With the rising cost of poultry feeds, farmers rearing chickens are increasingly finding it difficult to make profit from poultry keeping. While it is difficult for farmers to formulate feeds for hybrid chickens such as broilers and layers, they can do so for their indigenous chickens or dual-purpose breeds such as the improved kienyeji chicken, Kuroiler chicken, Kenbro chicken etc under intensive management system. However, this is only possible if farmers have the right quality of ingredients or raw material for formulating feeds. There are various formulas out there but almost all of them makes use of Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) as the basic nutritional requirement for feed. The most common ingredients used are whole maize, maize germ, cotton seed cake, soya beans, sunflower or omena (fishmeal). Assuming that the farmer wants to make feed for their chickens using the Pearson Square method, they have to know the crude protein content of each of the ingredients used in feed making. The farmer may use whole maize (8.23 % DCP) Soya (45 % DCP) Omena (55 % DCP) and maize bran (7 % DCP) Sunflower (35 % DCP). To make a 70 kg bag of feed for LAYERS, a farmer would require the following ingredients: 34 kg of whole maize 12 kg of Soya 8 kg of omena 10 kg of maize bran 6 kg of Lime (as a calcium source) Each category of chickens has its own requirements in terms of nutrition. For example, feed for layers should have at least 18 per cent crude protein. If one were to formulate feed for layers, then they would have to calculate the percentage of digestible crude protein in each of the ingredients to ensure that the total crude protein content is at least 18 per cent to meet this nutritional requirement. To find out if the feed meets this standard, a farmer can do a simple calculation as follows: Whole maize = 34 kg x 8.23 ÷100 = 2.80kg Soya bean = 12 kg x 45 ÷ 100 = 5.40 kg
Omena = 8 kg x 55 ÷ 100 = 4.40 kg Maize bran = 10 kg x 7 ÷ 100 = 0.70 kg Lime = 6 kg x 0 ÷ 100 = 0.00 kg(Total crude protein 13.30 kg) To get the total crude protein content of all these ingredients in a 70 kg bag, you take the total crude protein content of the combined ingredients, divide by 70 and multiply by 100 thus, (13.30÷70) x 100 = 19.0 %. This shows that the crude protein percentage in the above feed formulation is 19.0 % which is suitable for layers. Before mixing the feed, whole maize including the other ingredients has to be broken into the right sizes through crushing or milling to make it palatable for the chickens. Add 250 g of table salt on every 70 kg bag of feed. Feed for chickens meant for meat Chickens meant for meat production require feed with a higher content of DCP. From the first to the fourth week, the chicks require feed with a DCP content of between 22 to 24 per cent. From the fourth to the eighth week, the chicks require feed with a protein content of 21 to 22 per cent crude protein. To attain this requirement, farmers can formulate feed using the same method given above. To make a 70 kg bags of feed, they will need to have all the right the ingredients in the proportions given below: Whole maize = 40 kg x 8.23 ÷ 100 = 3.20kg Omena = 12 kg x 55 ÷ 100 = 6.60 kg Soya beans = 14 kg x 45 ÷ 100 = 6.30 kg Lime = 4 kg x 0 ÷ 100 = 0.00 kg(Total crude protein 16.10 kg) To determine if a 70 kg bag of feed has adequate crude protein content for birds meant for meat production, the same methods is used: (16. 10 ÷ 70) x 100 = 23 %. The feed given in this example has a total crude protein content of 23 % which is adequate to feed chicken in this category.
In every 70 kg bag of feed, add 250g of table salt. Feed for Improved kienyeji chickens Indigenous chickens are less productive in terms of egg and meat increase. They may not require intensive feeding and management. For this category of chickens, farmers can constitute feeds with a DCP of between 15 – 16 %. They can use the following formulation to make feeds for the indigenous chickens: Whole maize = 34 kg x 8.23 ÷100 = 2.80 kg Soya bean = 12 kg x 45 ÷ 100 = 5.40 kg Omena = 8 kg x 55 ÷ 100 = 4.40 kg Maize bran = 10 kg x 7 ÷ 100 = 0.70 kg Lime = 6 kg x 0 100 = 0.00 kg (Total crude protein 13.30 kg) Percentage of total crude Protein in the ingredients = (10.68 ÷70) x 100 = 15.25 % For farmers rearing hybrid layers and broilers, it is advisable to buy already constituted feeds from reputable companies that sell quality feed. The main reason is that it is very difficult for farmers to constitute micronutrients such as amino-acids, trace minerals, fat and water soluble vitamins that these breeds of chicken require for proper growth. Some tips on how to feed chicken An egg-laying chicken requires 130 g of feed per day (provide clean water at all times). • 1 chick requires 2.2 kg of feed for 8 weeks (thus 100 chicks = 2.2 kg x 100=220 kg. Chicks should be allowed to feed continuously and given adequate clean water at all times). If they finish their daily rations, give them fruit and vegetables cuttings to feed on.
• 1 pullet (young chicken about to start laying) should be fed 4.5 kg of feed for two and a half months until the first egg is seen. It should then be put on layer diet. Supplement with vegetables, edible plant leaves or fruits peelings in addition to the daily feed rations. • All ingredients used must be of high quality and palatable. Never use rotten maize (Maozo). Chickens are very susceptible to aflatoxins poisoning. • When using omena as an ingredient, ensure it is free of sand and seashells. Ifyou use maize germ, it should be completely dry. • Feed should be thoroughly mixed to ensure the ingredients are uniformly distributed. It is preferable to use a drum mixer instead of a spade for mixing. • Note that even after giving them the formulated feeds, chickens should be put on free range to scavenge for other micronutrients not provided for in the feeds.

As kienyeji chickens become more and more popular in Kenya, more and more breeds are entering the market.These improved breeds have higher productivity than the local kienyeji breeds. They have been bred for certain purposes. As a farmer, it is important to take advantage of the different kienyeji chicken breed’s characteristics to fit your purposes. For example, If you are keeping chickens for meat, a rainbow rooster gains faster weight than the improved KARI and kuroiler breeds. Here are some of the improved kienyeji breeds;

KARI kienyeji: This was bred from a range of indigenous chickens in Kenya by KARI (now KARLO) Naivasha. There are five distinct types distinguished by their colours (Table 2)

Kuroiler: This breed entered Kenya from Uganda but originates from India

Kenbro: This is a Kenchick breed

The rainbow rooster: This is a multi-coloured breed originating from India .

Here is a summarized table showing different kienyeji chicken breeds with their characteristics:

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Improved KARI indigenous chickens come in five different colours; spotted, white, black, brown and multi-coloured. They have the following characteristics;

When starting on improved indigenous chicken business, consider the above characteristics and choose the breed that best suits your purpose. Ensure that you get your breeds from certified breeders for pure breeds.

Much Regards

James M

EPIC CHICKS: ABOUT US
OUR COMING TO BE WAS TO PROVIDE AN ALL ROUND SOLUTION TO POULTRY FARMING IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE OF SKILLS
Epichicks limited is a poultry company which was established years ago. Epichicks deals with supply of latest egg incubators of different sizes, capacities, brands and origin. We also deal with supply of chicks, chicks cages, layer cages fitted with automated brooding and water system. We also supply the latest breed of chicks, i.e improved kienyeji, kari, kuroilers, kenbrow and rainbow roasters.
We do also supply brooding equipment like brooder lamps, modern brooding jiko, feeders and drinkers and vaccines.
Our approach system is solution from the problem points of view
Epichicks Company Limited is a company that seeks to provide solution to all questions of poultry farmers hence the establishment. We came into the market with a major aim of ensuring poultry farming becomes easy, enjoyable and also profitable to our farmers. Epichicks is committed to always give the best to our customers in terms of quality and quantity. We are also very effective and efficient concerning delivery of ordered good to our customers free delivery, warranty and after sales services and every technical support and poultry market to our customers
Our solution starts from making sure that customers get knowledge and skills from our free training and consultancy programs to our reliable step by step walk with the customers, selling to them a quality and reliable product and connecting the customers to the wide market network locally and international . Day by day advice and follow-up of our customers progress for our customers number one friends and main business concern is them.
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OUR POULTRY SOLUTIONS
1. Disease Management
An outbreak of avian influenza, Newcastle disease or any other number of diseases has the potential to devastate the poultry industry. An outbreak of avian influenza in a clustered chicken meat farming region could potentially wipe out the industry.

This is a rather sobering message. In recent years, we have experienced a trend of increased outbreaks of avian influenza associated with free-range poultry, turkeys, layers and ducks. To date, these have been relatively isolated occurrences, readily controlled and eradicated, but still of significant cost to both industry and government. Such a trend cannot be sustained.
A similar outbreak in a clustered intensive meat poultry production area would have severe economic, consumer and regulatory consequences for the entire poultry industry.
What can free range growers do to manage this risk?
The good news is that an effective and implemented biosecurity plan for free-range flocks will significantly reduce the risk of an exotic disease outbreak. There is a common misconception that free range farms are by nature poor biosecurity enterprises. In fact, most biosecurity principles can be effectively implemented to both closed shed as well as open free-range systems.
However the unique and specific challenges posed by free-range production must be addressed, to ensure the continued growth and viability of the industry.
These include shedding and personnel standards, vermin control, dead bird and waste disposal, feed management, water quality, exclusion of wild and domestic animals and equipment, vehicle and shed hygiene procedures.
Free-range birds have access to an outdoor range and are potentially exposed to additional biosecurity risks and diseases, the most significant being wild birds, rodents, wild animals and airborne transmission of infectious agents.
As a result, diseases such as avian influenza, infectious laryngotracheitis, histomoniasis, helminths, coccidiosis and food safety pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter may occur at a higher frequency in poorly-managed free range poultry farms.
All of these are controllable with effective range biosecurity.
The most significant biosecurity risks in a free-range operation are:
• wild birds
• rodents
• wild animals
• airborne infection
Tips to protect your free-range farm from disease
Range management
1. Maintain the range in a clean and tidy condition.
2. Grass should be kept short, as long grass attracts wild birds and rodents onto the range, and favours the survival of viruses and bacteria.
3. Do not plant vegetation on the range which attracts wild birds. For example, avoid fruit bearing trees and shrubs. Consult a horticulturalist for assistance.
4. The best shade structures are sails and shade-cloth as these tend to scare away wild birds when they flap in the wind.
5. Do not provide feed on the range as this attracts birds and rodents. Always clean up feed spills around silos immediately. Isolate silos from range areas.
6. No visitors should be allowed access to the range area.
7. Keep ranges free of surface water including pools, puddles, dams and waterways.
8. The range must be well-drained. Do not allow free-standing water to collect. Water for range irrigation must be treated to drinking water standard.
9. There must be secure fencing of the range to prevent access to domestic animals, including dogs and cats and wild animals such as foxes, wallabies and wombats etc. Many wild animals carry Salmonella and Caampylobacter.
10. Secured rodent baiting stations should be placed at 10-metre intervals around the range perimeter fence and around the shed. Baits should be checked weekly and replaced every two to four weeks, depending on vermin activity patterns. Make sure the baits you select are approved for outdoor use.
Airborne transmission
11. New free-range farms should be sited away from other poultry enterprises, preferably in low-density poultry farming areas
12. Strategic planting of trees and large shrubs can be used to filter and block airborne spread. Try to avoid trees which are attractive to wild birds
Wild birds (particularly waterfowl)
Wild birds represent the most serious disease risk to the free-range poultry industry, and water attracts birds and animals to the range areas.
13. There should preferably be no dams, waterways, rivers or lakes in the vicinity of free range sheds
14. New farms should be located away from dams, rivers, lakes etc.
15. Remove or drain non-essential dams and other water sources
16. Install bird scaring systems, e.g. auditory, visual deterrents
17. Shade sails act as a deterrent to wild birds on the range
18. Waterfowl MUST NOT have access to your flock’s drinking water, for example water storage tanks.
A risk assessment should be conducted to determine the level of risk a particular farm has to exposure to wild birds and other sources of disease. High-risk farms are those that are:
• in or close to a cluster of intensive poultry growing farms
• in the vicinity of a dam, river, lake or other body of water. Generally farms within 3km of a water body which is frequented by large numbers of waterfowl would be considered a higher risk.
• If free-range farms are in an area of intensive poultry population, and waterfowl are identified as having access to the range, the range should be netted.
For new free-range farms:
19. Site the farm away from intensive shedded poultry populations
20. New farms should preferably not be built in the vicinity of dams, lakes, rivers or other water-bodies. If waterfowl habitat is within one kilometre of the free range farm, the range should be netted.
Summary
• Good biosecurity practices can be just as effective on free range farms as they are in intensive poultry farming systems
• You can protect your farm and your industry by adopting pretty simple yet effective strategies to prevent disease from entering your farm
• In addition to the ‘National Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers’ and the NSW biosecurity guidelines for free range poultry farms, free range farmers should adopt the 20 guidelines listed in this article to manage and prevent the additional biosecurity risks associated with free range systems.

2. Poultry Consultancy
3. Machine operation
4. Poultry Farming Training
5. Marketing
6.
OUR EQUIPMENT
1. Egg Incubators
2. Cages
3. Feeders & drinkers
4. Brooders lamps & pots
5. Defeathering machines
6. Machine spare parts