GULU UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND RANGE
MANAGEMENT
COURSE UNIT: POULTRY PRODUCTION
COURSE CODE: AAP 2121
TASK: GROUP COURSEWORK
GROUP ONE MEMBERS
NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER SIGN MARKS
1 AKWIR PRISCILLA 23/U/2589/GSA/PS
MARYGRACE
2 OPWONYA JAMES 23/U/2658/GSA/PS
3 OKELLO RONALD 23/U/2647/GSA/PS
4 PICHAN ALLAN 23/U/2663/GSA/PS
5 ADONGO MONICA 23/U/2545/GSA/PS
6 NAFULA DOREEN 22/U/0659/GUA/PS
7 WAISWA JOHN PAUL 22/U/1876/GUA
8 KIGGUNDU JESSE SSALI 22/U/2081/GUA/PS

1.0 INTRODUCTION: GROUP ONE

 Definition of poultry; examples of poultry; importance of poultry farming; advantages of
poultry farming
 Overview of poultry industry in Uganda: Dominant poultry species in Uganda; Two main
classes of chickens kept in Uganda (Local/indigenous chickens; Commercial/exotic
chickens) and their characteristics.
 Development of commercial chickens (modern hybrids):
 Heavy lines, characteristics and examples with diagrams
 Egg production lines, characteristics and examples with diagrams
.

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POULTRY.
Poultry refers to domesticated birds that are raised for their meat, eggs, or feathers. This
category includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and sometimes other birds like quail and
pheasants. Poultry farming is a significant part of agriculture in many parts of the world due
to the birds' economic value and their role in providing a major source of protein.

Note: Domesticated/ Domestication

This refers to the process by which wild animals are selectively bred over many generations
to produce offspring with desirable traits. It also allows humans to control and manage the
behavior, reproduction and overall wellbeing of certain animal species.

Examples of poultry.

Quails

Chicken.

Turkeys

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Geese.

Ducks

Pigeons

Guinea fowls

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Ostriches

Importance of poultry farming.

i. Direct employment
Many people are directly engaged in poultry production, where by majority of whom
are small holder and women.
ii. Indirect employment
A substantial number of people are engaged in poultry related businesses e.g.
chicken roasting, “Rolex” making, restaurants, hotels, and transportation
iii. Foreign exchange earnings
Uganda earns foreign exchange revenue from the export of eggs, poultry meat and
day -old chicks.
iv. Nutritional Benefits
 Protein Source: Poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks, is a
significant source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth, repair,
and overall health.
 Vitamins and Minerals: Poultry meat and eggs are rich in vitamins (like B12
and riboflavin) and minerals (such as iron and zinc), which are vital for
various bodily functions..
v. Manure
Poultry manure can be used as a valuable fertilizer, reducing waste and supporting
agricultural practices.
vi. Sports
Poultry are used for social-cultural activities in the sports arena they are used for
entertainment for instance, in cock fighting.
vii. Food Security

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  Affordable Protein: Poultry is generally more affordable than other types of
meat, making it a crucial part of the diet for people in many countries.
 Scalability: Poultry farming can be scaled up or down depending on demand,
helping to stabilize food supply and prices.
viii. Economic Impact
 Income and Employment: Poultry farming provides livelihoods for millions of
people worldwide. It supports jobs in farming, processing, distribution, and retail.
 Economic Growth: The poultry industry contributes to the economy by
generating revenue through the sale of meat and eggs, and by creating business
opportunities in related sectors.
ix. Traditions:
Traditional engagements and weddings and making ornaments from poultry feathers
e.g. e airings. Poultry is a staple in many traditional cuisines around the world,
contributing to cultural diversity and culinary heritage.
x. Research and Development.
xi. Disease Management: Advances in poultry farming have led to better disease
management and control practices, improving animal health and food safety.
xii. Breeding and Genetics: Ongoing research in poultry genetics has led to the
development of breeds with improved growth rates, disease resistance, and feed
efficiency.

Advantages of poultry farming.

1. High Productivity

 Rapid Growth Rates: Poultry, especially broiler chickens, have fast growth rates,
allowing for quicker turnaround times from hatching to market readiness.

 Frequent Egg Production: Laying hens provide a regular and consistent supply of eggs,
which can be harvested daily.

2. Cost Efficiency

 Lower Feed Costs: Poultry often requires less feed compared to other livestock,
translating to lower production costs.

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 Less Space Needed: Poultry farming can be done in smaller spaces compared to cattle or
pig farming, making it feasible for small-scale operations.

3. Nutritional Benefits

 Protein-Rich Food: Poultry meat and eggs are excellent sources of high-quality protein,
which is crucial for growth and health.

 Essential Nutrients: Poultry products provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as B
vitamins, iron, and zinc.

4. Flexibility and Scalability

 Adaptable Farming: Poultry farming can be adapted to various scales, from small
backyard operations to large commercial farms, making it accessible to a wide range of
farmers.
 Diverse Production: Poultry farming includes various types such as broilers for meat,
layers for eggs, and specialty breeds, offering flexibility in production.
5. Income Generation: It offers a steady income source for farmers, particularly in rural
areas where alternative employment options might be limited.
6. Efficient Feed Conversion: Poultry convert feed into meat and eggs more efficiently
than many other animals, reducing the environmental footprint per unit of protein
produced.
7. Manure Utilization: Poultry manure can be used as a fertilizer, promoting nutrient
recycling and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers

THE OVERVIEW OF POULTRY INDUSTRY IN UGANDA.

The poultry industry in Uganda is an emerging industry in the livestock sector within the
country's agriculture.

Below are some of the key stake holders of the poultry industry.

1. Food and Agriculture Oorganization

2. Africa Sustainable Livestock 2050 (ASL2050) programme

3. Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)

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 4. Ministry of Health

5. Ministry of Water and Environment

Note:

The poultry sector contributes less to the overall supply of meat (about 65
metric tons), but households throughout the country keep flocks of birds as
their livelihoods.

Chickens are the most popular domesticated animal in Uganda and provide a
regular source of meat and eggs to a large share of the population.

As of 2018 livestock contributed 5% to the national GDP and 17% to the agricultural GDP,
contributing to food security, nutrition, and economic development.

Case study is on Chicken.

 Over 40% of the country population living in households produce chicken meat in
Uganda (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations., 2018)
 The flock of egg laying hens in 2021 was estimated to be 6.4 million. This doubled from
2008 where the number was estimated to be 3.2 million.(UBOS, 2024)

 The national chicken flock size was 57.8 million in 2021 compared to 37.4 million
chickens recorded in NLC 2008: hence registering an increase of 54.5 % in the chicken
population.

Among these, 69.9 % of the chicken population were Indigenous, while 30.1 % were exotic.
(UBOS, 2024).

 Indigenous chicken population increased by 23 percent to 40.4 million in 2021 from 32.8
million in 2008.
 Exotic chicken population increased by three (3) times to 17.4 million in 2021 from 4.6
million in 2008

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Other Poultry species (Ducks, Turkeys, Ostriches, Geese, Guinea Fowls, etc.)

 Total population was 5.1 million, of which 3.3 million were ducks and 737 thousand
were turkeys, among others.

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 A table outlining some of the dominant poultry species in Uganda

Breed Local photo

Type
synonyms
1 Local Uganda Balck and red Nganda, Nsoga,
breeds Nkore

Uganda short legged Nyoro

Uganda brown Nganda, Nsoga,

nkore
Chicken

Nsesere Enseera

Teso chicken

Uganda red Nkooki, Nganda,

Nsoga, Nkore

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 Uganda white

Kroilers

Rainbow

Duo
2 (improved
Breeds)

Sasso

Cobb 500
Exotic –
3 Hubbard
Broiler
Ross
4 Exotic – Issa brown
Layer

Issex

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 Bovan Brown

Shaver

Hubbard

Ugandan black turkey Teso

(broad brested bronze)

1 Local

Exotic White meat turkey

Turkey

2
White Holland,

Bourbon Red

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 belts- ville small white

Broad breasted white

Broad Brested Bronze

Ugandan duck Teso, Nganda,

(Muscovey) Nsoga, Nyoro,
Nkore
Local

Khaki Campbell (for

Ducks

eggs)

Indian Runner (for eggs)

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 Muscovy (for meat)

White Pekin (for meat)

Aylesbury (for meat)

Enkofu
Guinea Fowl

Challenges Facing the Industry

 Disease Management: Poultry farmers in Uganda face challenges with diseases such
as Newcastle disease, avian influenza, and coccidiosis. Managing these diseases is
crucial for maintaining flock health and productivity.
 Feed Costs: The cost of feed is a significant expense for poultry farmers. Fluctuations
in feed prices and availability can impact profitability.
 Infrastructure: The sector often suffers from inadequate infrastructure, including
poor roads and limited access to veterinary services and markets.
 High taxes: on imported inputs such as parent stock chicks, veterinary drugs,
equipment and feed additives.
 Existence of many unregulated and unqualified feed manufacturers due to limited
enforcement of standards in the subsector.
 The emergence of many unregistered, unregulated breeding farms. v.
 Lack of feed reserves for feed production during off-season.
 The emergence of many unprofessional veterinarians, paraprofessionals and drug
sellers.
 Inadequate enforcement of quality standards leading to substandard veterinary
inputs and equipment on the market.
 Increased antibiotic resistance of poultry caused by drug abuse.
 High levels of aflatoxins caused by poor quality feeds. x. Over dependence on
imports of poultry parent stock from other countries.
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  Inadequate extension services in the poultry sector.

Opportunities for Growth in poultry sector

 Improved Breeding: There is potential for growth through improved poultry breeds
that offer better disease resistance and productivity.
 Value Addition: Opportunities exist for increasing value addition, such as processing
poultry meat and eggs into products like sausages, frozen chicken, and powdered
eggs.
 Export Potential: Expanding export markets for Ugandan poultry products could
provide new revenue streams and boost the industry’s growth.

The dominant Poultry species in Uganda.

Broiler Chickens

 Purpose: Raised primarily for meat production.

 Characteristics: Fast-growing with a high feed conversion rate, making them ideal
for commercial meat production.
 Popular Varieties: Include breeds like Cobb 500 and Ross 308, which are common
in commercial operations.

Layer Chickens

 Purpose: Kept mainly for egg production.

 Characteristics: Efficient egg-layers, often with a high production rate and consistent
egg quality.
 Popular Varieties: Breeds such as Hy-Line Brown and Lohmann Brown are popular
for their high egg production and adaptability to local conditions.

Indigenous Chickens

 Purpose: Raised for both meat and eggs, often in smallholder or backyard systems.
 Characteristics: Known for their hardiness, adaptability to local conditions, and
ability to forage. They are generally slower-growing and lay fewer eggs compared to
commercial breeds but are valued for their taste and resilience.
 Varieties: Local breeds such as Kuroiler, and some traditional indigenous breeds that
are well-adapted to Uganda's climate and environment.

Turkeys

 Purpose: Raised for meat.

 Characteristics: Larger than chickens, turkeys are grown primarily for their meat,
which is less commonly consumed but valued for special occasions and in some
culinary traditions.
 Popular Varieties: Breeds like the Broad Breasted White are commonly raised for
their large size and meat quality.

Ducks

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  Purpose: Raised for both meat and eggs.
 Characteristics: Ducks are less common than chickens but are valued for their meat
and eggs in certain regions. They are known for their ability to thrive in wetter
environments.
 Popular Varieties: Khaki Campbell (for egg production) and Pekin (for meat
production) are examples of breeds raised in Uganda.

Quail

 Purpose: Raised for both meat and eggs.

 Characteristics: Small birds that are becoming increasingly popular due to their
quick growth and high egg production. Quail eggs are considered a delicacy in many
areas.
 Popular Varieties: Coturnix quail is a common species for both meat and egg
production.

THE TWO MAIN CLASSES OF CHICKENS KEPT IN UGANDA.

These include the following;

 Indigenous chicken
 Exotic (commercial) chicken

i. Indigenous chicken.

These are also known as local chickens. These are traditional breeds that have evolved
naturally within a specific region and are adapted to the local environmental conditions.

Characteristics:

 They have a slower growth rate.

 They have a high tolerance to harsh weather conditions and resilience to diseases.
 They require minimal management.
 Their products taste better (flavor)

ii. Exotic (commercial) chickens.

These are selectively bred for specific production traits.

Characteristics:

 They grow faster.

 They produce more quantity of their products.
 They require intensive management.
 They are less resilience to harsh weather conditions and diseases.

DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL CHICKEN (MODERN HYBRIDS)

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A hybrid is the product of cross breeding pure breeds to create super chicken that is more
productive. They are made in order to increase hardiness, increase egg production, and fasten
maturity.
Heavy lines are mainly broiler birds kept mostly for meat production and they weigh more
than 2kg. Broiler farming is just a part of the poultry farming business but unlike poultry
where the birds are raised for multiple purposes, broiler farming is where the birds are raised
for the sole purpose of meat production.

HEAVY LINES.

Heavy lines in poultry breeding refers to chickens that are bred specifically for their meat
production capabilities. These birds are characterized by their larger size, rapid growth rates,
and efficient feed conversion rate.

Here's a closer look at the characteristics and examples of heavy lines:

Characteristics of Heavy Lines

1. Fast Growth: Heavy lines, or broilers, are designed to grow quickly. They can reach
market weight in a relatively short period, typically around 6 to 8 weeks.
2. High Feed Conversion Efficiency: These birds convert feed into body weight very
efficiently. This means they need less feed to gain a pound of weight compared to
other types of chickens.
3. Large Size: Heavy lines are bred to have a larger body mass. This includes both the
breast and thigh areas, which are desirable for meat production.
4. Muscle Development: The primary focus is on muscle development, particularly in
the breast region. This results in a plump and meaty carcass.
5. Robust Health: Modern heavy lines are bred to be hardy and resilient, with resistance
to common poultry diseases. They are also adapted to thrive in intensive farming
environments.
6. Uniformity: Heavy lines exhibit a high degree of uniformity in size and growth rate,
which is important for consistent meat production.

Examples of Heavy Lines

1. Ross 308:

Characteristics:

Known for its excellent feed conversion efficiency

and rapid growth rate. The Ross 308 is popular in
the poultry industry for its high meat yield and
adaptability to various production environments.

2. Cobb 500:

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 o Characteristics: This hybrid is renowned for its superior growth performance
and feed efficiency. It also has a strong immune system and is known for its
consistent quality and uniformity in meat production.
o
3. Rhode Island Red.

Rhode Island Red was developed as dual-purpose breed to provide both

meat and eggs. Since about 1940, it has been selectively bred
predominantly for egg laying qualities and the modern industrial Rhode
Island Red is a layer breed. Rhode Island Red ranges from deep pink to
almost black.

The comb may be either single or nose comb, breaks, and yellow feet
and legs.

4. New Hampshire red

Characteristics
 Possesses deep, broad body, feathers grow rapidly, prone
to grow broody and make good mothers.
 Medium to light red colors and often fades in sunshine.
 The comb is single and medium to large in size. In female,
it is often lopping over a bit.
 Possesses fair egg laying ability and they competitive and
aggressive.

5. Kroilers

Dual-purpose breeds with white colors integrated with

grey specks with high disease resistance, high growth
rate, docile.

6. Orpington

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  Heavily but loosely feathered and their feathering enables to endure cold temperature
compared to other breeds.
 Possesses free range abilities.
 Exhibit broodiness and generally makes good mothers in hens.

7. Ross

High daily weight gain with good level of feed conversion

broad chest and wide feet with avid appetite, grow faster.

EGG PRODUCTION LINES.

Egg production lines, or layers, are bred specifically for high egg yield and efficiency in
commercial egg production. These chickens are selected for their ability to lay a large
number of eggs over their productive lifespan. Here’s a detailed look at the characteristics
and examples of egg production lines:

Characteristics of Egg Production Lines

1. High Egg Yield: Egg production lines are bred to maximize the number of eggs laid
per year. Modern layers can produce over 300 eggs annually.
2. Consistency: These lines are known for their consistency in egg production, with
relatively uniform laying patterns and egg sizes.
3. Feed Conversion Efficiency: While not as crucial as in meat production, feed
conversion efficiency is still important. Layers are bred to convert feed into eggs
effectively.
4. Egg Quality: Egg production lines are selected for high-quality eggs, which includes
good shell strength, uniformity in size, and consistent internal quality.
5. Longevity: Layers are bred to have a productive lifespan of around 12-18 months,
during which they lay eggs consistently before their production declines.
6. Health and Welfare: Modern egg-laying breeds are selected for resilience to
common poultry diseases and for adaptability to various housing systems, including
conventional cages, barn systems, and free-range environments.

Examples of Egg Production Lines

1. Hy-Line Brown:

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 oCharacteristics: Known for its high egg production and excellent egg quality.
The Hy-Line Brown is a robust layer that performs well in various housing
systems and is particularly noted for its consistent brown eggs.
2. Lohmann Brown:
o Characteristics: This breed is appreciated for its high egg yield and good feed
efficiency. Lohmann Browns are known for their strong egg shells and
adaptability to different production systems.
3. Isa Brown:
o Characteristics: Isa Browns are renowned for their excellent egg production
rates and robust health. They are a popular choice for both cage and free-range
systems and are known for their consistent brown egg production.
4. Dekalb White:
o Characteristics: Dekalb Whites are favoured for their high egg production
and efficiency. They lay white eggs and are known for their good feed
conversion and adaptability.
5. Shaver White:
o Characteristics: Shaver Whites are recognized for their high egg yield and
quality. They are bred for both large-scale and smaller production systems,
with an emphasis on uniform egg size and shell strength.

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 REFERENCES

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2018). Livestock and
livelihoods spotlight: Uganda Cattle and Poultry Sectorys.
2. UBOS. (2024). National Livestock Census 2021 Abridged Version Uganda Bureau of
Statistics the Republic of Uganda. March. www.ubos.org.

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