22 Mar 2017

Broiler producers in Tutume and surrounding villages converged for a workshop organised by Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) to learn about a broiler hybrid called ROSS 308.

Briefing the farmers about the breed, an official from BAMB, Ms Nunu Kgwarae said Ross 308 was well adaptive to Botswana climate and could be productive if well taken care of.

Currently, she explained that it was hatched at Ramaphate and could be supplied to farmers at zero days old.

Ms Kgwarae further explained to the producers that Ross 308 needed a warm house, clean water and enough food for optimum growth.

The breeding house, she noted, must have a concrete floor covered with a three centimetres deep treated saw dust, which she said was available at their warehouses.

The chicken house, she said must be well ventilated and must be facing from east to west.

On arrival the chicks must find water mixed with stress pack and they must drink the mixture for three days.

She also advised farmers to cover the chicken house with curtains to help with temperature regulation and air flow and also advised them to keep the chicken house clean as cleanliness helps to reduce mortality rates and illnesses.

Dr Benjamin Ditsele, a veterinarian, advised farmers to always monitor their chickens for any signs of sickness.

He informed them that chicken diseases were either transmitted by poor feeding or bacteria and virus.

Some of the diseases that are prevalent are infectious bronchitis, Newcastle and Gambro.

He further advised farmers to always remove wet spots from the saw dust, maintain proper temperatures.

Some of the signs of sickness are diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, inactiveness and stunted growth.

In addition, Dr Ditsele urged farmers to feed their chickens according to their age toensure optimal growth, less mortality rates and no risk of nutritional sicknesses.

He also advised them to feed their broilers either pellets or crumbs as mash was not good for broilers.

For chickens between 0-14 days, he said they should mainly feed them starter crumbs and as for chickens between 15-25 days they must be fed grower crumbs or pellets.

From 16-35 days, he said they must be fed finisher crumbs or pellets and slaughtering be done at 35 days old.

He also advised the producers to form associations and diversify their business by making use of government schemes available to farmers.

Further, he encouraged them to have proper record keeping for their daily activities as that would help them have a track record of everything happening within the farm.

Farmers also shared their experiences, ideas and advised one another on how best to treat their chicks from zero days until slaughtering stage. ENDS