Two of the most important pillars of successful poultry farming are hygiene and nutrition. These determine whether your production is profitable and sustainable — or whether you struggle with high mortality and low returns.
In this post, we’ll look at how poultry farmers can reduce disease risks, improve feed efficiency, and boost growth rates, drawing lessons from farmers and experts at CKL Africa.
Why Hygiene Matters in Poultry Farming
Diseases are one of the biggest threats to poultry farmers. For instance, one farmer shared how he lost over 500 broiler chickens in a single outbreak of Gumboro disease. Such losses can wipe out profits overnight.
To minimize risks, farmers should focus on strict hygiene practices:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the chicken house after every flock.
- Leaving the shed empty (rest period) for at least one week before introducing new chicks.
- Regular disinfection of feeders and drinkers.
- Spraying or disinfecting before entering the poultry house.
Pro Tip: Instead of spraying shoes, install a foot bath with disinfectant at the entrance of your chicken house. For example:
- Foot bath: Mix 100 ml of Cooperite in 10 L of water.
- Cleaning feeders/drinkers: Mix 10 ml in 30 L of water.
- Cleaning the shed: Mix 25 ml in 20 L of water.
This creates a biosecure environment that prevents disease-carrying pathogens from spreading.
Feeding for Better Weight Gain
For broiler farmers, profitability depends on how quickly and efficiently birds gain weight. Farmers typically start chicks with chick crumbs, gradually transition them to pellets, and then finish with pellets only.
However, not all the feed chickens eat is absorbed. To improve feed efficiency, CKL Africa recommends supplementing with:
- Diamond V – supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Nourish (Nroy) – provides key enzymes to aid feed breakdown.
How to Mix Supplements into Feed
- Take 4 kg of chicken feed.
- Add 8 teaspoons of Diamond V and 1 teaspoon of Nroy.
- Mix thoroughly by turning with a spade at least six times.
- Repeat until your 50 kg bag of feed is evenly supplemented.
With this approach, farmers can expect:
- Uniform growth across the flock.
- Consistent daily weight gain.
- Healthier, more market-ready birds.
Biosecurity: Protecting Your Investment
Good feed and vaccines mean little if your poultry house is exposed. To strengthen biosecurity:
- Fence off the poultry shed to prevent people and animals from wandering near the flock.
- Maintain the foot bath at all times.
- Regularly monitor for early signs of disease.
These small but vital measures help protect your investment and secure steady income.
Final Thoughts
Poultry farming success boils down to hygiene, nutrition, and biosecurity. By disinfecting properly, vaccinating, supplementing feed with proven products like Diamond V and Nroy, and securing the poultry house, farmers can reduce losses and maximize growth.
The result? Healthier flocks, higher weights, and better profits.
