Table 1 Baseline difference between different poultry farming setups depending on the management practices
Management parameters | Backyard/free range poultry rearing | Open sheds | Semi controlled sheds/semi-automated sheds | Controlled sheds/fully automated sheds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | No proper sheds | Pillars fixed with mesh and small protection wall | Fixed solid walls | Fixed solid walls |
Ventilation | Natural | Natural | Manual exhaust fans | Automated ventilation system |
Lightening | Sunlight | Sunlight/electric bulbs | Electric bulbs | Electric bulbs |
Roaming area | No boundaries | Shed area | Shed area | Shed area |
Stocking density | NA | Broiler: 1.5–2 ft2/bird Layer: 2.5–4 ft2/bird | Broiler: 1–1.5 ft2/bird Layer: 2–3 ft2/bird | Broiler: 0.75–1 ft2/bird Layer: 1.5–2 ft2/bird |
Drinkers | Manual | Manual | Manual/automated | Automated |
Feeders | Manual | Manual | Manual | Automated |
Feed type | Kitchen waste, fodder, vegetables, insects | Commercial feed with additives and growth promoters | Commercial feed with additives and growth promoters | Commercial feed with additives and growth promoters |
Vaccination | No vaccination | Scheduled vaccination | Scheduled vaccination | Scheduled vaccination |
Medication | No medication | Prophylactics and treatment | Prophylactics and treatment | Prophylactics and treatment |
Deworming | Not followed | Followed | Followed | Followed |
Tick/Lice Control | No control | Controlled | Controlled | Controlled |
Workers | No staff | Supervisor and care takers | Veterinarian, supervisor and care takers | Veterinarian, supervisor, electrician, plumber and care takers |
Biosecurity | Not implemented | Not implemented | Implemented | Implemented |
Record keeping | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |