Animal production is a branch of science that involves continuous growth and transformation of the livestock sector that includes raising of animals for meat, fiber, milk, leather, eggs, or other products which in return focuses on improving Livestock production & poultry. It offers substantial opportunities for agricultural development, food security gains, and improved human nutrition.
The techniques of Animal breeding, genetics, and genomics help in identified elements within genes that can enhance animal growth, health, and ability to utilize nutrients which in return increases production while reducing environmental impacts.
Monitoring animal health and preventing animal disease leads to the following results:
- Good quality of life and improved animal well-being
- Healthy livestock with full production potential
- Nutritious and safe food supply
- Higher farm productivity
- Reduced environmental impacts
- Reduced use of antibiotics
The word Poultry can be defined as domestic fowls that include raising of chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks for the production of meat, eggs, and flesh to be used as food. Chickens raised for eggs are known as layers, while chickens raised for meat are called broilers.
The major ingredients in poultry diets provide the protein and energy required for poultry to maintain health, grow, and produce eggs.
Poultry Health:
- Biosecurity: This refers to the measures taken to prevent the spread of disease in a poultry flock
- Blood Spot Eggs: This refers to the presence of blood spots in the Egg which is believed to be occurred due to the stress level of the hens. The stress factors are related to poor housing, inadequate feed, and water, etc. The other reasons could be the reduced activity level, age, vitamin balance, and genetics of the Hen.
- Other Common Poultry Diseases: these include the below diseases;
o Diseases of the respiratory system
o Diseases of the nervous system
o Diseases affecting the intestinal system
o Causes of lameness
o Diseases affecting the skin
o Disease affecting the immune system
o Conditions affecting the reproductive system
o Metabolic diseases and conditions
