Egg Layer Farming in Kenya

In this Article we will get to know about Egg Layer Farming Poultry farming in Kenya.This is completed commercially for 2 purposes, viz. meat (broiler farming) and eggs (layer farming) since they both are high source of proteins, vitamins and other minerals necessary for a balanced human diet. Layer poultry is rearing of birds commercially for laying purposes. Globally China ranks highest in egg production with 24.8 billion kilograms in shell followed by US producing 5.6 billion kilograms. Kenya also ranks high within the world by producing a high number of eggs. There’s an increase in egg production in Kenya due to the expansion in human consumption and lower production costs.

Scope of Layer Poultry Farming in Kenya

Country chicken farming is popular in Kenya since decades. But, there has been an incredible progress made within the egg industry within the past few decades. Due to competent professional and technical expertise, sophisticated equipment, better medicines and top quality chicks, the Kenyan poultry layer farming industry has made tremendous progress. There are research institutes that provide training to farmers. As a result the management practices have improved tremendously resulting in reduced mortality rates. As per the ICMR recommendation, for a diet about 182 eggs are needed per person annually. Currently, the per capita egg consumption is 41 eggs. The farming departments, Central and State Governments provide assistance to farmers for providing infrastructural facilities. Additionally, poultry layer farming is given tons of importance within the national policy due to which there’s tons of scope of improvement and development.

Poultry Layer Management

Farmers categorize their poultry birds into different stages like brooding, growing, pullet and layering. Layering starts when the birds are of 20 weeks aged. Once the birds reach the laying age they’re given layer feed. They’re transferred to the laying quarters at the age of 18 weeks. Unproductive, sick birds must be far away from the flock. Such birds are normally culled. Layering period generally lasts up to 120 weeks. It’s necessary to exchange the old flocks in an existing poultry farm since maintaining the old flock may be a costly affair. Additionally, egg production must be steady to satisfy the market requirements.

Special Requirements for Egg Layer Farming

House and Nesting Area

House for laying must be located on the inner side of the farm- far away from the hustle-bustle and unwanted noise. Excess noise affects the egg production of the birds so an excessive amount of noise must be avoided. The feeder and water tray must be kept at a height like that of the birds’ back. Additionally the peak of the grills must be adjusted in order that the birds can stand comfortably without hitting the rooftop. A nest box is provided for laying approximately every week before the laying of first egg. The nest box are often three types counting on the amount of layer birds that are being reared and their purpose. The various types are:

1.            Individual Nest: there’s one box for each 4-5 birds.

2.            Community Nest: this is often one nest box accommodating 40-50 birds.

3.            Trap Nest: this sort of box is employed for research purposes since it accommodates one bird at a time.

In deep litter system, litter material must be spread up to 6 inch thickness.

Floor Space for Poultry Layer Farming

Adequate floor space must be provided to the birds regardless of the rearing system that’s being followed. Just in case of deep litter system, a floor space of roughly 2 sq. ft. per bird must be provided. Just in case of cage system, the floor dimensions must be 18 inch by 12 inch. This space is sufficient to accommodate 3 to maximum 5 birds. There should be covering on the surface to stop wind and rain from entering the cage. Due to the rise in awareness about providing humane treatment to the birds, some farmers let the birds spend their time outdoors in pasture-like areas. In such cases however, the birds must be adequately protected from predators.

Daylight Provision

Layer birds need fourteen hours of daylight while their laying cycle is on. Sometimes owing to seasonal changes it becomes necessary to provide artificial light for an extra 2-4 hours. Providing lights not only stimulate egg production but also provides longer for the birds to feed. Farmers commonly use one 50 watt bulb for each 100 birds. Sometimes they install a timer to switch off and on the lights automatically.