7/7/2018

BASIC MANUAL FOR FREE RANGE CHICKEN PRODUCTION (Meat Type)

Emerson E. Siscar BATANGAS FREE RANGE CHICKEN POBLACION ZONE 2, STA TERESITA, BATANGAS batangasfreerangechicken@gmail.com

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Introduction

The evolution of Free-range poultry system in the Philippines has gone thru a lot of challenges since it started in 1997. From a level of a novelty or hobby chicken, to a small scale backyard level, this has eventually progressed into a level of semi-commercial to a formal commercial production. The loyal clients of the free-range poultry meat have been growing thru the years because of the more natural, delicious taste and health benefits from the meat if chicken are raised in an antibiotic free system. At present, the advocacy in promoting free-range chicken farming both for meat and eggs has been challenged by over commercialism of opportunistic and predator traders. Some traders promote free range chicken and eggs even without knowledge of the system and what exactly is the essence of going into free range chicken farming. One must know the farmer and the source most importantly. Same is true in getting quality chicks. There are also vendors that exploit the innocence of farmers by misleading them and giving substandard products from sources that offer very minimal technical guidance. It is of prime importance that the farmer must have genuine high quality day old chicks to attain good production results. When you use the right tools and correct skills you will eventually produce the right product! FREE-RANGE CHICKEN FARMING, FOR SMALL FARMERS, IS ABOUT QUALITY PRODUCTION, NOT QUANTITY. A substantial income can be generated if properly done in small volume while you will be enjoying hands-on farming without the stress and pitfalls of over commercialization. The proper farming skills that are needed to produce a high quality free-range chicken meat and quality eggs is the second most important foundation. Farmers must educate themselves. We recommend, that if you are a starting farmer, one may practice on small volume to overcome the learning curve with minimal waste of time and other resources. Personally, I say this also depends on your risk appetite. If you have acquired the proper knowledge or a legitimate veterinarian / technician guided you correctly, then you can venture to a much bigger volume of produce. Know your market well. We encourage farmer to determine target market in Free-range chicken marketing since this is still a niche market. Always be prudent with the volume that you produce against the actual volume of chicken that the market in your area can really absorb. A gradual introduction of your produce to the market can give you surprising results due to the very good taste and health benefits of the free-range chicken meat. Lastly, always consult a veterinarian or technician that is well versed with free-range chicken production system. Always remember that success in livestock production is also dependent on the proper guidance of experienced farmer or individual.

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Terms of Reference: 1. Batangas Free Range Chicken - Free range day-old-chick distributor 2. Free range Day-Old-Chick. High quality day-old chicks produced out of GRIMAUD FRÈRES Parent

stocks imported from Roussay, France. 3. Farmer. Refers to interested individual who will raise / manage free-range chicken grow-out

operations. These farmers can raise from 50 heads to 5,000 heads depending on the skill level and experience of the farmer.

4. Technicians. These are the skilled personnel, properly taught by the Free-range chicken specialist,

who assist and teach farmers in operating the free-range chicken farm 5. Veterinary specialists. Veterinarian that has extensive experience in free-range chicken breeding,

hatchery, and meat grow-out production. 6. Brooding. The stage of growing the chicks from day old to 21 days. This is the time when you provide

artificial heat to the chicks. This is like the nursery stage.

7. Ranging stage. Refers to the time of 21 days up to harvest time when the birds are allowed to graze in the ranging area.

8. Growing stage. The specific stage of 22 days up to 40 days where the increase in growth rate is high.

9. Finishing or Harvest stage. The specific stage of 41 to 55 days (harvest time) or 81 days for slow grow system.

Importance of Parent stocks to sustain a steady supply of good quality day old chicks

We need a set of chicken that are of nearest possible UNIFORM PURE LINE of traits.

PARENT STOCK BREEDERS (P.S.) are not related. This prevents abnormalities in the F1 produced

P.S. are of the same age and built quality.

P.S. are coming from Grand Parent Stock Breeders that were managed properly and with complete vaccination.

P.S. consume almost the same amount of feeds and are managed uniformly.

P.S. Females produce a high number of high quality hatching eggs (60 gram eggs), high quality chicks (40-45 gram chicks), provided that they are managed properly and within standards.

The offspring (F1) are efficient in feed consumption (good converters of feeds to meat). Why we cannot use F1 as breeders?

Technically, they are “brothers and sisters” = extreme inbreeding = abnormalities, high mortalities, irregular and small sizes = poor quality chicks produced

Poor sanitation, incomplete vaccination and medication program = source of contaminations and diseases = bad quality

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F1 will produce approximately 90 eggs which will hatch approximately 50 chicks vs. Certified P.S. which will produce approximately 160 eggs and hatch approximately 140 chicks.

F1 will consume 75 kilos of feeds compared to 42 kilos by the certified P.S.

Will result to high percentage of mortality, losses, failure. Why do we need certified F1 in producing good quality free range chicken meat?

A meat-type producer capable of an average of 1.6 kilos live weight at 56 days. If raised on a fast grow system.

Ideal harvest age is 56-60 days.

Feed conversion ration FCR = 1.90

Estimated feed consumption per head up to 56 days is 2.8 kilos.

Can be used also as a backyard-type free-range chicken and can subsist in the range and with lesser amount of feeds. This is personal consumption only and not for commercial production due to lower meat quality

Standard liveability up to 56 days is 97%. Important keys to a successful free-range chicken farming

Get Certified F1 free-range day-old chicks of true high quality.

Start by: learning to farm with initially a small volume of chicks.

Acquire knowledge from and consult with your chick supplier and experienced and practicing technicians/veterinarians specializing in free-range production.

Prepare a good but simple housing and invest on equipment.

Be prepared to receive the chicks.

Use only quality feeds, price consideration must be secondary 2 CATEGORIES OF FREE-RANGE FARMING

1. BACKYARD TYPE FREE-RANGE FARMING The main objective of backyard type free-range chicken farming is raise quality poultry produce using available backyard space while utilizing also available materials for the chicken house. A backyard production may range anything below 5000 heads. A small production of 1-100 heads with the objective of producing meat for personal or family consumption is a decent start up while studying the system. This is usually limited to an area of the household backyard. Cost to produce is variable depending on available feed materials such as surplus cereals, vegetable and fruits (otherwise ALTERNATIVE SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDS). The source of manpower is acquired from available family members.

The quality of meat will always vary on the management and farming principles: a) The irregular feeding program and the variety of feeds (alternative supplemental feeds from

the household) given to the birds will result to low meat recovery.

b) The absence of a regular cycle of loading of chicks and harvesting at a specific time are needed to maintain a regular supply to stimulate the demand

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c) Investments in housing, feeds and equipment are also very important points to consider to produce uniform production of meat in terms of volume and quality.

d) Lack of skilled technical veterinarian for free-range production

2. COMMERCIAL TYPE OF FREE-RANGE FARMING The main objective of the commercial type of free-range farming is to supply the present consumer market in the urban areas with a consistent high quality free-range chicken meat that is free from antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, animal protein, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals. Also it is very important to note that the free-range chicken meat is the preferred meat source of children with autism, the elderly, persons inflicted with cancer, and other diseases that are diet sensitive. This type of farming is based on a planned and carefully organized investment free-range farming system. The volume of production can be from 5000 heads and up per month output on a continuous regular cycle of production whole year round.

a) Capitalization and Planning are important foundations for a successful commercial free-range

farming.

b) A marketing system for institutional buyers is also a very important foundation.

c) A complete set of farming area inclusive of a large ranging area, standard building, standard

equipment with professional manpower are included.

d) Skilled Technical Veterinarians or Animal Husbandry professionals are regularly retained

specialists that assure all the production standards are properly met.

e) Strict Bio-security measures must be implemented.

f) Standard brooding and grow-out management must always be implemented.

g) Investment on good quality feeds, proper feeding programs and health supplementation

procedures must be strictly followed.

h) Proper slaughtering and processing of meat to assure hygiene and sanitation.

i) Proper packaging and standard sanitary practices are being utilized to assure the safety of

the consumers of the product.

j) A certified source of day-old chicks, feeds and other inputs are utilized to assure the

consumers of High quality Free-range chicken meat. Meat quality is consistently very good.

k) Birds are grown on a standard level minimum of 60 days up to 120 days depending on the

preference of the consumers

l) Finally, the quality level of the produce conforms to the standards of The Philippine

association of Free-range poultry advocates.

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Standard equipment for 100 Free range Day-Old-Chick under Philippine condition

1. Feeding equipment: For Brooding Stage (day-old to 21 days)

a. Chick Feeder troughs (1 meter length) = 3 pieces b. Bilao (36 inches diameter) = 3 pieces

For Growing Stage (22 days old up to harvest, minimum 60 days)

a. Tube feeders ( 5 kilos capacity ) = 8 pieces

2. Watering equipment: For Brooding Stage (day-old 21 days)

a. Water Galloners medium = 3 pieces

For Growing Stage (22 days old up to harvest, minimum 60 days) a. Water basins with basin guards (1 pair) = 8 pairs

3. Heating / brooding equipment for brooding stage:

Incandescent bulbs 50 watts = 2 sets or

For areas without electricity: Used 3 kilo capacity powdered milk can = 1 piece Charcoal = ½ sack

4. Other standard equipment:

a. Light source: 2 x 18 watts CFL lighting or Petromax (for areas with electricity) b. Emergency light source c. 1 x 50 gallon Drum as water reservoir d. 1 x 5 gallon plastic pail e. 1 water dipper f. 1 weighing scale 10 kilo capacity g. Fishnet for perimeter ranging area = 100 meters h. Herbal garden

Housing dimension and living space requirement for 100 heads high quality free-range colored chicks under Philippine condition

1. BROODING AREA (DAY OLD TO 21 DAYS) = 8 Square meters per 100 heads = A double decker cage of 2 X 1 X 0.5 meters can hold 50 heads per cage.

2. MOBILE RANGING HOUSE (22 DAYS UP TO 80 DAYS) = 7 x 2 x 2 meters or 14 meters per 100 birds. The ranging house can be transferable to another ranging location.

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3. RANGING AREA space requirement up to harvest age of 80 days = 1 square meter of ranging area per bird exclusive of the Mobile ranging house. The ranging area is enclosed with fishnet 5 feet in height.

Possible Brooder housing designs for backyard grower

Outdoor brooding house double deck design good for A single elevated brooding pen for 50 heads 1 X 2 Meters 100 heads at 50 heads per deck.

A triple deck design of a 2 X 1 X 0.5 meters by 3 levels with side Mobile Ranging houses using pvc pipes, laminated sacks and extensions for heaters. Capacity 150 heads G.I. pipes as footing and frame support. 3 X 2 X 1meters

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A farmer’s simple design of Mobile Ranging house for 100 heads FENCING MATERIALS FOR THE RANGING AREA 7 X 2 X 1 meters materials based on Bamboo and laminated sacks Fishnets as fencing for the ranging area. Minimum height is 5 feet. The fishnets are movable for transferring the birds to a greener ranging area.

Typical brooding of day old chicks with charcoal heaters An improved system of brooding that utilizes a Brooding cage in a Brooding Center

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50 Lively chicks with an incandescent 50 watts heater light bulb.

Using Beddings of cut grasses. Take note of the uniform size and quality. Shaded areas for ranging improves weight gain by 10-15% Complete feeders and waterers are important, to get excellent results

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ESTIMATED COSTS AND CONSERVATIVE SPECIFICATIONS

1. Day old chick (DOC). Refers to the hatched certified F1 chicks that were hatched with-in the last 24 hours.

2. Price of day-old chicks. This is dependent on the following: a. Volume of DOC ordered b. The place of delivery (proximity) ,additional air-freight or travel costs c. The regularity of placement of orders or Pre-bookings d. The type of operation you are doing e.g. dealer, poultry store, institutions

(restaurants, hotels), regular grower or first timer (newbie).

3. Pricing reference standard of 40 pesos per chick as a parameter

4. Feed prices are also dependent on the area of the farm, the volume of feeds you will purchase and the type of operation you will perform.

5. Pricing reference standard for feeds are the following:

a. Chick booster: P28 / kilo b. Chick starter: P27 / kilo c. Chick grower / Finisher: P27 / kilo d. Corn Grits: P24 / kilo

6. Medications are placed at a standard of 1 peso per bird. The medications are mostly herbal. 7. Sanitation cost is approximately 1 peso per bird 8. Brooding costs refers to the heating maintenance costs from age day-old to 21 days old.

Depending on the weather, farm location and season of the year. 9. Housing & equipment amortization is placed at 4 years.

THREE TYPES OF FEEDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

1. FAST GROWING SYSTEM: with an intensive use of high density feeds CLASSIFICATION: CERTIFIED SEMI-INDUSTRIAL FREE-RANGE

Expected average live weight of 1.65 kilos in 56 days

A. Brooding time: Day Old to 21 days Feeds: Chick booster Amount of feeds: ad libitum (full feeding) Feeding method: Small amount but frequent Duration: Every 2-3 hours Watering: change potable water every 3 hours together with the feed replenishment

B. Ranging time: From 21 days up to harvest of 56 days

Feeding method: full feeding 3 X a day Day 22 to 32: Chick starter Day 33 to 55: Grower Finisher feeds

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2. MEDIUM GROWING SYSTEM: With a mixture of high density and low density feeds.

CLASSIFICATION: STANDARD GROW FREE-RANGE

Expected average live weight of 1.5 kilos at 56 days

A. Brooding time : Day old to 15 days ONLY Feeds: Chick booster Amount of feeds: ad libitum (full feeding) Feeding method: Small amount but frequent Duration: Every 2-3 hours Watering: change potable water every 3 hours together with the feed replenishment

B. Ranging time: From 16 days up to harvest of 56 days

Feeding method: full feeding 3 X a day Day 22 to 32: Grower Finisher feeds Day 33 to 43: Grower Finisher feeds 50% CORN GRITS 50% (MIXED TOGETHER) Note: Best results are obtained if we cook the corn grits Day 44 to 55: Grower FINISHER FEEDS 35% Corn Grits 65%

3. SLOW GROW SYSTEM: With 30% high density feeds and 70% low density feeds and legumes

CLASSIFICATION: SLOW GROW FREE-RANGE

Expected average live weight of 1.5 kilos at 70 days

A. Brooding time: Day old to 10 days ONLY Feeds: Chick booster Amount of feeds: ad libitum (full feeding) Feeding method: Small amount but frequent Duration: Every 2-3 hours Watering: change potable water every 3 hours together with the feed replenishment

B. Ranging time: From 16 day up to harvest of 70 days Feeding method: full feeding 3 X a day Day 22 to 32: Grower Finisher feeds 50% CORN GRITS 50% (MIXED TOGETHER)

Note: Best results are obtained if we cook the corn grits Day 33 to 55: Grower FINISHER FEEDS 35% Corn Grits 65% Day 56 to 70: Freshest Corn 80% 20% binlid / palay

Additional feeds (on top of the cord fed) Herbs / Fruits / Vegetables

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PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES (THESE ARE ESTIMATES AND RESULTS WILL BE HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE FEEDING SYSTEM, FEED QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UTILIZED)

AGE AVERAGE WT FEEDS/DAY/BIRD EST. FCR

7 125 grams 26 grams 1.13

14 250 grams 28 grams 0.95

21 425 grams 37 grams 1.04

28 550 grams 47 grams 1.25

35 750 grams 62 grams 1.24

42 1010 grams 70 grams 1.52

49 1350 grams 83 gramzs 1.88

56 1650 grams 100 grams 2.20-2.35 grams

IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER IN FEEDING FOR PRODUCTION:

1. Always put in mind that we are producing for sales, and QUALITY is of utmost importance so as to gain clients or customers to patronize your product.

2. YOUR PRODUCT SAYS WELL ABOUT YOUR FARMING METHOD

3. Selling also means investing on good quality equipment and materials..

4. Chicks require a relative amount of feeds to gain weight even for small farming operations.

5. THERE IS NO NEED TO FURTHER EXPERIMENT ON THE PRODUCT IN TERMS OF FEEDING MANAGEMENT.

6. It is very important that a good quality chick feeds must be given on the first 10 to 15 days of production. This is the main foundation of growth for the birds.

VACCINATION / HEALTH SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM

AGE PARTICULARS 1 Bamboo leaves and Brown rice supplement 2-6 Banana and watermelon supplement 7 NCD B1-B1 strain thru eyedrop 8-10 Herbal 1 water supplement 11-14 Plain water 15-17 Plain water 18-20 Herbal 1 water supplement 21-23 Plain water 24-27 Herbal 2 water medication supplement 28 NCD LA SOTA MEDICATION THRU WATER 29-31 Plain water 32-38 Plain water 39-42 Herbal / Vegetable feed additive

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43-46 Herbal / Vegetable feed additive 47-50 Herbal / Vegetable feed additive 52-55 Herbal / Vegetable feed and water additive 56-60 Herbal / Vegetable feed and water additive

METHODS OF HERBAL SUPPLEMENTATION FOR FREE RANGE CHICKEN

There are (4) four important foundations in Free-range production that must be met before you can approach a holistic and preventive management system in Free-range chicken.

1. Source of Genetics or F1. Ensure a good source of your F1 day old chicks. The breeder source must be also be practicing a holistic and preventive management approach to producing high quality day old chicks. If the breeder source has questionable management system then you will likely to have problems later on that will contribute to unsuccessful project. A good and healthy genetic source assures you of complete and well developed immune system all throughout the production cycle. Even in extreme disease pressure, your chickens have a better livability and recovery compared to sub-standard day-old chicks.

2. Good quality source of Feeds - There is no question that a good quality feeds can provide you a good quality produce. In addition, a complete feed meal can provide the much needed vitamins and minerals to sustain a good immune and body organ functions. Since quality meat produce is the utmost priority, hence quality input is a must. Also included here are the fruits, vegetable and herbal supplements that we provide as add-ons to the standards feeding management that we provide the birds.

3. Good pasture / ranging area management. This is one foundation that is taken with least importance. How ironic it will be but the main platform or free-range chicken production is a good ranging area. The quality of meat and good production results are based also in a good quality pasture area. There are points that must be considered in gauging a good ranging area. In cases of limited ranging areas, rehabilitation of the pasture must also be practiced religiously to prevent pasture fatigue or hyper acidic soil to occur that can result into high level of pathogenic micro-organisms in the soil.

4. Good Farming Management system. Good quality feeds, poultry pasture management and free-range poultry management systems are three foundations wherein the farmer can influence the best possible outcome of the free-range production. In particular, a good farming management system must be simple, economical and practical yet it must not compromise the quality of production. Included in this foundation are the following: correct labor, equipment, procedure or methodology and common sense. These four foundations go hand in hand to create a holistic and preventive management approach to a healthier flock.

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POINTS ON VACCINATION: The use of vaccine is an acceptable practice in free-range production this is very important if you are gearing into a semi commercial scale of production. As of the moment, the most common vaccine that is needed in free-range chicken production is New Castle Diseases vaccine of NCD. The use of vaccines must be highly considered due to the following reasons:

1. Vaccines help in protecting your flock from the common viral infection that is present in the locality.

2. Vaccines also protect your flock from outbreaks from unvaccinated birds in the neighborhood.

3. Vaccination is a community responsibility it is best that you help other farmers on the importance of vaccination.

4. A properly vaccinated bird also reduces the risk of secondary bacterial infection to occur.

5. Lastly, vaccination is a Bio-security requirement to prevent your investment from the high risks of disease outbreaks.

Common diseases encountered in free range production:

1. Infectious coryza or common colds in free range chickens 2. Diarrhea in free-range chickens 3. Fowl Pox or Bulutong

Correct method of vaccination for free range chicken:

1. Eyedrop method 2. Water method 3. Fowl pox vaccination

BREEDER AND DAY OLD CHICK SUPPLIER: Dr. ERWIN CRUZ, SUPERIOR FREE RANGE BREEDER FARM 09178951105 OR 09338784870