By Favour Kingsley
Poultry Farmers in Delta State have been charged to prioritise quality day-old chicks, sound farm management and nutrient-rich feed to boost profitability in their businesses
The charge was made by agricultural experts under the aegis of New Hope Agriculture and Technology (NHAT) in seminar organized and hosted by Dr Onyinye Stella Onwumere-Idolor, current Head of Department of Animal Production at Southern Delta University, Ozoro and a renowned Veterinary Doctor, and an Area Supplier for New Hope Agriculture and Technology, Friday last week for poultry farmers, distributors and agricultural stakeholders from across the state on the theme ‘The Role of Quality Feed in Maximizing Profit in Our Poultry Business Farmers’ across Delta State, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Hall, Ozoro, Delta State.
Speaking at the event, the New Hope Agri-Tech Area Sales Representative in Asaba , Mr Valentine Obi, described agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that farmers contribute significantly to feeding the nation despite limited recognition.
He said New Hope Agri-Tech has helped revolutionise the poultry sector by cutting broiler maturity periods from around three months to as little as five weeks.
In his address, the company’s Regional Manager, Mr Charles Adeyeye, said farmers must get three things right to make good profit which according to him include buying healthy day-old chicks from trusted sources, practising good farm management, and using nutritious feed.
Speaking further, Adeyeye warned against buying chicks from unverified middlemen, saying some unbranded hatcheries repackage weak chicks and sell them as popular brands.
He advised farmers to check chicks for healthy beaks, active movement and the right weight between 35 to 42 grams before accepting them, and to collect and settle new chicks quickly, since delays beyond 72 hours can leave them starved and weak.
The Regional Manager also urged farmers to keep simple, accurate records of feed, water and bird weight to track performance, and to judge feed by its nutrient content rather than its price alone.
He explained that protein sources like soya beans, groundnut cake and fish meal matter more than cost, noting that New Hope’s feed helps birds reach two kilogrammes in about 35 days.
Responding to questions, he advised farmers to build strong relationships with reliable suppliers who will take responsibility when deliveries go wrong.
Highlights of the seminar included lively questions and answers game segment on New Hope’s feeding schedule, testing of farmers on which feed to give at each stage – from starter feed in the first two weeks to finisher feed by week five or six wherein winners emerged and farmers with correct answers went home with bags of poultry feed and other souvenirs.
