Poultry Mathematics, 3rd Edition 3u6l5o

Grandeur Africa Limited, P.O. Box 47157-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. [email protected] Website: www.grandeurafrica.com +254724526976/+254722522168. Hydroponics, Vertical farming, Yoghurt, Biofuels (Biogas/Biodiesel)

POULTRY MATHEMATICS (3RD EDITION)

It is first important to state that poultry farming is easily manageable if one is careful in lowering the production costs. In our experience, we have noted that even the indigenous (Kienyeji) Chicken cannot do well on 100% hydroponic barley fodder let alone the exotic breeds. We recommend 70% barley fodder + 30%commercial feed as the best ratio for Kienyeji Chicken if doing free range or 50% hydroponic fodder if commercially farming where the chicken are normally caged. Exotic breeds (Layers and Broilers) do well on 30% barley fodder + 70% commercial feeds. The hydroponic barley fodder specifically suitable for chicken is 4

days old.

It is also recommended that a farmer adds about 15grams of Calcium (DiCalcium Phosphate, D.C.P.) to layers and laying Kienyeji chicken feed as they require it for shell formation. NOTE TO READER: The Prices quoted in this document are on the higher side and relate to the retail prices most farmers that acquired feeds between years 2015 and 2016 experienced.

(Please note that these costs are not inclusive of medical, transport or any miscellaneous costs) Indigenous Chicken (Kienyeji) – Especially Free Range

70% Hydroponic Barley fodder + 30% Commercial feeds Ration

A 70kg- bag of Kienyeji Mash costs 2,660/- (inclusive of V.A.T), hence 1kg costs 38/We will take the general assumption that ONE mature chicken is supposed to consume 130g of feed per day. 70% of 130g = 91g of barley fodder 30% of 130g = 39g of Kienyeji Mash Considering you have 100 Kienyeji chicken, this means that they will require: 91g X 100 = 9,100g (9.1kg) of barley fodder = 4kgs of barley seeds X 45/- = 180/39g X 100 = 3,900g (3.9kg) of commercial feeds = 3.9kgs X38/- = 148.20/A total of 328.20/- will be spent on 100 Kienyeji chicken per day when you supplement commercial feeds with hydroponic fodder.

100% commercial feeds on Kienyeji Chicken As earlier mentioned, 1Kg of Kienyeji Mash will cost you 38/-. Working with 100 chickens and each consuming 130g per day; 100chicken X 130g of feed = 13,000g (13kg) = 13kg X 38/- = 494/A total of 494/- will be spent per day to feed 100 Kienyeji chicken.

CONCLUSION: A farmer stands to save 165.80/- per day if he has 100chicken. This translates to 4,974/- per month (165.80/- X30days).

Broiler Chicken We will work with 100 Broiler Chicken here. 100% Commercial Feeds Method A 70kg- bag of Broiler Finisher Meal will cost you 3,250/- (inclusive of VAT). This therefore means 1kg costs 46/-. Considering the broilers will each take 130g of finisher meal per day, 100 chicken X 130g = 13,000g (13kg) = 13kg X 46/- = 598/A total of 598/- will be spent per day to feed 100 Broiler chicken.

30% Hydroponic barley fodder + 70% Commercial feeds Ration As earlier mentioned, 1Kg of Broiler Finisher Meal will cost you 46/Working with 100chickens and each consuming 130g per day; 30% of 130g = 39g of barley fodder 70% of 130g = 91g of Broiler Finisher Meal Therefore: 39g X 100 chicken = 3,900g (3.9kgs) of fodder = 2kgs of barley seeds X45/- = 90/91g X 100 chicken = 9,100g (9.1kgs) X 46/- = 418.60/A total of 508.60/- will be spent per day to feed 100 Broiler chicken.

CONCLUSION: A farmer stands to save 89.40/- per day if he has 100 Broiler chicken. This multiplied by 6-8 weeks (42-56days) will mean he saves 3,754.80/- to 5,006.40/for the entire period of growth.

Layers’ Chicken We are working with 100 Layers’ here. 100% Commercial Feeds Method A 70kg- bag of Layers’ Mash will cost you 2,650/- (inclusive of VAT). This therefore means 1kg costs 38/-. Considering the Layers’ each take 130g of Layers’ Mash per day,

100 chicken X 130g = 13,000g (13kg) = 13kg X 38/- = 494/A total of 494/- will be spent per day to feed 100 Layers’. 30% Hydroponic barley fodder + 70% Commercial feeds Ration As earlier mentioned, 1Kg of Layers’ Mash will cost you 38/Working with 100chickens and each consuming 130g per day; 30% of 130g = 39g of barley fodder 70% of 130g = 91g of Layers’ Mash Therefore: 39g X 100 chicken = 3,900g (3.9kgs) of fodder = 2kgs of barley seeds X 45/- = 90/91g X 100 chicken = 9,100g (9.1kgs) X 38/- = 345.80/A total of 435.80/- will be spent per day to feed 100 Layers’.

CONCLUSION: A farmer stands to save 58.20/- per day if he has 100 Layers’. Considering these layers are fed for 18months (540days) after they start laying eggs, this then translates to a saving of 31,428/- for 18months, not taking to the period before they start laying eggs. ***NB: For a farmer doing commercial farming of indigenous chicken, a feeding ratio of 50% mash and 50% hydroponic barley fodder is highly recommended to ensure faster growth.***. Making your own feeds, investing in feed mixers and sourcing raw materials in bulk are some of the ways to cut down on the cost of feeds. We have seen most people reduce the cost of feeding by 40% just by introducing hydroponic fodder in their feed rations. Those making their own feeds find the cost reducing further than 40%. With those few remarks, I hope you will make an informed choice on the feeding methods appropriate for your case. Thank You. Compiled by: SAMUEL MBUGUA. Product Advisor, Grandeur Africa Ltd.