Ugandan poultry farmers encouraged to adopt modern brooding to reduce chick mortality
Farmers are being urged to switch to advanced brooding methods to reduce chick deaths. Research shows at least 5% of chicks die in the early stages, causing financial setbacks.
UGANDA – Poultry farmers in Uganda are being advised to use modern brooding techniques to lower chick mortality rates and minimize financial losses.
Studies indicate that at least 5% of chicks die during the brooding stage, affecting farmers’ productivity.
However, farms like Kande Poultry Farm, located in Kikondo village near Semuto Town Council in Nakaseke District, have reduced these losses to between 0% and 1.5% by installing a modern cage system.
The farm, which occupies 21 acres, began operations in 2015 with 2,000 chicks and has since expanded to accommodate 110,000 chickens using an advanced cage system.
According to Rosemary Namayanja Nsereko, the farm’s director, many farmers still rely on traditional charcoal stoves for brooding, which often leads to overcrowding as chicks struggle for warmth, increasing their risk of death.
She added that poor management, including overcrowding during feeding and unsanitary brooding conditions, also contributes to high mortality rates.
To counter these issues, Kande Poultry Farm installed automated brooders, each with the capacity to hold 40,000 birds, providing controlled heating and improved sanitation.
Namayanja emphasized that proper breeding, adequate nutrition, and good management are essential for farmers who want to succeed in the poultry business.
She also noted that by adopting modern techniques, the farm has obtained international food safety certification, allowing it to supply eggs to United Nations agencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Farmers Encouraged to Improve Disease Control
Namayanja, who is also the Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), shared these insights on Sunday while hosting members of the Seventh Day Adventists Church Billionaire Celestial Club.
The group visited the farm to learn about modern poultry farming practices.
Emmanuel Obwori, Kande Poultry Farm’s operational manager, stated that many farmers suffer losses due to preventable diseases linked to poor vaccination and outdated brooding techniques.
He advised farmers to seek guidance from experienced poultry keepers and adopt modern chick-rearing methods to reduce mortality.
James Kayita, chairperson of the Seventh Day Adventists Billionaire Celestial Club, noted that a lack of awareness about modern brooding practices continues to affect many farmers.
He pointed out that Kande Poultry Farm’s success demonstrates that poultry farming can be a profitable venture when the right techniques are applied.
Industry Outlook
Uganda’s poultry industry has grown significantly in recent years, with the country’s chicken population reaching 57.8 million in 2021, up from 37.4 million in 2008.
Indigenous chickens make up 69.9% of the total, while exotic and cross-breed chickens account for 30.1%.
Experts say that embracing modern farming techniques could further improve productivity and profitability across the sector.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
