DISEASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF BROILER FARMERS IN OWERRI WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine disease management practices of broiler farmers in Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo state. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 60 broiler farmers for the study. Structured questionnaire was carefully developed and used for data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics using frequency distribution and percentages. Results showed that intensive system of management on deep litter was the most popular (66.67%) system, Majority of the farmers (61.66%) use wood shavings as litter material and also (50.00%) changed their litter covering every 2months while 55.00% allowed a maximum of 25 to 42days resting period for pens before restocking. Again most of the farms restrict visitors in and around their farms as a bio security measure. All
farmers perform routine vaccination of their birds and identified loss of appetite as the major sign of ill health among birds. Again majority of the farmers (38.33%) store poultry waste in bags. Incidence of selloff of sick bird was revealed as a measure applied in handling sick bird. The results indicate that the management practices by broiler farmers in the study area will help reduce the high mortality rates that have plagued the industry in recent times by keeping diseases infestation to a minimal.