Of the 45 million Ugandans, about 70% are employed in agriculture. Out of the 70%, a portion of Ugandans are engaged in poultry farming. This is now the new generation of poultry farmers that is rising to meet the demands of a growing population.
With the global poultry market projected to reach $305.7 b by 2025, the potential for profits is vast. That said, many seasoned farmers want to maximise success in poultry farming. This requires more than just a passion for raising birds. It requires a keen eye for detail, a solid understanding of the market, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
From optimising feed conversion ratios to navigating the complex web of supply and demand, maximising profits in poultry farming is a delicate balancing act. But, with the right combination of expertise, technology, and business savvy, even the smallest-scale farmers can achieve remarkable returns.
Robert Salongo Sserwanga, a poultry expert said to get quality from birds, one must feed and supply water on time. This is followed by proper spacing of the birds or knowing each house carries a certain number to avoid the spread of diseases or fighting. He noted that when birds are congested, they produce heat, which turns out to be dreadful since it aids the spread of diseases such as coccidiosis, which can kill them in a short time.
“Some people get money and run away from chicken; their houses are never cleaned again or supervised to maintain quality,” he said.
Sserwanga was teaching hundreds of expo goers who had come to attend the harvest money expo taking place at Namboole National Stadium. The expo, which began on Friday, will run up to Sunday, under the theme of Farming as a Business Value Addition and Cooperatives. He noted that birds free from stress tend to give more eggs and meat, which is what every farmer wants.
To avoid the spread of diseases among birds, feeders should not leak, and the ground should be cleaned daily. Meanwhile, Dr Rodgers Ssekiwungu says a poultry keeper should not plant fruit trees near the birds’ shed. Such trees attract wild birds to eat fruits like pawpaws or mangoes; hence, they spread viruses they pick from wherever they fly.
Fruitless trees keep the air fresh, he advised. He also said the house should have an open roof to allow the disappearance of hot air generated by birds.
“A chicken house should incorporate breathing space to facilitate the escape of harmful gases such as ammonia,” he stated. To boost the quality of birds when it comes to feeding, the experts recommended the use of cereals like maize, sorghum, and wheat. Sarah Mukasa from Konge, Makindye East Division in Kampala said after being advised, her dream of rearing birds will resume.
She had failed last year because she kept over 100 birds in a small house. One time she woke up only to find they were all dead. The experts attributed their deaths to excessive heat.
The expo was organized by Vision Group and is sponsored by Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL), Tunga Nutrition, aBI International, Uganda Development Cooperation (UDC), Bella Wine, the Kingdom of Netherlands, and Pepsi.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Rogers Ssekiwunga, a national sales manager at Tunga Nutrition during the training session. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)
