poultry Lice: Chewing types causing irritation, feather damage, and reduced egg production.
Fowl Tick (Argas persicus): Blood-sucking parasite causing weakness, emaciation, and reduced egg production.
Summary of Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry has evolved from cattle farming to a diverse practice encompassing various branches like poultry farming, which focuses on rearing domestic birds for commercial egg and meat production. Different breeds are bred for optimal production, with key aspects including feeding, disease management, and breeding techniques. Disease prevention, proper shelter, hygiene, and strategic feeding are crucial for successful poultry farm management. Avian influenza outbreaks in India have impacted consumer perception and the industry. Various bacterial and viral diseases, along with external parasites, can affect poultry health and productivity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies to ensure healthy flocks, productivity, and safe products for consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions on Animal Husbandry
What is animal husbandry?
Animal husbandry is the practice of rearing and managing domestic animals for various purposes. It originated with cattle farming and has expanded to include diverse branches tailored to specific goals, driven by societal demands for sustenance and innovation in breeding, care, and management techniques.
What is the role of light in egg production?
Light plays a crucial role in egg production by influencing the release of hormones from the pituitary gland through the optic nerve. It stimulates ovarian follicle growth and ovum release. Longer wavelengths of visible light, such as red, are more effective in reaching the brain. Light intensity varies due to factors like sun position, cloudiness, and air quality, impacting the length of daylight.
How is poultry farming managed for optimal productivity?
Poultry farming involves the commercial rearing of birds for meat and egg production. Proper feeding with well-balanced protein sources and essential minerals, management of environmental factors like crowding and temperature, careful breeding techniques, and disease control are essential for maximizing productivity and ensuring healthy flocks.
What are the different categories of poultry breeds?
Poultry farming encompasses breeds for two primary purposes: egg production and meat production. Layers are bred for their egg-laying abilities and are fed diets rich in vitamins and nutrients. Broilers are raised for meat and require protein and fat-rich diets to promote rapid growth and optimal meat yield.
How are diseases managed in poultry farming?
Disease prevention is a fundamental aspect of poultry farming. Birds are susceptible to various bacterial and viral diseases, as well as external parasites. Strategies include vaccination, regular cleaning, sanitization, and the use of disinfectants. Modern housing systems, like cages for layers and confinement rearing for broilers, contribute to effective disease control.
How have avian influenza outbreaks impacted poultry farming in India?
Avian influenza outbreaks, particularly the H5N1 subtype, have led to concerns among consumers about consuming poultry products due to potential transmission to humans. These outbreaks have caused economic losses and affected consumer perception, prompting government responses like culling, movement restrictions, and awareness campaigns.
What are the key considerations in managing poultry for healthy flocks and safe products?
Proper shelter, hygiene, strategic feeding, disease prevention, and comprehensive management strategies are essential for maintaining healthy poultry flocks and ensuring safe products for consumers. These practices involve addressing bacterial and viral diseases, as well as external parasites, to maximise productivity and product quality.
