Broiler Poultry Farming Guide for Beginners
Broiler poultry farming is a very lucrative and established business. Many people are doing this business in both small scale and commercially for making profits.
Generally, the poultry birds which are raised for meat production is called ‘broiler’. So, broiler poultry farming means ‘raising meat chicken or other poultry birds for the purpose of meat production’.
Broilers are just like other common poultry birds. Scientists have developed broiler specifically for producing meat in a short period of time. That’s why broilers are raised mainly for meat production.
The term ‘broiler’ is mostly used for a meat producing chicken. But actually, any chicken that is used, bred and raised specifically for meat production purpose.
Today, most of the commercial broilers reach slaughter weight between 4 and 7 weeks of age. Although, the slower growing breeds reach slaughtering weight at approximately 14 weeks of age.
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| broiler chicken farming guide |
Most of the broilers that we see today have white feathers and yellowish skin. Modern commercial broilers (such as Cornish crosses and Cornish-Rocks) are artificially selected and bred for large-scale, efficient meat production.
They are noted for having very fast growth rates, a high feed conversion ratio, and low levels of activity.
Most of the modern commercial broilers are bred to reach a slaughter weight of about 2 kg in only 5 to 7 weeks. Some slow growing free-range and organic strains have been developed which reach slaughter weight at 12 to 16 weeks of age.
Due to extensive breeding selection for rapid early growth and the husbandry used to sustain this, broilers are susceptible to several welfare concerns, particularly skeletal malformation and dysfunction, skin and eye lesions and congestive heart conditions.
Management of ventilation, housing, stocking density and in-house procedures must be evaluated regularly to support good welfare of the flock.
Today, producers are using many advance technologies and system for raising broilers. And you can take this opportunity to make some extra profits.
Advantages of Broiler Poultry Farming Business
Commercial broiler poultry farming is a very popular and profitable business. It has many benefits or advantages. Here we are trying to describe more about the top advantages of broiler poultry production business.
- Commercial broiler poultry farming is not a new business. It’s an established business and many people are doing this for making profits.
- Starting both small scale and commercial production of broiler is very easy. Even the beginners can start this business.
- If you don’t have enough money, then you can start this business in small scale, and expand gradually.
- Small scale broiler production doesn’t require high capital or investment.
- You can utilize your family labor for raising broilers. This will help you to make some extra profits and as well as you can meet up your family nutrition demand.
- Broilers require relatively less space. You can raise many birds in a small piece of land.
- You can even raise some broilers in your backyard.
- Although, commercial production of broilers require high investment. But the returns of investment is good. You will be able to make good profits from your investment.
- Currently, chicken meat is the most consumed meat in the world. And broiler meat has good demand and value in the market.
- You don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. Broilers already have very good market.
- As it is a profitable business, and can be a great source of income and employment for the rural people. Especially, for the educated unemployed young people.
- Commercial broiler poultry production is a great way to ensure food security.
- If you raise broilers, then you and your family members can enjoy fresh meat, and fulfill your family’s nutrition demand.
How to Start Broiler Poultry Farming Business
As we have mentioned above, starting broiler chicken production is very easy and simple. Even the beginners can start raising them. Although, you should have training before starting commercial production.
For commercial production you will need a lot of equipment, specialized house and many other facilities. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a broiler poultry farm.
Select A Good Location
You have to select a very good location for starting your broiler production. Selecting a calm, quiet, noise and pollution free place will be very good.
It will be better if the selected area become free from residential area.
Ensure availability of water, electricity and transportation facilities in your selected land.
Select Right Breed
Selecting the right breed is very important. Today, there are numerous broiler chicken breeds available to choose from. But you should start your business with the breeds which is easily available in your area.
Visit any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers and ask them which breeds are available. Some popular meat chicken breeds are Cornish, Cornish Cross, Jersey Giant, Freedom Rangers, Orpington, Buckeye, Brown Leghorn, Dorking, Brahma etc.
Housing
Making a very good and comfortable house with the availability of all required facilities is very important for broiler production. A good house will keep your birds safe from predators, adverse weather conditions and other problems. A hygiene house will help you to keep your birds healthy and free from diseases.
Deep litter system is mostly used for commercial meat chicken farming. And at least 1-2 square feet space is required per bird.
Install good ventilation system and always ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh and clean air inside the house. And always try to keep the house clean.
Feeding & Watering
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of commercial broiler poultry farming business.
Today, broiler chickens are mostly feed on ready-made or commercial feeds. Such feeds are highly available in the market. You can use such feed for growing your broilers.
Most of the modern broilers that producers raise today have a very good feed to meat conversion rate. These birds on average consume about 1.5 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of meat.
In the 1980s, it was typical to produce a 2 kg in 70 days. But in 2018, it takes just 20 days to produce a bird of the same weight.
However, providing the birds with enough clean and fresh water is also very important. They drink a lot. So ensure availability of water all the time. And let the birds to access water as much as they want.
Breeding
Most of the broiler producers used to purchase chicks from the supplies, instead of breeding. But if you want to breed and produce hatching eggs, then you have to raise parent stock.
Caring & Other Management
Taking good care of the birds is very important for successful broiler poultry farming business. Good caring will keep the birds healthy, and you will be able to get maximum production.
Monitor the health of the birds regularly. Vaccinate them timely and make a stock of required medicines. And always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Never provide your birds with contaminated feeds or polluted water. Try to clean the house on a regular basis.
Marketing
Marketing broiler chickens is not a problem. It is a very common and popular meat throughout the world. And both demand and price are good. So, you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful broiler poultry farming business. If you can manage everything perfectly, then you will be able to make good profits from this business.