ISSN: 2474-8846
Authors: Gelle SJ*, Mbugua PN and Maina JG
Reduced land sizes, increased demand for food and employment creation are drivers for increased intensive poultry production in Kenya. Intensification of production is likely to compromise the welfare of birds raised for egg production (layers). There is therefore need to determine the welfare status of layers in smallholder farms in Kenya. This study was conducted in Kabete Sub-county of Kiambu County in Kenya, covering Muguga, Nyathuna and Kabete wards. Data was collected from 135 randomly selected farms comprising of 54, 55, and 26 from Muguga, Nyathuna and Kabete, respectively. One laying flock in each household was studied. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on feeding, housing, health and behaviour of layers. Measurements were taken to determine stocking densities, feeding, watering, perching and nesting spaces, house temperature and litter depth. Observations were made to assess house ammonia levels, litter quality and foot pad dermatitis. In each ward a focus group discussion with farmers was held. Focus group discussion was also held with extension agents. Hen-day egg production was the same (p>0.05) in the three wards, with a mean of 80±12%. Water and feed were provided throughout the day by 100 and 80% of the farmers, respectively. The mean feed consumption was 115.2±15.7 g/bird/day, which was the same (p>0.05) in the three wards. The mean feeding space was 10.4±3.0 cm/bird while the linear watering space was 2.5±0.7 cm/bird. Similar stocking densities (p > 0.05) of 10±3, 10±3 and 11±3 birds/m2 were found in Muguga, Nyathuna and Kabete, respectively. Similar poultry house temperatures (p>0.05) of 24.6±2.3, 24.4±2.2 and 22.9±2.9oC were recorded in Muguga, Nyathuna and Kabete, respectively. Ammonia level was not a problem in 64% of the houses studied. In 70% of the layer houses the litter moisture content was acceptable (dry). A small proportion of farmers (24%) provided perches for the layers. Similar perching space (p>0.05) of 7.1±5.8, 12±11, 12±8.7 cm/bird was recorded in Muguga, Nyathuna and Kabete, respectively. About 37% of the farmers reported occurrence of diseases such as New Castle, gumboro, fowl pox and fowl typhoid. All farmers provided laying nests, but none of them provided sand bathing facilities. For control of cannibalism, 63% of the farmers provided fresh green vegetables to the birds for pecking. In conclusion, welfare needs in terms of good feeding, house temperature, and litter quality were met. However the stocking density was high and there was minimum attemptto provide facilities for normal behaviour (perches and sand bathing boxes). The overall assessment was that the welfare of the birds was compromised because some of their requirements were not met.
Keywords: Appropriate Behaviour; Feeding; Health; Housing
