MAINTAIN_Poultry House and environment .doc

COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL
Sector: AGRICULTURE-FISHERY FORESTRY
Qualification Title: Animal Production (Poultry-Chicken)NC II
Unit of Competency: Maintain Poultry Environment
Module Title: Maintaining Poultry Environment
LASAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL
The unit of competency, “Maintain Poultry Environment”, is one of the
competencies of ANIMAL PRODUCTION (POULTRY-CHICKEN) NCII, a course which
comprises the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for a TVET trainee to possess.
The module, Maintaining Poultry Environment, contains training materials and
activities related to conduct preparation activities, maintain poultry house and facilities,
maintain farm area and perform completion activities.
In this module, you are required to go through a series of learning activities in
order to complete each learning outcome. In each learning outcome are Information
Sheets, Self-checks, Operation Sheets, Task Sheets, and Job Sheets. Follow and perform
the activities on your own. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask for assistance
from your facilitator.
Remember to:
 Read information sheet and complete the self-checks.
 Perform the Task Sheets, Operation Sheets, and Job Sheets until you are
confident that your outputs conform to the Performance Criteria Checklists that
follow the said work sheets.
 Submit outputs of the Task Sheets, Operation Sheets, and Job Sheets to your
facilitator for evaluation and recording in the Achievement Chart. Outputs shall
serve as your portfolio during the Institutional Competency Evaluation. When you
feel confident that you have had sufficient practice, ask your trainer to evaluate
you. The results of your assessment will be recorded in your Achievement Chart
and Progress Chart.
You must pass the Institutional Competency Evaluation for this competency
before moving to another competency. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to
you after passing the evaluation.
You need to complete this module before you can perform the module on Brood
and Grow Chicks.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION (Poultry-
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
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Delia M. Malana
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ANIMAL PRODUCTION NC II
COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIALS
LIST OF COMPETENCIES
No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code
1 MAINTAIN POULTRY
HOUSE
MAINTAINING POULTRY
HOUSE
AGRXXXX
2 BROOD AND GROW CHICKS BROODING AND GROWING
CHICKS
AGRXXX
3 PERFORM PRE-LAY AND
LAY ACTIVITIES
PERFORMING PRE-LAY AND
LAY ACTIVITIES
AGRXXX
4 TRIMM BEAK TRIMMING BEAK AGRXXX
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MODULE CONTENT
UNIT OF COMPETENCY: MAINTAIN POULTRY ENVIRONMENT
MODULE TITLE: MAINTAINING POULTRY ENVIRONMENT
MODULE DESCRIPTOR:
This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in maintaining poultry
environment. It includes conducting preparation activities, maintaining poultry house
and facilities, maintaining farm area and performing completion activities.
Nominal Duration: 40 hours
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the trainee/students MUST be able to:
1. Conduct preparation activities.
2. Maintain poultry house and facilities.
3. Maintain farm area.
4. Perform completion activities.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Farm layout of poultry house and facilities are determined with reference
to the housing plan.
2. Poultry housing and facilities are checked according to enterprise
procedures.
3. Conditions of poultry housing and facilities are reported to the immediate
authority and in compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate.
4. Tools, materials and equipment are prepared according to maintenance
requirements and instruction of authority.
5. Poultry housing and facilities are cleaned and disinfected in regular basis.
6. Minor repairs and maintenance are done as per instruction of the authority and per
work requirements.
7. Major malfunctions and irregular conditions in the poultry house and facilities are
reported immediately.
8. Wearing of personal protective equipment(PPE) is practiced prior to succeeding is
practiced following OSHS procedures.
9. Safety measures are practiced according to Occupational Safety and Health
Standards(OSHS).
10. Maintenance of farm area and vicinities are done according to production
management and enterprise procedures.
11. Vermin and insects control is performed according to Fertilizer and Pesticides
Authority guidelines and DENR regulations.
12. Maintenance of farm vegetation are conducted to avoid common vermins and insects
proliferation.
13. Records are kept and updated for reporting inventory purposes following enterprise
procedures.
14. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to manuals and enterprise
procedures.
15. Housekeeping is practiced following 5S principles and enterprise procedures.
16. Wastes are manage following 3Rs principles and DENR regulations.
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ENVIRONMENT
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LEARNING OUTCOME #1 CONDUCT PREPARATION ACTIVITIES
CONTENTS:
 Poultry house and facilities
 Materials, tools and equipment for maintenance requirements.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Farm layout of poultry house and facilities are determined with reference to the
housing plan.
2. Poultry housing and facilities are checked according to enterprise
procedures.
3. Conditions of poultry housing and facilities are reported to the immediate
authority and in compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate
4. Tools, materials and equipment are prepared according to maintenance
requirements and instruction of authority.
CONDITIONS: Trainees must be provided with the following:
 Learning modules
 Visual aids
 Materials and tools needed
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Written Examination
 Demonstration with question
 Oral evaluation
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ENVIRONMENT
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Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome 1: Carry-out Preparatory Activities
Learning Activities Special Instructions
Read Information Sheet 2.1-1:
“Poultry house and facilities”
This Learning Outcome deals with the
development of the Institutional
Competency Evaluation Tool which
trainers use in evaluating their trainees
after finishing a competency of the
qualification.
Go through the learning activities
outlined for you on the left column to gain
the necessary information or knowledge
before doing the tasks to practice on
performing the requirements of the
evaluation tool.
The output of this LO is a complete
Institutional Competency Evaluation
Package for one Competency of Animal
Production NC II. Your output shall
serve as one of your portfolio for your
Institutional Competency Evaluation for
Maintain Poultry Environment.
Feel free to show your outputs to your
trainer as you accomplish them for
guidance and evaluation.
After doing all the activities for this LO,
you are ready to proceed to the next LO:
Maintain poultry house and facilities.
Answer Self-check 2.1-1
“Materials, tools and equipment
for maintenance requirement”
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ENVIRONMENT
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Information Sheet 2.1-1
Poultry House and Facilities
Learning Objectives:
After reading this information sheet, the trainee must be able to identify different
kinds of poultry house.
Work Area
This is the place where the bird is raised and taking good care of the assign poultry
personnel.
Storage Room
This is the dry storage area where the feeds, vaccines and other materials are place to
prevent contamination of bacteria.
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ENVIRONMENT
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Growing Area Brooding Area
Brooding
Is the process of supplying artificial heat to the chicks from the time they are taken out
from the incubators up to the time their bodies can control their heat requirements and
they are covered with feathers.
Male and female chicks are usually reared separately until about 4-5 weeks of age. They
are then reared so that they can work out who is boss (adjust the peck order),
which means they will be less likely to fight with one another later on.
Growing
The growing period for layer breeders is from five to 20 weeks of age and is about four
weeks less than for meat breeders. During the growing period, feed is restricted to
prevent feed wastage and, for layer breeders, to improve egg production. It is even more
important for meat breeders because they become too fat to breed efficiently if on full
feed. Restricted feeding begins at about six weeks of age and continues until birds have
commenced laying. When birds are at 5-10% egg production, a breeder ration is
supplied. Birds that have been gown on restricted feed are often call ‘control fed.
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ENVIRONMENT
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Self-Check 2.1- 1 True or False
1. The growing period for layer breeders is from five to 20 weeks of age and is about four
weeks less than for meat breeders.
2. Growing the process of supplying artificial heat to the chicks from the time they are
taken out from the incubators up to the time their bodies can control their heat
requirements and they are covered with feathers.
3. Work area is the place where the bird is raised and taking good care of the assign
poultry personnel.
4. Restricted feeding begins at about 20 weeks of age and continues until birds have
commenced laying.
5. Birds that have been gown on restricted feed are often call control fed.
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ENVIRONMENT
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Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.1-1
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
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ENVIRONMENT
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Tools, Materials and Equipment in the Poultry House
After reading this information sheet, you must be able to identify different tools,
materials and equipment in the poultry house.
Tools
Carpentry Tools is used in repair and
maintenance in the poultry house
Wheel Barrow a small cart with a single wheel
at the front and two supporting legs and two
handles at the rear, used typically for carrying
loads in building-work or gardening
Chick Guard are designed to keep the baby
chicks from wandering away from the source of
heat. The chick guards (Plastic Poultry
Equipment) are used during the initial days and
can be removed by the end of the first week. It
can be set up in form of a ring, a little away
from the edge of the hover
Shovel a tool with a broad flat blade and
typically upturned sides, used for moving coal,
earth, snow or other material.
Spade a tool with a sharp-edged, typically
rectangular, metal blade and a long handle,
used for digging or cutting earth, sand, turf, etc
Crow Bar a long metal bar, usually with a bent,
often forked, wedge-shaped end, used as a lever
for prying
Electrical Tools this is used in repairing and
checking electrical connections
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ENVIRONMENT
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MATERIALS
Sponge a piece of a soft, light, porous
substance originally consisting of the fibrous
skeleton of an invertebrate but now usually
made of synthetic material. Sponges absorb
liquid and are used for washing and cleaning
Scrub a materials used to remove (dirt or
stains) by hard rubbing
Broomstick and Broom a long-handled brush
of bristles or twigs used for sweeping.
Trash Can a container for the disposal of dry
waste matter.
Sacks a bag, especially one made of strong
material for holding grain or objects in bulk.
Dust pan a short-handled pan or scoop into
which dust is swept
Pipes a hollow cylinder or tube used to conduct
a liquid, gas, or finely divided solid.
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Pail and Basin a watertight cylindrical vessel,
open at the top and fitted with a handle; a
bucket
Disinfectant an agent, such as heat, radiation,
or a chemical, that destroys, neutralizes, or
inhibits the growth of disease-carrying
microorganisms
Detergent a cleansing substance that acts
similarly to soap but is made from chemical
compounds rather than fats and lye.
Bleaching Agent an agent that makes things
white or colorless.
Water Hose hosepipe or simply hose is a
flexible tube used to convey water
Drum a material use in storing water
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ENVIRONMENT
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Electric fans it is used to cool down a
particular place
Lighting Equipment is used to provide light in
the poultry house.
Feeders is used for the uniform, continuous
feeding and conveyance of pourable bulk
materials and fine powders
Waterers are used to provide water to the birds
Knapsack Sprayer a spraying apparatus
consisting of a knapsack tank together with
pressurizing device, line, and sprayer nozzle,
used chiefly in fire control and in spraying
fungicides or insecticides
Power Sprayer is a high-pressure mechanical
sprayer used to remove loose paint, mold,
grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and
objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete
surface
Electric Generator is a device that converts
mechanical energy to electrical energy for use in
an external circuit
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ENVIRONMENT
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Self-Check 2.1- 2
1.___________is used for the uniform, continuous feeding and conveyance of pourable
bulk materials and fine powders.
a. waterers b. feeders c. feed bin d. feed cart
2. Is a high-pressure mechanical sprayer used to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust,
mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete
surfaces.
a. knapsack sprayer b. sprayer c. power sprayer d. all of the above
3. An agent, such as heat, radiation, or a chemical, that destroys, neutralizes, or inhibits
the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms.
a. disinfectant b. detergent c. bleaching agent d. all of the above
4. A short-handled pan or scoop into which dust is swept.
a. dust pan b. broom c. broom stick d. scrub
5. A tool with a sharp-edged, typically rectangular, metal blade and a long handle, used
for digging or cutting earth, sand, turf, etc.
a. Shovel b. spade c. crow bar d. sponge
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ENVIRONMENT
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Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.1-2
1. b
2. c
3. a
4. a
5. b
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ENVIRONMENT
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LEARNING OUTCOME #2
MAINTAIN POULTRY HOUSE AND FACILITIES
CONTENTS:
 Minor repairs and maintenance in the poultry house.
 Major malfunctions and irregular conditions in the poultry house .
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the poultry house.
1. Poultry housing and facilities are cleaned and disinfected in regular basis.
2. Minor repairs and maintenance are done as per instruction of the authority and per
work requirements.
3. Major malfunctions and irregular conditions in the poultry house and facilities are
reported immediately.
4. Wearing of personal protective equipment(PPE) is practiced prior to succeeding is
practiced following OSHS procedures.
. Safety measures are practiced according to Occupational Safety and Health
Standards(OSHS).
CONDITIONS: The student/trainee must be provided with the following:
 Visual aids
 Materials and tools needed
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Written Test
 Demonstration with question
 Oral Evaluation
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ENVIRONMENT
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Learning Outcome 2
Maintain poultry house and facilities
“Minor repairs and maintenance
in the poultry house”
qualification.
evaluation tool.
Maintain farm area.
“Major malfunctions and
irregular conditions in the
poultry house.”
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ENVIRONMENT
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Minor Repair and Maintenance
After reading this information sheet, you must be able to determine the different
minor repairs and maintenance in the poultry house.
Minor Repair
Roof Repair Pipe Repair Floor Slat Repair
Curtain fixing Net repair Feeder Repair
Net repair
Waterer Repair
Maintenance
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All personnel and visitors entering an establishment should follow a biosecurity
procedure. The preferred procedure is for visitors and personnel to shower and change
into clean clothes and footwear provided by the establishment. Where this is not
practical, clean outer garments (coveralls or overalls, hats and footwear) should be
provided. Before entering and after leaving a poultry house, personnel and visitors
should wash their hands with soap and water and use a properly maintained
disinfectant footbath. The disinfectant solution in the footbath should be changed on a
regular basis to ensure its efficacy, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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ENVIRONMENT
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Cleaning and Disinfecting
 Kills germs that cause diseases.
 Visitors, growers, and employees must wash hands before entering and
leaving the farm. Acceptable methods include waterless gels, disinfecting
hand wipes, or soap and water.
 Clean work clothes should be worn to prevent the spread of disease.
 Proper clothing requirements for visits to a commercial poultry operation
are disposable coveralls, hairnet, gloves, and plastic boots. The disposable
clothing should be disposed of on the farm before the individual leaves the
premises.
 Hands should be disinfected before leaving the dressing area and before
entering each house.
 Growers and their workers, living on the farm premises, should have
designated clothing to be worn while on the poultry farm. If a person leaves
the premises they should change clothes, including footwear, before leaving.
 If a grower has employees who live off the farm premises, these employees
should shower, prior to entering the farm, and wear clothing designated,
including footwear, for farm use only. Special care should be taken to
ensure contamination (disease) is not brought to the farm from outside the
farm premises.
 Hands should be disinfected before leaving the dressing area and before
 Boots should be dipped in the footbath between each house.
 All equipment used inside the poultry houses should be cleaned and
disinfected prior to entering and after exiting the houses. This includes
equipment used for clean out and new flock set up.
 Equipment should not be shared between farms, unless thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected.
1. Boots should be dipped in the footbath between each house.
2. All personnel and visitors entering an establishment are exempted to
follow a biosecurity procedure.
3. The disinfectant solution in the footbath should be changed on a weekly
basis to ensure its efficacy, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Hands should be disinfected before leaving the dressing area and before
5. Equipment should not be shared between farms, unless thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected.

Chicken) NC II
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ENVIRONMENT
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Major Malfunctions and Irregular Conditions
After reading this information sheet, you must be able to determine the different
minor repairs and maintenance in the poultry house.
Electrical Problem
Preventing Common Electrical Problem
Poultry houses and the equipment in them have evolved through the years, but in too
many cases the electrical systems have not kept up with the technology upgrades that
have been made to the rest of the house. Many farmers are living with a false sense of
security and think that just because the power is on and the equipment runs in their
houses that their electrical system is in good condition. The reality is that there are
many houses operating with electrical systems that are close to causing a catastrophic
failure. Learning about the importance of a properly sized, installed and maintained
electrical system will help prevent system failures. A tripping breaker or hot power
panel, indicates something is wrong and must be repaired. In an environmentally
controlled house, regular electrical maintenance has to be part of the production
program. Quality power starts with planning the electrical service. However, a large
number of houses built and wired some years ago and not maintained are extremely
vulnerable to a system failure, which can lead to a significant loss of birds. These areas
are wires, wire connections, panel boards and breakers.
Wires
Main feeder wires are the electrical conductors that deliver electricity to our houses.
When these wires are overloaded they begin to heat up and exceed the temperature
rating of the insulation that protects them. Repeated overheating of the insulation
causes it to become brittle and break apart and the conductor will short circuit if it
comes in contact with the metal enclosure or another conductor. Another problem with
electrical feeder wires is that they were often directly buried in the ground and not
installed in protective conduit. Heavy truck traffic over driveways will often cause
shifting of the surrounding fill dirt. Over time the insulation is damaged and the
conductor fails. Buried feeder wires should be installed in protective conduit to
eliminate such problems. There is no quick fix for failure of a feeder wire to a turkey
house. Excavation has to take place and new materials need to be assembled and
installed. Also, special attention should be taken when retrofitting older houses with new
tunnel fans and equipment. Sometimes the older 100 amp rated feeder wires are used to
feed 200 amp panels that supply the more powerful equipment, see Photo 2. The old
conductors are not rated to handle the new load but will work or get by for a while. The
correct action is to replace the wires serving the panel. This is an expensive fix and is
often not done. Have a qualified electrician size and install new feeder wires and use
copper if at all possible.
Electrical Connections
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ENVIRONMENT
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Over time the resistance of this connection increased, the junction began to heat up,
and the two conductors burned apart. This could have been aggravated by moisture
causing corrosion of the
aluminum, or by unequal expansion and contraction of the metals. Whatever the specific
cause, the split bolt connector splice failed. Since the failure was down stream of the
generator, power to the turkey house being served by that set of conductors was lost. As
stated previously, there is no fast fix for a failed feeder to a turkey house. Split bolt
connectors have been commonly used in retro-fitting electrical systems to join old buried
conductors to new panels. They are often protected by electrical tape and might even be
buried or hidden in a piece of electrical conduit. This makes them difficult to inspect.
Most likely sooner or later these connections will cause trouble. If you have them in
your wiring system, you need to plan to replace them. Photo 4 shows how electrical
connections should be connected in a protective junction box where the wires can be
fastened by an electrical lug kit that can be torqued to meet the manufacture’s
recommendations using a torque wrench. These connections are far more reliable and
can be easily inspected and maintained. The lug kit assures a good metal to metal
contact with minimal electrical resistance. Heating of connections made in this manner
should not be a problem.
Problems
Panel Boards
Many houses built 10 – 15 years ago were wired with 100 amp or less rated electrical
panels. Ventilation was natural and electrical loads were much smaller than those
installed in today’s houses. Most panels installed were lighter duty ones – that is, not
designed for continuous loads at or near their rated maximums. These non-commercial
type panels are acceptable for residential use, but when placed in a poultry house with
8-12 fan motors and other motors running, they will most likely not hold up well over
time. Circuit breakers that snap into aluminum bus bars often do not make good
connections. Over time these connections degrade and develop resistance to current
flow, causing heat build-up in the breaker sand panels. The panel board should be
replaced with a commercial grade model properly sized for the connected loads.
Main Breakers
Most molded case circuit breakers are designed to operate at a maximum temperature of
104°F (40°C). If the breaker is in a panel or enclosure that is hotter than the maximum
temperature the breaker is likely to trip prematurely, even if there is no electrical current
overload. The cause of overheating may be a defective breaker or problems with wiring or
connections. Many growers remove panel covers or even blow fans on breakers to keep
them cool.
Ventilation Problem
The ventilation system is one of the most important, yet least understood components in
a livestock or poultry barn. Its main functions are to remove respired moisture, excess
heat, gases, odors and dust while maintaining a comfortable, draft-free environment.
This environment should provide comfort for the animals - not just for the operator. The
behavior and productivity of animals are the best clues to ventilation performance; if
they are comfortable, they will look and act comfortable. For example, huddling and
panting are common animal reactions to temperature extremes (too cold or too hot
respectively).
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ENVIRONMENT
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Ventilation is not a simple, exact science. Obviously, problem identification and
problem solving became easier with time and experience. If you have difficulty in
solving a problem, contact someone with ventilation expertise. First try the
equipment supplier, who should be able to correct any equipment malfunctions.
Often the equipment is installed and/or wired incorrectly; contact your building
contractor and/or electrician for these types of problems. Agricultural extension
engineers and power company personnel can also help. One must also appreciate
that ventilation problems tend to be interrelated - one problem often causes
another. For example, consider the situation where a cross flow air inlet is open
too wide. The main problem will be poor air distribution within the barn, but
several other related problems will develop. Colder incoming air will fall to the
floor very quickly, creating drafts. Temperatures may not be uniform throughout
the barn and the air will become damp because the respired moisture is not being
adequately mixed and exhausted through the fans. By reducing the size of the air
inlet, the incoming air is jetted into the barn, creating better mixing and a good
air circulation pattern. Not only has the air distribution problem been solved, but
there is no longer a floor draft or uneven temperatures and more water vapor is
being carried to the exhaust fan by the better mixed air. Sometimes such
interrelationships can make the analysis of ventilation problems more difficult.
Often you must make several changes to completely solve a problem.
Lighting System Problem
Well-designed artificial lighting systems allow workers to perform tasks easily, efficiently
and safely. This is also true for related agri-industry processing plants often located in
rural areas close to producers. Great emphasis placed on consumer protection and
satisfaction brings strict sanitary practices in food processing facilities. Proper
illumination helps achieve these objectives.
Lighting systems must provide proper quantity, quality and color of light. Worker
comfort and safety is important, but light is also needed for production efficiency and for
poultry protection, whether birds are housed or reared on the range.
Good lighting for farm or industry must be planned with the following factors evaluated:
 Lighting levels desired to perform specific tasks.
 Factors affecting light quality.
 Room characteristics and reflectivity factors.
 Type of lamps and luminaries used.
 Illumination level and lamp output relationships.
 Room height and lamp spacing relationships.
 Types of supplementary lights for specific jobs.
 Care and maintenance of the system once it is installed.
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ENVIRONMENT
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The tasks that workers and poultry specialists perform require different levels of
illumination, some low and some extremely high. Recent studies by a joint Farm
Lighting Committee (members of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers,
and the Illuminating Engineering Society) provide new guidelines for designing good
lighting systems.
Specific levels of illumination in Table 1 relate to worker productivity, not to bird
growth or egg production. A lighting system should provide the recommended foot-
candle level at any time during the life of the lamps, even after the lighting system
has depreciated or has collected dust and dirt.
Good quality light prevents glare. Glare is controlled by shading windows, shielding
lamps and by painting interior surfaces with a flat, non-glossy paint for a "matte"
finish.
When practical, improve light quality and obtain more useful light by painting
ceilings, walls, floors, and equipment with a white or light color. Ceilings should
reflect 80 percent of the light striking them; walls, 40 to 60 percent; and floors at
least 20 percent. As a guideline, the reflective value of white cement is about 50
percent. Color reflectance charts are available from most paint dealers.
Great differences in brightness between a lighted task area and the remainder of the
room can be annoying and often uncomfortable. Therefore, it is desirable to have a
brightness ratio between light and dark areas of 2 to 1 for difficult seeing jobs; a
ratio of 5 to 1 for less critical tasks.
Generator Malfunctions
Generators and transfer switches have become an important part of our life. In
order for this equipment to perform as expected, it must be maintained. There
should be an expert quality preventive maintenance services on all types of
generator systems.
Unexpected malfunctions with your emergency power system can be life
threatening and/or costly.
Possible malfunctions of the generator,
their reason and ways of elimination
Cause of defect Way of elimination
The control lamp does not light up at ignition inclusion.
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Control devices do not work
Has fused safety lock F19 in the assembly block Replace a safety lock
Breakage in a feed circuit of a combination of devices: Do the following:
- Pressure from the assembly block to a combination of devices
does not move;
- Check up a wire "About" and its
connections from the assembly
block to a combination of
devices;
- Pressure from the ignition switch to the assembly block does
not move
- Check up a wire «ГП» and its
connections from the switch of
ignition to the assembly block
Does not work the ignition switch
Check up, replace
Faulty contact part
The ignition switch
The control lamp does not light up at inclusion of ignition and does not burn at engine
work. Control devices work. The storage battery is discharged
The control lamp has fused or is insufficiently dense contacts of
a cartridge of a lamp
Nestle on the printed-circuit board
Replace fused control lamp, turn
in contacts of a cartridge of a
lamp or replace it
Breakage in a chain between a combination of devices and
generator tip "D"
Check up "KB" a wire
And its connections from the
generator
To a combination of devices
Deterioration or lag of brushes, oxidation of contact rings
Replace with brushes, wipe rings
a napkin moistened in gasoline
The pressure regulator (breakage between a conclusion «DF»
and "weight") is damaged
Replace a pressure regulator
The wire was disconnected from a conclusion Attach a wire
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Short circuit in positive gates Replace the block
conclusions of a winding of excitation from contact rings
Solder conclusions or replace a
generator rotor
The control lamp brightly burns or is shone dimly
At engine work. The storage battery is discharged
a belt of a drive of the generator Adjust a belt tension
The pressure regulator is damaged Replace a pressure regulator
Gates the block are damaged Replace the block
Diodes of a food of a winding of excitation are damaged Replace diodes or the block
conclusions of a winding of excitation from contact rings
Solder conclusions or replace a
generator rotor
Breakage or short circuit in a winding, its short circuit on
"weight"
Replace the generator
The control lamp is shone at engine work.
The storage battery is recharged
The pressure regulator (short circuit between a conclusion «DF»
and "weight") is damaged
Replace a pressure regulator
Raised the generator
Generator bearings are damaged
Replace the back bearing or a
forward cover with the bearing
short circuit
Or short circuit on "weight" of a winding (howl the generator)
Replace
Short circuit in one of generator gates Replace the block
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Sludge Flushing
Sludge treatment, reuse and disposal
Sludge is produced from the treatment of wastewater in on-site (e.g. septic tank) and off-
site (e.g. activated sludge) systems. This is inherently so because a primary aim of
wastewater treatment is removing solids from the wastewater. In addition, soluble
organic substances are converted to bacterial cells, and the latter is removed from the
wastewater. Sludge is also produced from the treatment of storm water (Section 4.3),
although it is likely to be less organic in nature compared to wastewater sludge.
Bucket latrine and vault latrines store faecal sludge, which needs to be collected and
treated. These two types of latrine are not discussed in Section 4, because no treatment
is involved at the latrines. In the former case human excreta is deposited in a bucket
and the content of the bucket is emptied daily, usually at night giving the term ‘night
soilEto the faecal sludge. In the latter the excreta is stored in a vault for a longer period
of up to two weeks before removal. The content of the vault should preferably be
removed mechanically.
The characteristics of sludge vary widely from relatively fresh faecal materials generated
in bucket latrines to sludge which has undergone bacterial decomposition for over a year
in a double pit latrine. The treatment required is therefore dependent on the
characteristics of the sludge. The former may contain large numbers of pathogens,
whereas the latter will contain much less due to pathogen die-off. Sludge should,
however, always be handled with care to avoid contact with pathogens. Sludge may be
contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, especially when industrial wastes
are disposed into the sewer. Pre-treatment of industrial wastes is therefore essential
before discharge to the sewer. Treatment of sludge contaminated with high
concentrations of heavy metals or toxic chemicals will be more difficult and the potential
for re-use of the sludge will be limited.
Faecal sludge contains essential nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and is potentially
beneficial as fertilizers for plants. The organic carbon in the sludge, once stabilized, is
also desirable as a soil conditioner, because it provides improved soil structure for plant
roots.
Options for sludge treatment include stabilization, thickening, dewatering, drying and
incineration. The latter is most costly, because fuel is needed and air pollution control
requires extensive treatment of the combustion gases. It can be used when the sludge is
heavily contaminated with heavy metals or other undesirable pollutants. Prevention of
contamination of the sludge by industrial wastes is preferable to incineration. A
conversion process to produce oil from sludge has been developed, which can be suitable
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for heavily contaminated sludge (Skrypsi-Mantele, et al 2000). The costs of treatment of
sludge are generally of the same order as the costs of removing the sludge from the
wastewater.
Stabilization
Faecal sludge collected from bucket or vault latrines has a very high biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) and is generally putrid and odorous. Primary and secondary sludge from
an activated sludge treatment plant also have a high BOD and may be difficult to
dewater. Even sludge from a septic tank, which has undergone bacterial decomposition
over at least a year, still has a high BOD. Stabilization is the term used to denote the
process of BOD reduction. The stabilization process can be carried out under aerobic or
anaerobic conditions.
Aerobic stabilization of primary and secondary sludge can be carried out in an aeration
tank in the same manner as in an activated sludge process. Because of the high oxygen
requirement, this process is energy intensive and costs are high. Aerobic stabilization
requires less energy when carried out as part of a composting process. For composting of
sludge, its solids content should be increased to at least 15 % so that it can be handled
as a solid. Thickening and dewatering (see below) of primary and secondary sludge are
required to achieve the required solids content. Faecal sludge may contain high enough
solids. Mixing with dry materials such as dry sawdust may assist with achieving the
required solids content as well attaining the required carbon to nitrogen ratio for
composting.
Composting
Composting is an aerobic bacterial decomposition process to stabilize organic wastes
and produce humus (compost). Compost contains nutrients and organic carbon which
are excellent soil conditioners. Composting takes place naturally on a forest floor where
organic materials (leaf litter, animal wastes) are converted to more stable organic
materials (humus) and the nutrients are released and made available for plant uptake.
The process is slow on a forest floor, but can be accelerated under optimum conditions.
The optimum conditions for composting are a moisture content of about 50 %, a carbon
to nitrogen ratio of about 25 to 30, and temperature of 55 oC. Because wastewater
sludge is rich in nutrients, its carbon to nitrogen ratio is low (5 to 10). It is also high in
moisture. Addition of dry sawdust, which is very high in carbon to nitrogen ratio (500)
can adjust both the moisture and carbon to nitrogen ratio. Other waste materials that
can be used for this purpose are mulched garden wastes, forest wastes and shredded
newspaper.
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Composting can be carried out in a specially built composter, such as an inclined
rotating cylinder, fed on one end with the raw materials, and the aerated product
collected at the other end. As the materials are slowly tumbled over a period of about one
week, they are mixed and aerated. Because bacterial decomposition produces heat,
temperatures in the insulated composter can easily reach 55oC. The immature compost
is then windrowed for at least 12 weeks to allow the composting process to complete,
with occasional turning of the windrow.
Composting can be more simply carried out in windrows (Figure 32). Regular turning of
the windrows assists with mixing of the materials and more importantly supply the
oxygen to the bacteria. Temperatures can reach 55 oC, because compost has a good heat
insulating property. Turning of the compost also ensures that all parts of the windrow
reach the required 55oC essential for pathogen destruction. Turning is required every
two to three days in the first two weeks when temperature is 55oC or above. After this
period frequent turning of the compost windrow is not required as less heat is generated
and less oxygen is required while the compost undergoes maturation.
Anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic digestion is a bacterial
decomposition process that stabilizes
organic wastes and produces a mixture
of methane and carbon dioxide gas
(biogas). The heat value of methane is
the same as natural petroleum gas,
and biogas is valuable as an energy
source. Anaerobic digestion is usually
carried out in a specially built digester,
where the content is mixed and the
digester maintained at 35 C by
combusting the biogas produced. After digestion the sludge is passed to a sedimentation
tank where the sludge is thickened. Biogas is collected from the digester (Figure 33). The
thickened sludge requires further treatment prior to reuse or disposal.
Anaerobic digestion can also be carried out at a slower rate in an unmixed tank or
pond. Covering is usually by a UV resistant plastic sheet, because of the large area
needed to be covered, and biogas is collected from the top of the sheet. Storage of biogas
can be in a cylindrical tank with a floating roof. The cylindrical roof floats on water and
its position is determined by the volume of the gas stored under the pressure of the
roof. Biogas can also be stored in a balloon, but only under low pressure
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1. The ventilation system is one of the most important, yet least understood components
in a livestock or poultry barn.
2. Anaerobic digestion is a bacterial decomposition process that stabilizes organic wastes
and produces a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide gas (biogas).
3. Sludge is produced from the treatment of wastewater in on-site (e.g. septic tank) and
off-site (e.g. activated sludge) systems.
4. Electrical systems must provide proper quantity, quality and color of light.
5. Main feeder wires are the electrical conductors that deliver electricity to our houses.
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Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.2-2
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
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Personal Protective Equipment
After reading this information sheet, the trainee must be able to know the use of
different personal protective equipment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or
other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or
infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical,
heat, chemicals, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter. Protective equipment may
be worn for job-related occupational safety and health purposes, as well as for sports
and other recreational activities. "Protective clothing" is applied to traditional categories
of clothing, and "protective gear" applies to items such as pads, guards, shields, or
masks, and others.
The purpose of personal protective equipment is to reduce employee exposure to hazards
when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective to reduce these
risks to acceptable levels. PPE is needed when there are hazards present. PPE has the
serious limitation that it does not eliminate the hazard at source and may result in
employees being exposed to the hazard if the equipment fails.
Any item of PPE imposes a barrier between the wearer/user and the working
environment. This can create additional strains on the wearer; impair their ability to
carry out their work and create significant levels of discomfort. Any of these can
discourage wearers from using PPE correctly, therefore placing them at risk of injury, ill-
health or, under extreme circumstances, death. Good ergonomic design can help to
minimize these barriers and can therefore help to ensure safe and healthy working
conditions through the correct use of PPE.
Practices of occupational safety and health can use hazard controls and interventions to
mitigate workplace hazards, which pose a threat to the safety and quality of life of
workers. The hierarchy of hazard control hierarchy of control provides a policy
framework which ranks the types of hazard controls in terms of absolute risk reduction.
At the top of the hierarchy are elimination and substitution, which remove the hazard
entirely or replace the hazard with a safer alternative. If elimination or substitution
measures cannot apply, engineering controls and administrative controls, which seek to
design safer mechanisms and coach safer human behavior, are implemented. Personal
protective equipment ranks last on the hierarchy of controls, as the workers are
regularly exposed to the hazard, with a barrier of protection. The hierarchy of controls is
important in acknowledging that, while personal protective equipment has tremendous
utility, it is not the desired mechanism of control in terms of worker safety.
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Masks Protect your lungs when working in chicken coops from harmful dust, feathers
and ammonia with the proper mask or respirator.
Gloves Keep hands clean, dry and safe from harmful chemicals, bird scratches and
abrasions while in chicken houses with our economical chicken coop disposable
and work gloves.
Rubber boots It keep your feet dry, comfortable and protected no matter how sloppy the
job site gets.
Hard Hats Hard hats are required when working in areas where there is a potential for
injury to the head from falling objects. In addition, hard hats designed to reduce
electrical shock are required when working near exposed electrical conductors that may
contact the head.
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Self-Check 2.2- 3
1. It refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment
designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
a. PPC b. Cover all c. PPE d. EPP
2. It keeps your feet dry, comfortable and protected no matter how sloppy the
job site gets.
a. masks b. rubber boots c. gloves d. hats
3. Keep hands clean, dry and safe from harmful chemicals, bird scratches and
abrasions while in chicken houses with our economical chicken coop disposable
and work gloves.
4. Protect your lungs when working in chicken coops from harmful dust, feathers
and ammonia with the proper mask or respirator.
5._______________are required when working in areas where there is a potential for injury
to the head from falling objects.
a. masks b. rubber boots c. gloves d. hard hats
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Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.2-
1. c
2. b
3. c
4. a
5. d
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LEARNING OUTCOME #3
MAINTAIN FARM AREA
CONTENTS:
 Maintenance of farm area and vicinities.
 Vermin and insects control in the farm.
1. Maintenance of farm area and vicinities are done according to production
management and enterprise procedures.
2. Vermin and insects control is performed according to Fertilizer and Pesticides
Authority guidelines and DENR regulations.
3. Maintenance of farm vegetation are conducted to avoid common vermins and insects
proliferation.
 sprayer
 heater
 materials needed
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Written examination
 Oral evaluation
 Demonstration with questions
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Learning Outcome 3
Maintain farm area
“Maintenance of farm area and
vicinities ”
qualification.
evaluation tool.
Perform completion activities.
“Vermin and insects control in
the farm”
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Maintenance of Farm Area and Vicinities
After reading this information sheet, the trainee must be able to know the
maintenance of farm area and vicinities.
Waste Disposal
The method of disposal of poultry wastes plays major role in controlling and eradication
of diseases. Improper approach and carelessness of this important aspect of production
process in poultry, can lead to constant emergence of disease ailments on poultry farms.
This results in heavy losses in the forms of mortality and reduced productive
performance. Therefore, timely disposal of wastes with efficient method is an important
poultry waste management tool for raising healthy and profitable poultry.
Types of Poultry Waste
The various poultry waste produced in production process of poultry are as under:
(1) Dead birds
(2) Droppings or manure
(3) Dressing waste
(4) Hatchery waste.
Disposal of Dead Birds
Disposal of dead birds is often neglected for want of time, fuel and labor in poultry
farms. It is observed that in many instances, dead birds are just thrown away in open
outside the farm on fallow land or at the corner of premises. Further bad part of it is
that this is mostly practiced during critical periods of outbreaks, due to more number of
dead bird posing difficulties for systematic disposal. On the contrary it is necessary to
take extra care for systematic disposal of dead birds to control outbreak by checking
spread of infection.
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Throwing dead birds in open beyond the compound is extremely dangerous for spread of
infection as they are eaten by dogs, cats, wild birds and vultures to carry disease
causing organisms by mechanical route from place to place and recontamination of
premises also. Further there is danger of spread of infection through air also. Therefore,
disposal of dead birds should be preferably done by either of following two ways:
1. They should be deeply hurried in the soil or dumped into deep manure or carcass pit
where their carrion is auto-digested by hot fermentation.
2. They should be fully burnt in incinerator to form ash, which is also a effective
disposal.
Disposal of Droppings or Manure
In modern method of rearing of poultry, droppings are removed from poultry houses
after removal of birds in respective lots from them. This method of disposal of droppings
in the form of manure is possible in case of deep litter and 3-tier reverse (Californian)
cage rearing. But in case of battery cages droppings should be removed every day or
once in two days to avoid filth in house.
Due to storage of droppings for 3, 6 or 12 months till the disposal of batch of birds,
droppings are converted into excellent manure, which can be applied directly to soil or
may be utilized after storage for some period. The site of manure pit should be at corner
of premises, preferably on down wind flow side to avoid recontamination of birds.
Dried poultry waste – Droppings, spilled feed and broken shells and feathers – poultry
feed ingredient – CP : 24-31%, TP: 11-23%, EE:1.62-2.13 fiber 11 to 14.
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Disposal of Poultry Manure
1. Oxidation ditches: Aerobic fermentation of manure
occurs in open ditches. Bacteria decompose organic
matter into simpler substances like C114/NH, sludge
and liquid manure.
The liquid portion has NPK elements and can be
used as fertilizer in field.
Released N1-13 (ammonia) cannot be trapped and
escapes in atmosphere.
The solid sludge contains Vit. B12 and minerals, which can be used in the animals feed
up to 3-10 per cent after proper processing.
2.Lagoons: Shallow covered ponds in which manure is dumped along with liquid waste
and covered are lagoons. Here, anaerobic fermentation decomposes manure and after 2-
3 months enriched manure can be obtained. But this can lead to seepage problem in
near by drinking water sources and contamination. It should be away from human
habitation and wells.
3.Solid disposal: The solid manure is handled as it is, in the form of
Heap
The stacked heap on compression generates heat inside and kill microbes making the
material sterile, which can be used as fertilizer.
Spread
Manure is scattered on ground in thin layer which dries fast and can be applied to soil.
Dig in pits with compression.
Keeping poultry healthy and preventing endemic infections
Poultry can be affected by a variety of diseases and parasites, some of which are endemic
to certain types of bird. You will need to introduce and maintain a strict hygiene
program to keep diseases out of poultry. As well as carrying out stringent hygiene and
biosecurity measures, you will need to carry out vaccination or medication strategies to
prevent and/or control certain endemic diseases.
The two most serious diseases that you must keep out of poultry flocks are Newcastle
disease and avian influenza (bird flu). Other poultry diseases include chronic respiratory
disease, fowl cholera, Salmonella, Campylobacter and internal parasites. Salmonella and
Campylobacter, while highly contagious in poultry, are not necessarily life-threatening
for fowl. These diseases can however cause serious illness in humans if they get into the
food chain.
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Daily inspection of poultry by trained staff, in good lighting conditions, and
independently of any automatic surveillance equipment, is the best method to prevent
serious outbreaks of disease. Inspections will enable you to detect early signs of disease
simply by noting changes in the behavior and condition of individual hens.
The early signs of ill health may include changes in food and water intake, in preening,
in ‘chatter’ and in activity. There may also be a drop in egg production and changes in
egg quality such as shell defects.
In addition to your own daily, or more frequent, inspections and those of your own
veterinarian, membership in the Poultry Health Scheme requires that a mandatory
annual inspection and ad hoc inspections be carried out by Animal Health and
Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) inspectors.
For more information on maintaining good poultry health year-round, see the guide
on poultry welfare on the farm and to ensure that poultry reaches market in the best
condition, see the guide on poultry welfare off the farm.
Weeding
Weed control is the botanical component of pest control, which attempts to stop weeds,
especially noxious or injurious weeds, from competing with domesticated plants and
livestock. Many strategies have been developed in order to contain these plants.
The original strategy was manual removal including ploughing, which can cut the roots
of weeds. More recent approaches include herbicides (chemical weed killers) and
reducing stocks by burning and/or pulverizing seeds.
A plant is often termed a "weed" when it has one or more of the following characteristics:
 Little or no value (as in medicinal, material, nutritional or energy)
 Rapid growth and/or ease of germination
 Competitive with crops for space, light, water and nutrients
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Self-Check 2.3-1
1. The botanical component of pest control, which attempts to stop weeds, especially
noxious or injurious weeds, from competing with domesticated plants and livestock.
a. biological control b. weed control c. natural control d. physical control
2. It is a form of solid disposal were manure is scattered on ground in thin layer which
dries fast and can be applied to soil.
a. heap b. spread c. intact d. flat
3. It is a form of solid disposal were the stacked heap on compression generates heat
inside and kill microbes making the material sterile, which can be used as fertilizer.
a. heap b. spread c. intact d. flat
4. One of the most serious diseases that you must keep out of poultry flocks. are
Newcastle disease and avian influenza (bird flu)
a. bird flu b. salmonella c. fowl cholera d. internal parasites
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Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.3-2
1. b
2. b
3. a
4. a
5. d
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Vermin and Insects Control
After reading this information sheet, the trainee must be able to identify the
different vermin and insect control.
Monitor lizard rat snske
Vermin is a catch-all term that can be used for any small animals or insects that we
think of as pests. The cockroaches you found in your bathroom were the grossest vermin
you'd ever seen.
The word vermin originally came from the Anglo-French word of the same spelling,
meaning "noxious animals" — definitely a negative term. Rats, mice, cockroaches, along
with pests to farmers and the animals they raise, like coyotes and weasels, are vermin.
Mosquitoes flies cockroach ants
Insects (from Latin insectum, a calque of Greek ἔντομον [éntomon], "cut into sections")
are a class of invertebrates within the arthropod phylum that have a chitinous
exoskeleton, a three-part body (head, thorax and abdomen), three pairs of jointed legs,
compound eyes and one pair of antennae. They are among the most diverse groups of
animals on the planet, including more than a million described species and representing
more than half of all known living organisms. The number of extant species is estimated
at between six and ten million and potentially represent over 90% of the differing animal
life forms on Earth. Insects may be found in nearly all environments, although only a
small number of species reside in the oceans, a habitat dominated by another arthropod
group, crustaceans.
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Guide to Vermin Control on the Farm
UK studies indicate that rat populations on most farms carry organisms that are a risk
to both human and animal health. These can include:
 Bacteria. Leptospirosis icterhaemorrhagiae is carried in rat urine. It causes Weils
disease in humans which is potentially fatal.
 Protozoa: This include organisms such as Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidia, which
can affect humans and animals.
 Viruses: These viral agents could potentially affect humans. Rats are not a
primary source of Foot and Mouth disease but they could spread it during an
outbreak.
 Other: Fleas, lice, tapeworms and tapeworms carried by rats are potentially
transmissible to animals and humans.
Personal Safety
Weils disease is readily transmissible to humans coming in contact with rat urine. Feed
stores are likely to attract vermin. Take care when handling feed or cleaning stores or
when working in any area likely to be contaminated by rats' urine.
 Gloves are essential if handling vermin contaminated materials or surfaces
 Cover cuts or broken skin with waterproof dressings/plaster
 Wash after working in high risk situations. Always wash your hands before you
eat (or smoke).
 Don't chew grain from your grain store. Never chew maize grain from the cob or in
the silage pit.
 Make sure hired staff/contractors and family members are aware of risks if
working in known rat infested/contaminated areas.
 Make sure that children do not play in known high risk areas. Emphasize good
hygiene practice before eating.
Vermin Control Procedures
Survey Vermin Activity
 watch of signs of rodent activity and droppings
 identify runs, burrows, holes.
Identify Weaknesses
 easy vermin access to leftover food and domestic refuse
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 easy access to animal feed /grain stores/root crops
 presence of 'tasty feeds' like maize silage
 lots of clutter (older equipment, rubbish heaps etc.) and cover around the yard
 open drains, lack of gulley/drain covers
Vermin Control Options
Rodenticides are a major help but they are not the total solution. Vermin control should
start with:
 clearing rubbish etc. Store domestic refuse in suitable containers.
 repair buildings and drains.
 Minimize access to feed stores
Options for control include:
 Traps: Only use approved types of trap. Traps are unlikely to control heavy
infestations of rodents particularly rats. Place along vermin runs. Traps should
not be readily accessible to small animals or birds. Check traps daily and
remove dead rodents promptly
 Ulstra sound repellents: Rodents communicate at ultrasonic frequencies (over
20Khz - kilohertz) that are inaudible to humans. Ultrasonic repellents emit sound
frequencies designed to repel rodents. However there is some doubt about their
overall effectiveness.
 Pets:Cats and certain types of dogs can be useful vermin hunters. Remember that
both cats and dogs can potentially transmit disease (e.g Toxoplasma abortion in
sheep - cats, Neospora abortion in cattle - dogs) if they soil animal feed.
 Rodenticides: See below.
Rodenticides
Most rodenticides (rat poison) are based on anticoagulants which stop blood clotting
leading to internal bleeding and death. Anticoagulants are divided into first generation
and second generation. Significant rodent resistance has developed to many of the first
generation products such as Warfarin. Resistance has not yet developed to many of the
second generation products. Seek advice from suppliers or professional pest control
services if in doubt about what products to use.
Guide to Bait Control
 Double perimeter baiting (two rings of bait points around the farmyard) can
intercept invading rodents. Perimeter baiting is useful for long term
control/prevention. If heavy infestation has already occurred more targeted baiting
around the yard maybe necessary.
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 Baiting is only effective if you reduce/remove rodent access to alternative food.
 Place bait in places you are likely to find vermin (burrows, rubbish heaps, old
building and discarded machinery.
 Do not place bait where it is easily accessible to children, pets andwildlife or farm
animals. (Pigs can be very susceptible to anticoagulants such as Warfarin)
 Remove poisoned rodents promptly - they may cause secondary poisoning to other
animals such as cats and dogs.
 Follow manufacturer instructions on bait preparation and dosage. This is crucial,
otherwise rodent resistance may increase. Only use approved rodenticides.
 Inspect bait points daily and top up as necessary.
 Keep and display sketch of where you have placed bait points. Keep an inspection
log. This may be required for some farm assurance schemes.
 Take necessary precautions when handling/preparing bait e.g. protective clothing,
gloves. Keep bait in the original (or a clearly labelled) container and store safely
from children and other risks.
PEST MANAGEMENT ON POULTRY FARMS
Poultry pest management is a broad topic covering everything from A to Z
and we would be hard pressed to provide an in-depth treatise on the subject in
this space. Instead, we will cover the main points as we see it and provide you with
some proven management techniques.
WHAT ARE THE POULTRY PESTS?
What is a pest? It is an unwanted organism in your environment. It may be
unwanted because it spreads disease, reduces productivity of the birds, wastes
feed, destroys the building, is a nuisance to neighbors or any number of other
reasons. The major pests associated with poultry facilities are beetles, flies, lice,
mites, wild birds and rodents.
Let us first identify the common insect pests. Under the heading
Ectoparasites there are: The fowl mites which include northern fowl mite, chicken
(red) mites, scalyleg mite and depluming mite. The chicken lice include chicken
body louse, chicken head louse, chicken feather louse and turkey lice. We also
have bed bugs, chiggers, sticktight flea, and fowl tick to think about.
In confined poultry houses a variety of insects and mites will be found in the
manure and litter which come under the heading of habitat pests. These include
Darkling beetles, Fleas, and of course Flies. There are many types of flies to be
controlled, including House flies, the little house fly, soldier flies, the black
garbage fly, fruit fly, blow flies, flesh flies and the small dung fly.
There are many species of wild birds that become pests, depending upon
where your poultry operation is located. Some of the common bird pests are
sparrows, finches, barn swallows, and waterfowl and pigeons.
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The last major category of pest is the rodent family. These include rats and
mice. Three common species are the Norway rat, Roof rat, and the House mouse.
PEST CONTROL
The goal of pest control is to reduce pests to an acceptable level. Total
eradication is an unrealistic goal for most farms.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was developed to use all available
management tactics or strategies to manage pests so an acceptable level of pest
activity is achieved, economically, with
the least disruption to the environment.
IPM uses Cultural, Biological, Chemical and Mechanical methods to control
pests. A systematic process of decision making must be followed in order to
intelligently and effectively plan and carry out a pest management program. There
are five (5) principle elements of this process: 1) Detection; 2) Identification; 3)
Economic Significance; 4) Control Method Selection; and 5) Evaluation.
DETECTION
It is hard to overemphasize the importance of detecting pest infestations
before they become a problem. Failure to do so will often result in increased cost of
control, less effective or ineffective control measures and significant damage or
loss. Proper detection requires frequent and careful monitoring, a knowledge of the
common pests and an ability to recognize potential problems. The best monitoring
methods rely on sampling devices arranged strategically around the facility. Visual
appraisals are hard to quantify and can be misleading. However, due to the lack of
standardized quantitative methods for all the poultry pests, beneficials and other
environmental factors, visual appraisals must be used for many pest control
decisions. Regular scouting (visual appraisals) to evaluate current pest problems
or to discover new problems should be done daily, weekly or monthly depending
upon the magnitude of the problem.
IDENTIFICATION
An organism should not be automatically classified as a pest until positive
identification is made. Once identified, information about the pests' behavior and
susceptibility to control methods can be obtained. Then an informed decision can
be made on how and when to control the pest. There are several publications
available through cooperative extension on the identification of common poultry
pests. One good example is the publication Poultry Pest Management from the
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
Control of a particular pest should be considered only when it is believed
that economic or social damage (complaining neighbors) will occur. Pests present
in low numbers may have very little effect on yield or quality. Two factors that
affect the economic decision making process are: 1) the economic injury level and,
2) the economic action threshold.
The economic injury level is the level of pest density at which the cost to
control the pest is equal to the losses that the pest causes. We do not want to wait
until the economic injury level is reached before we attempt to control a pest
population, because at this point the damage has been done and you have now
increased the cost of control. To prevent reaching the economic injury level the
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economic action threshold was developed. This is the level or density of a pest
population where control measures are needed to prevent the pest from causing
economic damage and the cost of prevention is less than the cost of potential
damage. This, of course, varies with the pest and your particular enterprise.
METHOD SELECTION
Once a pest problem has been detected, identified and the economic and
social implications understood, the appropriate method or combination of methods
can be selected to achieve
effective, practical, economical and environmentally sound control.
The techniques available for control come under two main categories:
Natural and Applied control methods.
Natural controls are those which check or destroy pests without dependence
on humans. These include naturally occurring predators, parasites and
pathogens; climatic factors (temperature, humidity, sunlight, rain); topographical
features (urbanization, rivers, lakes, hills, woods, etc.). and
Applied control includes Cultural, Biological, Chemical, Mechanical,
Physical and Legal control.
Cultural control is using good routine management practices to remove the
incentive for a pest to choose your poultry facility to make a home for itself. The
basic concepts here are cleanliness and sanitation.
OUTSIDE YOUR BUILDING
Remove all trash, and sources of feed and water for the pests from the
outside perimeter of your building. Keep grass and weeds mowed to two inches or
less, to prevent insect growth and hiding places for rats and mice. Plug all holes in
the building (other than air inlets) larger than 1/4 inch to prevent mice and rats
from entering. Seal all foundation cracks. Check to see that fan louvers are
properly working and close completely when the fan is not running.
INSIDE YOUR BUILDING
Remove feed and water sources for rats and mice by fixing leaking feeders
and manage water systems to prevent leaks. Sweep the walkways in cage layer
facilities to remove spilled feed, and remove all piles of trash or other possible
nesting sites. Basic manure management will prevent many problems. Moisture
management, sanitation and manure removal are the keys to reducing pest
problems in manure. Dry manure reduces the suitability for fly oviposition (egg
laying) and larval development. It also provides a suitable habitat for beneficial
predators and parasites.
Legal Control limits the development of pest populations by restricting
human activities that may lead to pest problems, such as spreading manure,
stockpiling manure, mandating setbacks, etc. This is accomplished by federal,
state and local laws and regulations. These are usually a result of farmers not
paying attention to the complaints from neighbors due to creeping urbanization
and the perception by the public of a pest problem where one might not physically
exist.
With the IPM approach in mind, we will now discuss common pest problems
found in different types of poultry facilities and the IPM approach to control them.
ECTOPARASITES
The major ectoparasites of concern of chickens are: the northern fowl mite,
chicken (red) mites, chicken body louse, bed bug, chiggers, sticktight flea, scalyleg
mite, depluming mite and fowl tick. To monitor ectoparasites, capture at least 20
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birds at random and examine the vent areas for northern fowl mites or body louse
infections. Mites will usually be seen as small, dark specks moving rapidly over
the skin. Norther fowl mite egg masses appear as dirty grey areas at the base of
the feathers. Lice are much larger, move more slowly and may be attached to the
feathers. An average of more than one mite or louse per five birds is the economic
threshold and indicates a need for treatment. If bites or lesions are clearly visible
on more than two birds then bed bugs or chicken mites should be suspected.
Examine nest box litter, curtain folds, cracks and crevices randomly throughout
the house for eggs or other signs of pests. Moving specs indicate a problem and
the need for treatment.
Only a few insecticides are available for control of ectoparasites but most of
them are available in liquid, dust or wettable powder formulations. Permethrins
and carbaryl (Sevin) are effective against northern fowl mites, chicken mites,
chicken body lice, bed bugs and fowl ticks. Tetrachlorvinphos (Rabon), RaVap and
nicotine sulfate (used as a surface treatment for slats) can also be used in
controlling northern fowl mites and chicken body lice. Malathion is good for
chiggers, sticktight fleas bed bugs and fowl ticks. Space sprays using DDVP
(Vapona) may be used to control bed bugs. Since fowl mites, chicken body lice and
other ectoparasites feed at or near the skin surface of the birds, it is essential that
the pesticides come into contact with the feathers or skin of the birds. Select only
those pesticides which are registered for use in your state. Do not use restricted-
use pesticides unless you are licensed. Always read and follow pesticide label
instructions. Contact your local extension agent if you have questions concerning
pesticide use.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of your control program is just a continuation
of your monitoring program.
FLY CONTROL
The fly cycle varies depending upon the species of fly and the temperature
under which the pupa and larva develop. The life span of the house fly is 8 to 20
days under average summer conditions. It is therefore to your advantage to
prevent optimum breeding conditions from existing on your farm.
Monitoring of fly populations is easily accomplished with the use of six to
10, 3x5 white index cards placed evenly throughout the facility . As the flies land
on the card, they leave a black spec. As the fly population increases so does the
number of specs. Depending on farm location an average of 20 to 50 specs per
card per week usually indicates you have a fly problem. Inspect and change these
cards once each week. Keeping them numbered and dated in a file is a good way to
keep a record of the fly activity in your facility should legal reasons require you to
substantiate the fly population in your facility. Fly traps may also be used as
effective fly monitoring devices.
CAGE LAYER AND BREEDER FACILITIES
In stacked deck systems flies are generally not a problem when manure is
removed daily. However, if the manure is improperly stockpiled it can attract flies
and become a breeding area. To prevent a fly population from building up
stockpiled manure should be covered and kept dry.
High-rise, deep-pit and slatted floor systems are common throughout the
country and can be a potential source of flies. Manure management is the key to
fly control in these facilities. If dry manure conditions - less than 50% moisture -
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are maintained, manure will form a cone-shaped mound as it accumulates and
only the fresh additions of manure at the peak of the cone will be suitable for fly
breeding. Proper ventilation will help keep the manure dry. Although manure
removal is often used as a fly-control method, the fly life-cycle must be broken for
control efforts to be successful. Removal of manure full of fly larvae only moves the
problem from inside the house to outside the building. Proper manure
management reduces fly buildup and maximizes the development of beneficial
parasite and predator populations. Fresh manure that accumulates within two
days of clean-out is ideal for fly breeding and a severe fly outbreak may occur as
soon as 5 - 6 days after cleaning during the fly season.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Biological control can be an important aspect of fly control in production
systems having prolonged accumulations of manure. A diverse population of fly
predators and parasites should be developed in the manure. Beetle predators in
the families Staphylinidae and Histeridae may be quite abundant in manure. The
most common and abundant are histerids in the genus Carcinops, especially C.
pumilio. These feed on fly eggs and first instar pupae and may consume 13 -24
house fly eggs per day, while the beetle larvae consume 2-3 eggs per day.
Mite predators of fly eggs and first-instar larvae are mostly species of the
families Macrochelidae, Uropodide and Parasitidae. Usually as the manure
accumulates and ages the order of invasion by these mites is Parasitidae,
Marrochelidae and lastly Uropodidae. The macrochelid mites are better known and
are frequently very abundant in poultry manure. Most commonly found are
Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and Glyptholaspis confusa Foa. The mites are
found on the outermost layer of manure, particularly at the peak.
Some hymenopterous parasites of the genera Muscidifurax, Spalangia and
Pachycrepoideus of the family Pteromalidae are also found in poultry facilities.
These parasitic wasps lay their eggs on the fly pupa within the puparium and the
developing parasite larva consume the fly pupa. However, low numbers of these
parasites are normally found and one must rely on the mass release of laboratory-
reared parasites at specified intervals to become an effective control measure.
Laboratory parasites must be released before a fly problem arises and have proper
manure conditions to be effective.
Most producers should concentrate on conserving and building their native
predator and parasite populations by using proper management techniques and
by minimizing the use of insecticides, especially in manure storage areas.
CHEMICAL CONTROL
Chemical controls can be quite effective if used properly. However, improper
timing and indiscriminate insecticide use may result in increased populations and
resistance. Insecticide applications may be classified as adulticides and larvacides
and by method of application such as sprays, baits and feed additives. There are
six families of insecticides for use against flies and external parasites. The key to
the use of insecticides is rotation between families on a regular basis to avoid
resistance. To control adult flies residual surface sprays are usually the most
effective and economical. For best results spray only where flies regularly rest. DO
NOT indiscriminately treat all wall and ceiling surfaces. Check for fly specks on
walls, ceilings, rafters, wires, etc. They indicate where flies rest and areas that
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should be treated. Residual spray materials include permethrin, fenvalerate,
tetrachlorvinphos (Rabon) and Tetrachlorvinphos + dichlorbvos (RaVap).
For quick knockdown of adult flies, fogs, mists and space sprays are
effective. Houses should be sealed during treatment to ensure that the material
effectively fills the house for the short time required to knock down adult flies. In
warm weather, treat at night or early morning when closing houses would cause
undo heat stress on the birds. Pesticides used for knockdown are not residual and
must be used every few days to control fly outbreaks. This can become expensive if
used for extended periods. Pesticides used for this include pyrethrins, dichlorvos,
and naled.
Fly baits can be used to control adult flies when numbers are low and can
be used in conjunction with residual sprays. It is best to place baits in some type
of a container, such as a plastic one-gallon milk jug, with four 3" holes cut into the
sides. An attractant plus bait works well. No less than one bait station per 1,000
square feet should be used. These bait stations may also be used as fly number
monitoring devices. Some of the common baits are tetrachlorvinphos, methomyl
and naled.
The last area of chemical control is larvicides. Most larvicides are broad-
spectrum incsecticides and may kill beneficial insects along with fly larvae, so care
must be take when using these insecticides to preserve the populations of
beneficial insects. For best results spray only areas where large numbers of larvae
are visible, especially in wet or fresh manure. The commonly used larvicides
include tetrachlorvinphos, dimethoate and tetrachlorvinphos + dichlorvos.
Cyromazine (Larvadex) can be administered through the feed or as a liquid
spray (2SL). Cyromazine is not harmful to the beneficial arthropods and parasites
but resistance by the flies may develop when using larvadex continuously, as with
all other insecticides.
MECHANICAL DEVICES
Electrocution devices are also available to kill flies. New technology has
improved the efficiency of these devices and improved designs have made them
more durable and able to withstand the poultry house environment.
Other mechanical devices include traps, sticky tapes and the old stand by -
the fly swatter. These devices are of limited value if used alone when large
infestations occur but baited traps using pheromone (muscamone) attractants are
gaining popularity in areas where other insect control methods are undesirable.
Traps must be placed both inside and outside of the facility to be effective. (See
USDA ARS AIB # 673, How to Control House and Stable Flies Without Using
Pesticides for plans and information on using traps.)
Some recent studies have shown the combination of electrocution devices
along with traps have been effective in controlling fly populations.
MANURE MANAGEMENT
Proper manure management is the key to most fly control programs. Manure
below 25% moisture and above 80% moisture will not support housefly breeding.
So one method is to keep the manure dry to prevent fly breeding. Managing your
water system is the first step to dry manure. Monitor water presser and keep it set
to manufacturer specs. Replace worn valves, stems, nipples, gaskets and hoses to
prevent leaks. Clean out the system by flushing regularly during clean out and
during production. Removal of the manure every one to two days and stored in a
lagoon or spread thinly on fields to dry will also prevent fly build up. Manure
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stored for longer periods, such as from high-rise or deep-pit facilities should be
removed from the poultry house during cold weather, usually between November
and March. Stockpiled manure should be covered with 6 ml plastic. Composting of
manure will also kill the flies and larvae. Manure with infestations of pupae or
larvae should be treated with pesticides prior to removal and spreading on fields or
stockpiling. This will reduce the potential for moving the problem from inside the
house to outside and then to neighbors. Recent research indicates that spreading
manure containing fly larvae or pupae, even thinly on fields, or incorporating it
into the soil immediately, may not kill all the larvae and pupae and will result in
emergence of adult flies from the soil. Further research is required to verify these
findings, but this may alter our previous thinking on manure management.
BEETLES ASSOCIATED WITH LITTER AND MANURE
Two species of beetles associated with poultry manure and litter
accumulations are the lesser mealworm, or darkling beetle, Alphitobius
diaperinus, a pest of stored grain products, and the hide beetle, Dermestes
maculatus, long recognized as a pest of hides, skins and furs. Adults and larvae of
both species can become extremely abundant in poultry manure and litter.
Both beetles can cause extensive damage as the mature larvae bore into
structural materials, apparently seeking a safe pupation site. The lesser mealworm
is also a vector (transmitter)and serves as a reservoir for several poultry disease
pathogens such as acute leukosis(Marek's disease), fowl pox, numerous
pathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes, several Salmonella species, and tapeworms.
Large beetle populations may become a public nuisance at clean-out time because
of adult migration from fields where the manure is spread into nearby residential
areas.
As with flies, a combination of monitoring, cultural practices and
insecticides is required to properly manage beetle infestations. The larvae are very
active and burrow into litter when disturbed. They may also be found in cracks
and crevices or feeding on the underside of bird carcasses. The pupae are often
found in the lower, compressed layer of litter, dry manure or in the soil. The adults
are very active and burrow into litter when disturbed. They are also found crawling
on walls, in cracks and crevices and feeding on the underside of carcasses.
Less than 100 beetles or larvae scattered throughout the facility usually
pose little threat, but continuous monitoring from the first week of the flock cycle
until the birds are removed is required to limit infestations while the birds are in
the house. Look for concentrations in the litter, on carcasses, on walls and in the
insulation for signs of infestation. You can trap the beetles for counting with 2-
inch-diameter PVC pipe. Use a 10-12" length with a roll of corrugated cardboard
inside. Evenly distribute six traps between wall, feeder and brooder locations from
one end of the house to the other. Remove the cardboard from the traps and count
once a week. A rapid increase in numbers indicates the need to treat.
Cultural practices include cold weather (less than 30oF) and proper litter
and manure handling. Remove litter and cake from the house as soon as possible
after removing the birds. If applied to land, incorporate immediately and if
composted, turn the compost several times to encourage multiple heatings to kill
off adults and larvae.
Chemical control is effective only when used properly. No one chemical
consistently controls beetles for more than one flock. Therefore, control is largely a
matter of treatment timing and application method. Treatment should be year
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round. The most commonly used products include Sevin 80WP or SL, Rabon
50WP and RaVap for use as residual sprays and Sevin 5D and Rabon 3D as litter
treatments. Sevin 10B can be used as a bait broadcast over the litter while the
birds are housed. Vapona 1 OS and permethrin are registered for use as dusts,
sprays or both. Since only one pesticide (Sevin bait) is registered for use while
birds are present, timing of application is extremely important. The pesticides
must be applied to the litter within 24-48 hours of bird removal, with a second
treatment just prior to placement of birds. Insecticides applied to the walls and
litter at this time will retain activity long enough to suppress beetles that escaped
earlier treatments.
In high-rise and deep-pit layer houses the pesticides can be applied directly
to the manure piles as needed and residual sprays should be applied to the walls
and rafters to prevent the beetles from infesting the insulation.
RODENT CONTROL
Rodents, rats and mice, are not only a nuisance but spread disease and
therefore must be controlled. The Norway Rat is the most common rat found
around poultry farms. They usually live in burrows in the ground or under the
foundation, in litter and under slats of a breeder house, under equipment, and in
wood piles and other debris inside and outside the poultry house. They require
water daily, and although they will eat most any food, they prefer fresh food. They
are normally nocturnal and search for food just after sundown.
The house mouse will also eat most any type of food, but tend to feed
throughout the day, sampling many items during the feeding period, but feeding
the heaviest at sunset and dawn. House mice can live without free water,
obtaining what they require from the moisture in their feed.
Both rats and mice can enter a hole large enough to pass their head
through, as small as 1/4 inch, for mice.
In general rodents have three basic requirements: food, water and
harborage. If one or more is missing, rodent populations will remain small.
Monitoring of the rodent population is important and is best done with cage
type traps where you can count the number of rats or mice caught over a 24 hour
period.
Three elements are essential for a good rodent control program: sanitation,
rodent proofing and rodent killing. The first lines of defense are sanitation and
rodent proofing. Sanitation is removing the food, water and shelter from the rats
and mice. In reality all food and water cannot be removed while birds are in the
house, but availability to the rodents can be reduced by controlling feed and water
spillage and properly disposing of waste eggs, dead birds and garbage. Rodent
proofing is making it more difficult for rodents to enter the building by sealing or
covering with wire mesh, all holes and cracks in the walls and foundations,
around water pipes and drain spouts.
Rodent killing is the third element of the program and a variety of methods
can be used. Glue boards and traps can be used in small areas, but in larger
areas (over 12,000 sq ft) baits are more practical.
Rodenticides are available in a large variety of compounds and formulations
(Table 2.). Single-dose and multiple-dose rodenticides are available and it is
important to select the proper material for your situation.
Rodenticides are formulated as pellets, bar baits, tracking powders and
concentrates. The important thing to understand about rodenticides is the active
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ingredient it contains, which determines how it is used. All of the multiple-dose
and two of the single-dose compounds are anticoagulants that kill the rodent by
causing internal bleeding. The other products affect the nervous system or other
body systems, resulting in death.
Multiple-dose poisons must be eaten by the rodent every day for 7 to 21
days if the rodent is to accumulate enough poison to kill it. Any break in feeding
will break the cycle and they will not die. The active ingredients in multiple-dose
rodenticides are: warfarin, coumafuryl, chlorophacinone and diaphacinone.
Single-dose poisons will kill rats and mice in only one or two feedings and
contain: brodifacoum, bromadiolone, bromethalin, or zinc phosphide as active
ingredients.
Cholecalciferol, if consumed in sufficient quantity over a single day, or
consumed in small doses over a few days time will be lethal. The rodents usually
die within 2-4 days after eating a lethal dose.
Placement of the rodenticide is critical to its effectiveness. Remember that
rodents will not go out of their way to eat poison bait if other food is available.
Baiting methods are different for rats and mice and will be discussed separately.
Baiting rats is easier than mice. Their burrows are easier to spot and can be
baited by placing the rodenticide directly into the burrow. Bait stations along the
walls of the house near burrows is also effective. There are many types of bait
stations on the market which work well.
An inexpensive bait station can be made from 1 1/2-inch diameter PVC for
mice and 2-3-inch diameter for rats. Cut 12-15" sections of pipe and make a "T"
from three sections. Place the stem of the "T" up against the wall and the cross
section along the wall, tight to the wall. Add about 1 oz of fresh bait as needed.
Place these about 20-25' apart down the wall.
Mouse baiting requires placing bait on sill plates, horizontal wall braces,
ceiling rafters and any other place mice are crawling. Bar baits are particularly
useful in these places. Use bait stations along the walls and alleyways.
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
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Document No.
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Self-Check 2.3-2
1. It is a catch-all term that can be used for any small animals or insects that we think
of as pests.
a. vermin b. insects c. organism d. mosquitoes
2. _____________ includes cultural, biological, chemical, mechanical, physical and legal
control.
a. natural control b. applied control c. legal control d. physical control
3. _______________ are those which check or destroy pests without dependence on
humans.
a. natural control b. applied control c. legal control d. cultural control
4._____________ limits the development of pest populations by restricting human
activities that may lead to pest problems, such as spreading manure, stockpiling
manure, mandating setbacks, etc.
5.______________is using good routine management practices to remove the incentive for
a pest to choose your poultry facility to make a home for itself.
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
Date Prepared:
Document No.
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Revision #

Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.3-2
1. a
2. b
3. a
4. c
5. d
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
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LEARNING OUTCOME #4
PERFORM COMPLETION ACTIVITIES
CONTENTS:
 Purpose of Records
1. Records are kept and updated for reporting inventory purposes following enterprise
procedures.
2. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to manuals and enterprise
procedures.
3. Housekeeping is practiced following 5S principles and enterprise procedures.
4. Wastes are managed following 3Rs principles and DENR regulations.
 Visual aids
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Oral Evaluation
 Interview
 Demonstration with questions
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
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Learning Outcome 4
Perform completion activities
“Purpose of Records”
qualification.
evaluation tool.
Chicken) NC II
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ENVIRONMENT
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you are ready to proceed to the next Unit
of Competency.
Purpose of Records
After reading this information sheet, you must be able to determine the purpose of
records in the poultry house.
Records
Complete records are necessary. Poultry production is as much a business as the service
station on the corner or the downtown merchant. Records are necessary for computing
taxes, for checking flock performance, for determining profit or loss, for determining
returns on investment, for locating excessive costs, and for establishing a manure
management plan. The time you spend keeping records on which to base management
decisions will be one of the best investments you make
What is it to 'keep records'?
To keep records is simply to collect relevant information that can help you to take good
decisions and to keep track of activities, production and important events on a farm.
Records can be about any performance of the animals, economic development, or any
activity of the farmer or veterinarian. It is important to keep record keeping simple, and
to keep records systematic. If records should be of use for the farmer, than they must be
complete (none missing), they should be true (collected carefully). When record can? be
trusted because they are not complete or true, time should not be spent on it at all.
The records can:
Chicken) NC II
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ENVIRONMENT
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 Be used in determining profitability of various techniques used at the
farm.
 Be used to keep your memory on what you did and/or what
happened.
 Be used in decision making, especially on a strategic level.
 Be used to compare the efficiency of use of inputs, such as land, labor
and capital, for example when implementing a new / alternative
systems.
 Help the farmer / investor in improving the efficiency of farm's
operations.
The real value is to support the farmer and the advisors to keep track and take
decisions. Too often, records are only kept for the purpose of official reporting, e.g. to the
Ministry headquarters for the parasitical and not used as a tool on the farm/ranch for
making the decision in time.
The records should be simple, easy and quick to interpret, and then they can be
supplemented with remarks which can explain some unusual events or findings.
What can records be used for?
If a farmer wants to build a financially successful livestock enterprise, record keeping is
a must. The records can be used to further develop the farm and the herd, and thereby
the sector in the country. For many farmers, it helps to think of their farm as a
business, and to see that good care and good management actually also influences the
production and profitability of the farm.
Records are important in (animal) farming because:
 To keep track of all animals (Identification records)
 Evaluation of livestock for selection (breeding records; financial
records; production records)
 Control of inbreeding and aid in breeding planning (breeding records)
 Aid in selecting animals with the right characteristics for breeding
(production, health, feed efficiency) to improve the herd or flock
 To rationalize labor
 Aids in feed planning and management
 Aids in disease management; keeping track about treatment (disease
records)
 Aids in finding the effective treatments
 To assess profitability/losses (financial records)
Chicken) NC II
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ENVIRONMENT
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 Improves bargaining power on products, because you can see the
investment and the price of the production (financial records)
 Credit/loan access (financial records)
Self-Check 2.4-1 True or False
1. Records are necessary for computing taxes, for checking flock performance, for
determining profit or loss, for determining returns on investment, for locating excessive
costs, and for establishing a manure management plan.
2. Production records improves bargaining power on products, because you can see the
investment and the price of the production .
3. Profit is used to compare the efficiency of use of inputs, such as land, labor and
capital, for example when implementing a new / alternative systems.
4. Record help the farmer / investor in improving the efficiency of farm's operations.
5. Disease records aids in disease management; keeping track about treatment.
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
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Answer Key to
Self-Check 2.4-1
1. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. True
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
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Document No.
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References:
 CBLM
 www.google.com
 www.yahoo.com
Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
Date Prepared:
Document No.
Issued by:
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Revision #

Chicken) NC II
MAINTAIN POULTRY
ENVIRONMENT
Date Prepared:
Document No.
Issued by:
Page 66 of 72
Prepared by:
Delia M. Malana
Revision #

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