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?
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Denne historien er fra April 22 & 29, 2022 - Double Issue-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
