Introduction to Poultry Production in the Tropics

Study Notes

This book is for students in agriculture and veterinary medicine, and for prospective poultry farmers, focusing on tropical conditions.
It details poultry production, including housing, equipment, feeding, breeding, incubation, hatchery management, production of broilers, egg-laying chickens, ducks, and other minor poultry.
A chapter on poultry diseases and prevention is included.
Gratefulness is expressed to the University of the Philippines System for the opportunity to write the book.
Gratitude is acknowledged to the contributing authors from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster, and the College of Veterinary Medicine for their contributions.

The term "poultry" refers to domesticated birds used for human needs, mainly food.
Chicken, duck, goose, turkey, guinea fowl, pigeon, pheasant and ostrich are recognized poultry species.
Table 1.1 summarizes the scientific names, origins, and primary uses of these poultry birds.

Chicken, originating in Southeast Asia, has been domesticated for around 6,000 BC.
The Mallard duck was domesticated in China around 2,500 BC.
Muscovy ducks originated in South America before the Columbus era.
Turkey is from the Americas before the Columbus era.
Other poultry species like goose, quail, pigeons, and guinea fowl are also discussed.

Poultry production is primarily for food, but some are also pets, ornaments, or game birds.
Poultry meat and eggs are globally consumed, and not determined by religious beliefs.
Feathers are used for stuffing pillows and jackets.

Archaeological evidence shows humans have domesticated birds for thousands of years, starting with chickens around 6,000 BC.
Multiple breeds and varieties of poultry developed over time through human selection of desirable characteristics focused either towards meat or egg-production.
Many pure breeds of chickens almost disappeared but only a few were maintained and are now hybridized.
In the past two decades, the world's poultry industry has changed in meat production significantly compared to the production of eggs.

Developing countries began to surpass developed countries in poultry meat output by 1998.
Poultry meat output reached 80 million tons globally in 2005.
Top broiler producers in 2004 included the USA, Brazil, the European Union, Mexico, and India.
Asia accounts for a significant portion of global duck and goose production.

Poultry is one of the most popular farm animals in the Philippines.
Poultry are raised in both large commercial operations and small backyard farms.
Chicken is the most prevalent poultry species, with estimated populations as of 2005 for various farm types.
Filipino chicken consumption is significant.

The poultry industry contributes significantly to the economy, with production value exceeding P75 billion (2000) and surpassing P118 billion in 2008.

The poultry industry is complex, involving feed production, distribution, processing, marketing, and more.
Millions of Filipinos depend directly or indirectly on the poultry industry.

Climate factors influence poultry production including: heat, humidity, rainfall, and flooding. These create conditions suitable for pathogens and parasites, which increase mortality rates.

New technologies in feed, including improved corn types, and housing designs are improving conditions.
Breeds with better tolerance to tropical climates are being developed.
International trade helps fill the supply gap in case production decreases in the tropics.
Measures are taken for animal welfare and standards of production.

Increased population and demand, preference for higher food quality, safety, and organic products, and the opportunities presented by these preferences directly affect poultry meat and egg production.

Discusses various factors critical for housing design in the tropics, which includes housing design, temperature, humidity, ventilation, predators, flock health, and safety.
Discusses features of different types of houses for various stages of chick development, including brooding, growing, and laying.