How does a chicken’s physiology and social nature influence the choice of feed?
DR ELSJE PIETERSE (EP): The chicken is a single-stomached animal, so high-fibre diets are not digested and can reduce performance. It’s not a grazer, and although it will feed on young growth on grazing, this cannot be the primary source of nutrients. A chicken requires highly digestible, well-balanced feed with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, energy and amino acids (proteins).
BRETT ROOSENDAAL (BR): Poultry are sensitive to temperature, light, access to water and feed, type of housing, and conditions that may cause stress, such as stocking density. The cornerstone of chicken nutrition is attaining high voluntary feed intake of a diet that provides the prerequisite quantities of nutrients and energy daily.
Which diseases and conditions are chickens sensitive to, and how can diet improve this?
EP: A well-fed chicken kept in a proper environment will have a healthy immune system and will not get sick as easily as a malnourished, poorly managed bird. Chickens can get respiratory infections, digestive upsets, and inflammation and infections associated with injuries.
BR: Diet is fundamental to the majority of these diseases, either through the addition of functional ingredients to target specific disease status, or basic construction of the diet formulation that mitigates many of the disease conditions encountered.
Many diseases lead to a reduction in feed intake, which results in underperformance. Diagnosing a health problem accurately, together with good nutrition, is imperative for sustainable poultry production. Are growth hormones or antibiotics added to chicken feed?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 22 & 29, 2022 - Double Issue-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 22 & 29, 2022 - Double Issue-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
