Animal Feed Composition and Types
Animal Feed Composition and Types
Roughages
These are feeds that are high in fibre (more than 18% crude fibre) and typically have low
energy content.
Characteristics:
Types:
Examples:
• Timothy hay
• Corn stover
• Napier grass
• Lucerne (alfalfa)
2. Concentrates
These are feeds low in fibre (less than 18% crude fibre) but high in energy and/or protein.
Two Types:
Characteristics:
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• Easy to digest
• Often used to supplement roughages
• Crucial for growth, reproduction, and milk/meat production
3. Supplements (Additives)
These are feeds or feed ingredients added in small amounts to provide specific nutrients not
sufficiently found in roughages or concentrates.
Types:
Examples:
• Salt licks
• Bone meal
• Premix vitamins and minerals
1. Proteins
Proteins are essential for growth, tissue repair, enzyme production, and reproduction.
Sources:
Components:
• Made up of amino acids (some are essential and must be supplied in the diet)
2. Fats (Lipids)
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Fats are concentrated sources of energy—providing over twice the energy of carbohydrates.
Sources:
3. Carbohydrates
Types:
Sources:
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for metabolic functions.
Categories:
Functions:
Sources:
5. Minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements that play structural and regulatory roles.
Categories:
Functions:
Sources:
• Salt licks
• Bone meal
• Mineral premixes
• Forages (especially legumes)
Cereals are the foundation of most animal feed rations, especially for monogastric animals
like poultry and pigs. They are rich in starch, providing digestible energy.
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Key Nutrients:
• Carbohydrates (Starch)
• Some proteins (though usually low)
• Small amounts of vitamins (especially B-complex) and minerals
Main role: Energy for body maintenance, growth, reproduction, and production (milk, eggs,
meat).
Legumes (both grains and forages) are rich in crude protein, essential for muscle building, milk
production, and general body maintenance.
Key Nutrients:
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3. Supplement Mixtures – Vitamins, Minerals & Additives
These are added in small quantities but are critical for balanced animal health.
Supplements are added in small amounts to complete nutritional needs not met by cereals
and legumes.
Key Nutrients:
Summary Table:
Feed Ingredient
Main Nutrients Supplied Examples
Type
Carbohydrates (energy), small
Cereals Maize, wheat, sorghum, barley
protein
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Feed Ingredient
Main Nutrients Supplied Examples
Type
Soybean meal, groundnut cake,
Legumes Proteins, minerals, fiber
lucerne
Supplement Salt, bone meal, vitamin-mineral
Vitamins, minerals, additives
mixtures premix
Formulating feeds for cattle requires careful consideration of their age, type (purpose), and
body weight. These factors directly affect the animal’s nutritional needs for maintenance,
growth, reproduction, and production (milk or meat).
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Mature Cattle (18+ months)
c. Breeding Cattle
• Moderate energy and protein levels for body maintenance and reproduction
• Pregnant cows need more protein (13–15%) in late gestation
• Bulls need additional energy/protein during mating season
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Other Considerations in Feed Formulation
• Feed availability and cost
• Quality of forages (silage, hay, pasture)
• Supplementation of minerals and vitamins (especially Ca, P, Cu, Zn, Se, Vitamin A
& D)
• Water access – essential and often overlooked
Formulating feeds for pigs requires a clear understanding of their age, type (purpose), and
body weight, since their nutritional requirements change rapidly through different stages of
growth and production. Proper feed formulation ensures efficient growth, reproduction,
and feed conversion.
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c. Finishers (16–24 weeks)
• CP: 14–16%
• Moderate energy, increased fiber to prevent constipation
• Extra minerals (e.g., Ca, P) for fetal development
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent overweight sows
b. Lactating Sows
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Crude Protein Energy (ME Lysine Calcium Phosphorus
Stage
(%) kcal/kg) (%) (%) (%)
Sow (lactating) 16–18 3200–3400 1.0 0.9 0.7
Formulating feeds for chickens (poultry) requires attention to the age, type (purpose), and
weight of the birds. These factors influence their nutrient needs for growth, egg production,
reproduction, and overall health.
Fast-growing birds raised for meat — require energy-dense and protein-rich diets.
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Crude Protein Energy (ME
Broiler Stage Notes
(%) kcal/kg)
Rapid tissue and organ
Starter (0–3 wks) 21–23 3000–3200
growth
Grower (4–5 wks) 19–21 3100–3200 Continued muscle growth
Finisher (6–7 Fattening and final weight
18–20 3200–3300
wks) gain
Additives like enzymes and probiotics may be used for gut health and feed efficiency.
Pullets begin laying around 18–20 weeks and need diets that support egg production and
shell quality.
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Nutrient Source Role
Calcium & Phosphorus Limestone, bone meal Eggshell strength, bone health
Vitamins Premixes (A, D, E, B, K) Immunity, growth, metabolism
Amino acids Lysine, methionine Feathering, muscle, and egg mass
Enzymes/probiotics Feed additives Improve digestion and feed conversion
• Calculate protein, energy, and fiber requirements based on age, weight, and type of
animal.
• Consider production goals (milk, meat, wool, etc.).
2. Select Ingredients:
• Modify feed composition based on production level (e.g., higher energy for lactating
cows, higher protein for growing pigs).
• Monitor feed intake and body condition regularly to ensure health and productivity.
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5. Feed Management:
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• Vitamins and minerals
• Water
• Fiber (especially for ruminants)
Use feed formulation software or manual methods to mix ingredients based on animal needs.:
Use feed formulation techniques (manually or with software) to create a balanced ration:
• Maize – 55%
• Soybean meal – 25%
• Fish meal – 10%
• Premix (vitamins & minerals) – 5%
• Limestone – 2%
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• Salt – 1%
• Methionine & lysine (if needed)
C. Goats/Sheep
• Observe feed intake, health status, weight gain, milk or egg production.
• Adjust rations as needed based on performance and seasonal changes.
The type and quality of feed given to livestock have a direct impact on their productivity,
health, and overall performance. Below are key effects of different feed types on animal
performance:
1. Growth Rate
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2. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
• Balanced rations improve FCR (less feed required per unit of weight gain).
• Unbalanced or bulky feeds (e.g., fibrous roughages without supplements):
o Lower efficiency, as more feed is needed to produce the same output.
4. Reproductive Performance
• Feeds with essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., vitamin A, E, selenium, zinc):
o Enhance immune response,
o Reduce disease incidence.
• Nutrient-deficient feeds:
o Lead to metabolic diseases, poor coat condition, and increased mortality.
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o Can cause aggression, feed refusal, or abnormal behaviors like licking soil
(pica).
Feed additives play a crucial role in modern animal nutrition and livestock production. Their
importance can be summarized in the following key points:
• Growth promoters like probiotics, enzymes, and amino acids enhance nutrient
absorption and digestion.
• Animals reach market weight faster, improving overall productivity.
• Additives such as enzymes (e.g., phytase, cellulase) help animals extract more
nutrients from feed.
• This reduces feed costs and environmental waste (like nitrogen or phosphorus
excretion).
• With increasing restrictions on AGPs, alternatives like plant extracts, yeast cultures,
and minerals help maintain health and performance without contributing to
antimicrobial resistance.
• Additives like vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can improve meat, milk, or
egg quality.
• Antioxidants extend the shelf life of animal products by reducing lipid oxidation.
6. Stress Management
7. Reproductive Performance
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• Certain feed additives (like selenium, zinc, and vitamin E) enhance fertility,
conception rates, and reduce embryonic mortality.
Causative Animals
Disease Name Notes
Agent Affected
Cattle, sheep, Caused by Bacillus anthracis,
Bacterial Anthrax
goats, pigs sudden death
Cattle, goats, Abortion, zoonotic (Brucella
Brucellosis
sheep, pigs spp.)
Cattle (mostly Clostridium chauvoei, swelling,
Black Quarter (Blackleg)
young) sudden death
Infection of the udder, milk
Mastitis Cattle, goats
quality loss
Sheep, goats, Fusobacterium, Dichelobacter,
Footrot
cattle hoof decay
Chronic disease, zoonotic
Tuberculosis Cattle, goats
(Mycobacterium bovis)
Foot and Mouth Disease Cattle, pigs, Highly contagious, vesicle
Viral
(FMD) sheep, goats formation
All warm-
Rabies Nervous signs, fatal, zoonotic
blooded animals
Respiratory and neurological
Newcastle Disease Poultry
symptoms
African Swine Fever
Pigs High mortality, no treatment
(ASF)
Nodular skin lesions, caused by
Lumpy Skin Disease Cattle
capripoxvirus
Ringworm Cattle, goats, Skin infection, zoonotic
Fungal
(Dermatophytosis) horses, humans (Trichophyton, Microsporum)
Respiratory issues, fungal
Aspergillosis Poultry
spores
Toxin from moldy feeds (e.g.
Mycotoxicosis All species
aflatoxins)
Rickets (Vitamin D Poultry, young
Deficiency Weak, deformed bones
deficiency) livestock
Milk Fever Dairy cattle
Muscle weakness, collapse
(Hypocalcemia) (post-calving)
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Causative Animals
Disease Name Notes
Agent Affected
Vitamin E/Selenium deficiency,
White Muscle Disease Calves, lambs
muscle damage
Phosphorus deficiency,
Pica Cattle, sheep
abnormal eating
Poultry, cattle,
Protozoan Coccidiosis Bloody diarrhea, poor growth
sheep, goats
Babesiosis (Redwater) Cattle, dogs Tick-borne, red urine, fever
Trypanosomiasis Tsetse fly-borne, fever,
Cattle, horses
(Sleeping Sickness) weakness
Cattle, sheep, Ehrlichia ruminantium, tick-
Rickettsial Heartwater
goats borne, neurological signs
Tick-borne, anemia (Anaplasma
Anaplasmosis Cattle
marginale)
1. Footrot
• Causative Agents:
Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus (Bacteria)
• Signs and Symptoms:
o Swelling and foul-smelling discharge around the hooves
o Lameness, reluctance to move
o Hoof separation or rotting
• Treatment:
o Trimming of affected hooves
o Footbaths with zinc sulfate or copper sulfate
o Antibiotics (e.g., oxytetracycline)
• Prevention and Control:
o Regular hoof trimming and foot inspections
o Dry, clean housing to reduce moisture
o Isolate infected animals
o Vaccination where available
• Causative Agent:
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (Aphthovirus, family Picornaviridae)
• Signs and Symptoms:
o Fever, followed by vesicles/blisters on the mouth, feet, and teats
o Excessive salivation, lameness
o Sudden drop in milk production
• Treatment:
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o No specific antiviral treatment
o Supportive care (fluids, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections)
• Prevention and Control:
o Strict biosecurity and quarantine measures
o Vaccination programs in endemic areas
o Movement control of animals
o Culling during outbreaks
• Causative Agent:
Nutritional deficiency of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus
• Signs and Symptoms:
o Soft or deformed bones (bowed legs)
o Stunted growth
o Joint swelling and lameness in young animals
• Treatment:
o Supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus
o Exposure to sunlight (for natural vitamin D synthesis)
• Prevention and Control:
o Balanced diet with adequate minerals and vitamins
o Regular exposure to sunlight
o Use of vitamin-mineral premixes in feed
4. Coccidiosis
• Causative Agent:
Protozoa of the genus Eimeria (e.g., E. tenella, E. bovis)
• Signs and Symptoms:
o Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), dehydration
o Poor weight gain, weakness
o High mortality in severe cases
• Treatment:
o Anticoccidial drugs (e.g., amprolium, sulfa drugs)
o Supportive care (electrolytes, fluids)
• Prevention and Control:
o Maintain clean and dry housing
o Use of coccidiostats in feed (preventative drugs)
o Rotate pastures and reduce overcrowding
5. Heartwater
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• Causative Agent:
Ehrlichia ruminantium (Rickettsial organism, transmitted by Amblyomma ticks)
• Signs and Symptoms:
o Sudden high fever, incoordination
o Convulsions, watery fluid around the heart and lungs (post-mortem)
o High mortality, especially in naive animals
• Treatment:
o Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., oxytetracycline)
o Early treatment improves survival
• Prevention and Control:
o Tick control (acaricides, pasture management)
o Vaccination (where available)
o Use of resistant breeds in endemic areas
6. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
• Causative Agents:
Fungi such as Trichophyton verrucosum or Microsporum spp.
• Signs and Symptoms:
o Circular patches of hair loss with crusty, scaly skin
o Itching may be present
o Usually self-limiting, but contagious
• Treatment:
o Topical antifungals (e.g., iodine, miconazole)
o In severe cases, systemic antifungals
• Prevention and Control:
o Isolate infected animals
o Disinfect housing and equipment
o Avoid overcrowding and maintain hygiene
LIVESTOCK PARASITES
A parasite is an organism that lives off another organism (host) and causes it harm.
Internal parasites live inside a host organism and external parasites on the outside.
External parasites include fleas, lice, mites, ticks, tampans and ringworms.
Ticks
Host animals include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camels and donkeys.
Anaemia due to loss of blood; listlessness and loss of condition; transmission of tick-borne
diseases such as red water and heart water; reduced production due to loss of blood; lowered
quality of hides and skins due to tick bites; body wounds that may serve as entry points for
pathogens; lowered resistance to disease attack; increased stress due to irritation and pain
caused by the bites; blood poisoning resulting in loss of appetite.
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The life cycle of ticks
There are 4 distinct stages in its life cycle: egg, larva, nymph and mature tick. Different stages of
tick attach themselves onto the host animals to suck blood before moulting into the next stage.
A one host tick completes its life cycle on one host animal. The diagram below summarises the
life cycle of a host tick.
Control of ticks
Host animals
Roundworms affect sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses and camels. They live in the intestines
of host animals where they mature and reproduce.
Stunted growth and development; reduced production in terms of milk, mohair, wool and eggs;
reduced resistance to diseases, general lack of energy/listlessness; harsh, rough coat with hair
standing up/ staring coat; diarrhea /scours, anemia, loss of appetite and coughing in severe
cases; pot-bellied stomachs and oedema condition in the jaw region; death of the young ones
due to blockage of the alimentary canal; presence of worm segments in faeces.
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The life cycle of roundworm
Control of Roundworms
Here is a brief identification and description of common equipment used for controlling
internal and external parasites in livestock:
1. Dip Tank
• Identification: A long, narrow concrete or metal tank filled with diluted pesticide
solution.
• Use: Livestock (especially cattle or sheep) are walked through it and completely
submerged (except the head) to kill external parasites like ticks, lice, and mites.
• Best For: Large-scale external parasite control.
2. Sprayer
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• Identification: Hand-held or backpack pump device that sprays chemicals.
• Use: Used to apply insecticides or acaricides directly onto the animal’s skin.
• Best For: External parasites such as lice, ticks, and flies. Suitable for small herds.
3. Syringe
4. Needles
5. Dosing/Deworming Gun
6. Spray Race
• Identification: A narrow alley fitted with nozzles that spray insecticide as animals
pass through.
• Use: Delivers a uniform application of chemicals to control external parasites.
• Best For: Ticks and flies in large herds, especially cattle.
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REARING FARM ANIMALS
BROILER HOUSE:
FLOOR- concrete is desirable because it is easily cleaned and disinfected and durable. It
should be 8-10cm thick, placed on a firm base 15cm above the ground.
ROOF- roofing materials that can be used include:
- Corrugated iron sheets as they are durable, easier to keep clean and are fireproof
- Thatch as it is cheap with good insulation but not fireproof
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- Roof overhang (eaves) should be greater 50cm to provide adequate protection from
sun and rains
- Ventilation openings.
DOOR- a tight-fitting door (2m high) is essential at the end of the house.
WIDTH- the width of an open sided broiler house that uses natural ventilation system should
not exceed 9m for efficient ventilation.
ORIENTATION-the broiler house should face East-West direction to ensure maximum
lighting and yet avoid direct entry of sunrays.
One could frighten or hurt the chickens without intention. A frightened chicken is an
unproductive chicken. It is therefore vital that the following are considered when handling or
working with chickens:
• Never surprise chickens – when you approach the chicken house make noise or sing
to alert them that you are coming. Open the door slowly and gently
• Move slowly – while inside the chicken house, never flap an empty meal sack or
cloth. They find that alarming.
• Catching birds – it is best done in the evening when they have gone to roost on their
perches. At that time they would be sleeping and offer no resistance. If you have to
catch them during the day, keep your hands low and try to grab the legs quickly.
• Hold a chicken firmly so that it cannot struggle and hurt itself. It means holding it by
both wings and legs with the head hanging down.
• Keep a regular routine as regarding provision of water, feed and cleaning water
troughs
• When moving birds to a new place, its best to make sure that they are not crowded in
the crates.
• Examine the birds’ everyday to check if they are sick, lame or not eating and cull
unproductive birds.
B] Record keeping
Record keeping is essential in a broiler production for the following reasons;
To assist monitor progress in the achievement of set goals/ objectives; to help assess financial
performance of enterprise over a period of time; good records assist farmers to obtain a loan
from financial institutions; they provide figures for planning and budgeting; records help one
to compare his performance with those of other farmers, hence encourage competition
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Production records in broiler production include;
Live weight gain; mortality record; vaccination record; inventory; ill and treatment records
Financial records (details of income and expenditure of all transactions of a business). They
include;
Sales records; debtors and creditors records; cash record(records all cash received and paid
out by the business enterprise)
C] Rearing of young stock-In broiler production, this refers to management of chicks from
day-old to 4 weeks of age, when they are in a brooder.
Preparation for the arrival of day-old chicks-Thorough prepares for the arrival of day-old
chicks is the first and most important step in the proper management of broiler chicks. The
following needs to be attended to;
• Repair, clean and disinfect the building and equipment with s disinfectant as
thoroughly as possible. Leave the building empty for two weeks before the arrival of
chicks.
• In case of a deep litter system cover the floor with litter.
• Ensure that the
• Building as well as brooders reaches the desired temperature 25 – 350C.
• Light brooder lamps or any source of heat 24 hours before arrival of chicks
• Ensure adequate supply of feed in the store i.e. chick starter mash for broilers.
• There should be adequate supply of certain vaccines and drugs. New Castle vaccine
and stress pack should be available at the time or arrival of one day chicks.
• The stockman should check that number of received is correct.
D] Nutrition and feeding practices
Broilers are given free access to appropriate feed and clean water to promote rapid g growth.
For feeding purposes, each group is fed a different type of feed formulated to meet nutritional
requirements of the age group. Thus, a broiler feeding programme normally consists of three
phases.
I] PHASE 1(0-2 weeks): CHICK STARTER MASH…. chicks are fed with chick starter
mash from day 1 to 2 weeks. The feed has much higher protein (content), high levels of
minerals and vitamins. Chick starter mash is formulated to give needed nutrients for rapid
growth.
II] PHASE 2 (3-6WEEKS) BROILER FINISHER MASH…. chicks are fed with broiler
finisher mash rich in energy to meet the requirements of more active chickens during this
period. This feed contains lower protein content (18-20%)
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III] PHASE 3(7-8 WEEKS) BROILER POST FINISHER MASH…. At this stage
chickens are fully grown, and their metabolism doesn’t require such a high protein diet. This
feed is aimed at giving final boost to produce substantial table or kill weights.
Amount of feed consumed. Form day old to 8 weeks of age, a chicken consumes about 3.5kg
of feed. At this age chicken should be weighing 1.5- 1.8 kg.
G] Parasites
H] Diseases
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o Practice biosecurity: isolate new birds, prevent contact with wild birds.
o Monitor for signs: diarrhea, coughing, drooping wings, reduced feed/water
intake.
o Consult a vet immediately if you notice unusual symptoms.
1. Cleaning
• Involves hygienic washing and removal of feathers, blood, and internal waste from
slaughtered birds.
• Ensures compliance with food safety standards.
• Prevents contamination and spoilage.
2. Sorting
3. Grading
4. Processing
• May include deboning, cutting, mincing, or converting into value-added products (e.g.
nuggets, sausages).
• By-products like blood, feathers, and offal may be processed into:
o Feather meal (animal feed)
o Blood meal
o Manure or compost
o Pet food
5. Packaging
• Use of hygienic, tamper-proof, and labeled packaging (plastic trays, vacuum packs,
shrink wraps).
• Includes labeling with nutritional information, expiry date, and storage instructions.
• Enhances shelf life and brand identity.
6. Storage
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• Cold storage at appropriate temperatures to prevent spoilage:
o Fresh meat: 0–4°C
o Frozen meat: -18°C or lower
• Storage facilities must be clean and well-maintained.
7. Advertising
8. Selling
9. Delivery
1. Feeding Equipment
2. Drinking Equipment
• Nipple drinkers
o Provide clean water with minimal spillage.
o Suitable for chicks and grown birds.
• Bell drinkers
o Common in semi-automated systems.
o Must be at correct height to prevent neck strain and wet litter.
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o Provide warmth during early stages of broiler growth.
o Should be positioned to maintain the right brooding temperature.
• Thermometers
o Monitor ambient temperature to ensure birds are comfortable.
4. Ventilation Equipment
• Rakes or shovels
o Used for turning and removing wet litter.
• Wheelbarrows
o For transporting waste litter to compost areas or disposal sites.
• Footbaths
o Placed at the entrance to prevent disease entry.
• Sprayers or fumigators
o Used to disinfect the house before and between flocks.
• Vaccination kits (syringes, droppers)
o Administer vaccines accurately and hygienically.
• Weighing scales
o Used to track growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.
• Record-keeping tools (notebooks, apps)
o Monitor daily performance, mortality, and medication use.
8. Lighting Equipment
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Appropriate Use of Tools, Implements & Machinery in
Broiler Rearing
(With Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Considerations)
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Safety & Health Environmental &
Category Tool/Equipment Appropriate Use
Measures Quality Measures
Apply approved inhaling or chemical runoff
chemicals spilling into soil/water.
properly. chemicals.
Ensure users
actually step in; Prevent disease
Place at entry
change solution spread between
Footbaths points; refresh
frequently to flocks and
solution regularly.
maintain environments.
effectiveness.
Administer
Disinfect before Maintain vaccine
vaccines correctly
and after use. cold chain. Follow
Vaccination Syringes, droppers (dosage, method).
Dispose of national animal
Record batch and
needles safely. health guidelines.
expiry dates.
Weigh samples Use stable Helps optimize
weekly. Record surfaces to feed usage, reduce
Weighing &
Scales, digital apps feed consumption, prevent injuries. overfeeding, and
Monitoring
mortality, and Keep records ensure quality
growth rate. clean and legible.
control.
Use energy-
Maintain
efficient lights.
consistent light Install wiring
Minimize
Lighting LED bulbs, timers and dark periods. safely to avoid
unnecessary
Use timers for electrical hazards.
lighting to reduce
efficiency.
energy use.
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