Challenges Faced by Layers’ Farmers: Case Study of a Farm in Juja

Layer farming is a type of poultry farming focused on raising egg-laying hens (layers) for commercial egg production. The hens are specially bred for high egg yield and are typically housed in cage systems, deep litter systems.

Key aspects of layer farming include:

• Breeds: Common breeds include Isa Brown, Hy-Line Brown.
• Housing Systems: Battery cages or deep litter  optimize space and egg collection.
• Feeding & Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in calcium and protein ensures healthy egg production.
• Egg Production Cycle: Layers start laying eggs at 18-20 weeks and continue for about 72-80 weeks.
• Disease Management: Proper vaccination and hygiene practices prevent infections.

We are going to do an overview of the farm under the lens of the aspects highlighted above.

A.    Breed

The Isa Brown is one of the most popular layer chicken breeds in Kenya and worldwide, known for its high egg production, adaptability, and efficiency in feed conversion.

Key Features:

• Egg Production: Lays around 300–350 brown eggs per year.
• Maturity: Starts laying eggs at around 18–20 weeks of age.
• Lifespan: Typically produces eggs efficiently for about 72–80 weeks.
• Feed Efficiency: Requires less feed per egg compared to other breeds.
• Temperament: Docile, easy to handle, and friendly.
• Adaptability: Thrives in both intensive (cage and deep litter) and free-range systems.
• Climate Tolerance: Performs well in Kenya’s varying climate conditions.

Advantages of Isa Brown in Kenya:

•        High egg-laying capacity, ensuring good profitability.
•       Strong immunity and resistance to common poultry diseases.
•        Requires less feed compared to other high-production layers.
•     Produces large brown eggs preferred in the Kenyan market.

Key issue to consider on these aspects is the legitimacy of your source of chicks. Make sure the company has a good reputation as there have been instances where a seller offloads bad grades of chicks to unsuspecting farmers.

B.    Housing and Systems

Layer systems are optimized for egg-laying efficiency, bird comfort, and management ease. There are a few common types of these housing systems but we will focus on the two most common ones

     I.        Battery Cages:

Description: These are small, stacked cages (the "layers") where each hen is kept in an individual compartment. These cages allow for a high density of birds in a small space.

• Pros: Maximizes space usage, easy to manage, and minimizes labor since hens are confined to small areas.

• Cons: Concerns over animal welfare (restricts natural behavior), and in some countries, they are being phased out or banned due to ethical concerns.

    II.        Deep Litter Systems:

• Description: In this system, hens are kept in large indoor spaces with a deep litter of bedding material (like straw or wood shavings) that absorbs waste. The hens can roam freely in the space.
• Pros: Good for natural behaviors and tends to be more humane than cages. It also allows for better waste management.
• Cons: Requires more intensive management to control disease and maintain hygiene.

Each of these systems has trade-offs related to cost, animal welfare, space requirements, and the scale of egg production.

As for our farmer they have used deep litter systems as it is common and economical to build especially for new farmers who are small scale in nature.

 The only source of concern for this structure is the height of the front wall from the ground to the ‘windows’ section. A height of 3 feet is the standard reco­­­mmendation for purposes of lighting and aeration. Poor aeration allows a higher concentration of ammonia in the shed especially for the birds as they are closer to the ground where waste is accumulated.

 

The image above shows the ideal measurements for a deep litter structure. Curtains made from sacks are used to cover the windows in case of heavy rainfall or wind, and also to control temperatures at night.

Food and nutrition

Food and nutrition play a crucial role in the health, productivity, and welfare of layer hens in poultry farming. A well-balanced diet directly impacts egg production, egg quality, and the overall well-being of the birds. Here’s a breakdown of how nutrition influences various aspects of layer poultry farming:

      i.        Health and Immunity

Health is a crucial factor in a bird's life. An unhealthy bird will struggle to reach the optimal weight needed for high productivity. Without proper care for a bird's basic health, its systems cannot function at their best, which ultimately impacts its overall performance. Unhealthy birds tend to have poor feeding habits, and this imbalance directly affects their productivity.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Nutrients like Vitamin A, D, E, and B-vitamins are essential for overall health, feather development, and immune system function. Vitamin D, for example, helps hens absorb calcium efficiently, which is crucial for bone health and egg production.
• Phosphorus: Phosphorus works alongside calcium for bone health, and it's essential for energy metabolism, particularly during egg formation. The right balance of calcium and phosphorus in the diet ensures the hens’ bones are strong and they can produce eggs efficiently.
• Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 contribute to healthy feather development, skin, and overall vitality. They also play a role in regulating inflammation and supporting immune function.

    ii.        Growth and Development

• Nutritional Requirements Vary by Age: Young pullets (hens that haven’t yet started laying eggs) have different nutritional needs compared to mature layers. Pullets need a higher percentage of protein and energy for growth, while laying hens require more calcium and a balanced diet to support egg production.
• Mineral Balance: Proper mineral levels (such as zinc, magnesium, and manganese) are important for growth and skeletal development, especially in younger birds.

In this particular farm we found that the flock had been struck by coccidiosis and coryza. One way to prevent this apart from proper hygiene in the farm is having feed that have been supplemented with coccidiostats that help in maintaining animal health and, in some cases, enhancing feed conversion.

Unfortunately the farmer experienced a bad mortality rate as they had lost 700 of the 1,000 birds procured. The mortality was high due to administration of vaccines which is never recommended if the flock has a prevailing disease outbreak. If the farmer had gotten the right information on time this would have been prevented.

The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) suffers due to the poor health of the birds. The batch will take longer to reach maturity because the outbreak has disrupted their growth pattern, hindering their development.

The flock at the age of 3 months is seen to be a little under age and under weight. The estimated weight is about 300g which is very alarming. This means that the birds would continue feeding longer before they can start laying eggs which is a huge financial dent to the farmer.

   iii.        Feed Formulation and Feed Management

• Layer Rations: Layer feed is specially formulated with the right balance of protein, calcium, vitamins, and other essential nutrients to ensure maximum egg production. Commercial layer feeds come in different forms, such as mash and it’s important to select the right form based on the specific needs of the flock.

A key observation that was made when trying to physically analyze the food sample is that it remained crumpled together after squeezing it ones hand which should not be the case. These would be observed further in the health of the fowl as they look underweight despite their active nature. A proper test should be done to establish the nutritional composition of the feed and rectify the error early enough to alleviate the situation.

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After inspecting the crop physically, we observed proper feeding as there was enough content for an average bird of that size.

   iv.        Feeding Strategies to Improve Productivity

• Consistent Diet: Providing a consistent, balanced diet is essential. Sudden changes in diet can stress hens and reduce egg production. Gradual transitions are key when changing feed formulations or ingredients.
• Water Intake: Water is just as important as food in poultry nutrition. Water intake directly impacts digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Insufficient water can lead to reduced feed intake and lower egg production.

     v.        Economic Efficiency

• Cost-Effective Feeding: A good feeding program is essential for maximizing productivity while keeping feed costs under control. Quality feed ingredients, properly balanced, will help achieve better egg production without excessive waste.

   vi.        Stress Reduction

• Nutrition and Stress: Proper nutrition can also help reduce stress in laying hens. Stress, caused by factors like environmental changes or poor management, can reduce egg production. Proper feeding practices, along with a comfortable housing environment, can help minimize stress and maintain a steady level of egg production.

Disease management

It is crucial for maintaining the health of the flock, ensuring high productivity, and preventing economic losses. Effective disease control involves preventive measures, early detection, proper biosecurity protocols, and timely intervention.

        i.            Biosecurity Measures

• Isolation and Quarantine: New birds should be quarantined before being introduced to the main flock to prevent the spread of any potential diseases.
• Preventing Entry of Pathogens: Limit access to the poultry house and disinfect all equipment, footwear, and vehicles that come into contact with the birds.
• Cleanliness and Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfection of the poultry house and equipment are essential. This includes removing manure, dead birds, and any waste that could harbor pathogens.
• Control of Rodents and Pests: Rodents, flies, and wild birds can transmit diseases. Proper pest control is a must to minimize disease risks.

      ii.            Vaccination Programs

• Routine Vaccination: A well-planned vaccination schedule is vital for preventing common poultry diseases, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis. Vaccines should be administered at the correct age and intervals.
• Custom Vaccination Protocols: Depending on the region or the flock's exposure to specific pathogens, vaccines should be chosen based on the most common diseases in the area.
• Booster Vaccinations: Some vaccines require boosters to maintain immunity throughout the bird’s productive life.

    iii.            Nutritional Management

• Balanced Diet: A proper diet helps strengthen the birds’ immune systems, making them more resilient to infections. Nutrient deficiencies can make hens more susceptible to diseases.
• Supplements for Immunity: Adding vitamins, minerals, and probiotics can improve overall health and resistance to disease. For example, vitamin A, D3, and E support immunity, while probiotics help balance gut health. Supplementing with coccidiostats would play a key role in preventing coccidiosis.
• Clean Water Supply: Always ensure that birds have access to clean, fresh water. Contaminated water can spread diseases like avian cholera.

     iv.            Environmental Control

• Temperature and Ventilation: Maintaining optimal environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and ventilation) helps reduce stress on the birds, which in turn boosts their immune system. Poor ventilation can lead to respiratory issues and increase disease susceptibility.
• Lighting: Appropriate lighting helps regulate egg production and overall health. Excessive light or inadequate light can cause stress and compromise the birds' immune response.

An observation was made on the nature of the shed and improvements should be made to effect this measure.

       v.            Monitoring and Early Detection

• Regular Health Inspections: Routinely check for signs of illness, such as abnormal behaviour, changes in egg production, or visible symptoms (coughing, diarrhoea, and lameness). Early detection helps prevent the spread of disease.
• Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of vaccination schedules, disease occurrences, and treatments administered to track patterns and manage risks better.

Summary

The case study of a farm in Juja highlights some of these issues:

1. Breed Selection:

The farmer chose the Isa Brown breed, known for its high egg production (300-350 eggs/year), efficient feed conversion, and adaptability to various environments. This breed thrives in Kenya’s climate and produces large brown eggs preferred in the local market. However, it’s crucial to ensure the legitimacy of the chick supplier, as poor-quality chicks can undermine productivity.

2. Housing Systems:

The farm uses a deep litter system, which is cost-effective and allows hens to exhibit natural behaviors. However, a concern is the inadequate height of the front wall from the ground, which affects ventilation and lighting. Poor aeration leads to ammonia buildup, compromising bird health. The use of curtains to control temperature and protect against weather is a practical solution.

3. Feeding and Nutrition:

Proper nutrition is essential for egg production and overall health. The farm’s birds faced nutritional challenges due to coccidiosis and coryza outbreaks. These diseases, coupled with improper vaccine administration, led to high mortality. Additionally, the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) suffered due to poor health and underweight birds. A key observation was that the feed's physical composition was suboptimal, which could further impact bird growth and productivity. Ensuring a balanced, consistent diet is vital for reducing stress and improving egg yield.

4. Disease Management:

The farm struggled with coccidiosis and coryza, which significantly impacted the flock. Effective disease control requires strict biosecurity practices, proper vaccination schedules, and maintaining a clean environment. The farmer experienced high mortality due to incorrect vaccine administration during an ongoing disease outbreak. Timely and accurate intervention is critical to avoid such losses. The use of coccidiostats in feed could prevent future outbreaks and improve health outcomes.

5. Environmental Control and Biosecurity:

The farm’s environmental management, including ventilation, temperature control, and lighting, needs improvement to reduce stress and support the birds' immune systems. Enhanced disease monitoring, regular health inspections, and proper record-keeping are essential for early detection and intervention.

6. Economic and Productivity Concerns:

The farmer faces significant financial losses due to the delayed growth and high mortality rates. Poor health conditions, including low feed conversion efficiency and delayed maturity, have resulted in increased feeding costs before the birds start laying eggs.