Course Details

Poultry Farming and Biosecurity Best Practices Training Course

Introduction

Poultry farming is a dynamic and essential sector of agriculture, providing a rapid source of protein (meat and eggs) and contributing significantly to food security and farmer incomes worldwide. However, the intensive nature of poultry production also makes it highly susceptible to disease outbreaks, which can lead to devastating economic losses, compromise food safety, and even pose public health risks. Biosecurity – a set of management practices designed to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing organisms – is therefore not merely a recommendation but a critical imperative for any successful and sustainable poultry operation. A robust biosecurity program safeguards flock health, optimizes productivity, reduces reliance on antibiotics, and ensures market access for poultry products. Neglecting biosecurity can result in widespread illness, mortality, reduced performance, and costly eradication measures. Our intensive 5-day "Poultry Farming and Biosecurity Best Practices" training course is meticulously designed to equip farmers, poultry farm managers, veterinarians, extension officers, feed suppliers, and agribusiness professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to establish, implement, and maintain effective biosecurity measures alongside optimal poultry management practices, ensuring healthy and profitable flocks.

This comprehensive program will delve into key aspects of poultry housing, nutrition, health, and disease prevention, with a particular emphasis on the practical application of biosecurity principles at every stage of production. Participants will gain in-depth understanding of how to prevent disease entry, control spread within the farm, manage waste effectively, develop emergency response plans, and comply with relevant health regulations. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in designing and implementing a holistic poultry farming system that prioritizes biosecurity, leading to enhanced flock health, improved productivity, reduced medication costs, and a more resilient and sustainable poultry enterprise.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Poultry Farming and Biosecurity Best Practices" training course is ideal for a wide range of individuals and organizations involved in poultry production and related services. This includes:

• Poultry Farmers (smallholder, medium, and large-scale): Seeking to improve flock health, productivity, and profitability.
• Poultry Farm Managers and Supervisors: Overseeing daily operations and implementing farm protocols.
• Agricultural Extension Officers: Advising poultry farmers on best practices and disease prevention.
• Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians: Focused on poultry health, disease diagnosis, and biosecurity.
• Agribusiness Professionals: Working with poultry feed, equipment, or pharmaceuticals.
• Poultry Processors and Distributors: Interested in ensuring the health and safety of their supply chain.
• Researchers and Academics: Focused on poultry science and disease control.
• Students in Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine: Gaining practical knowledge in poultry management.
• Government Officials: Involved in animal health regulations and disease surveillance.
• Anyone interested in safe, efficient, and sustainable poultry production.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Poultry Farming and Biosecurity Best Practices" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles and importance of biosecurity in poultry farming.
• Identify common poultry diseases, their modes of transmission, and prevention strategies.
• Apply best practices for poultry housing, environmental control, and waste management to minimize disease risk.
• Develop balanced nutrition and feeding plans for different poultry types (broilers, layers, kienyeji).
• Implement effective vaccination programs and routine health monitoring.
• Design and execute biosecurity protocols for farm entry/exit, equipment, and personnel.
• Develop an emergency response plan for disease outbreaks.
• Integrate biosecurity measures with overall farm management for sustainable and profitable poultry production.

8 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Poultry Farming & Biosecurity Fundamentals

• Overview of the poultry industry: Broilers, layers, indigenous (kienyeji) chickens, other poultry.
• Importance of poultry production for food security and livelihoods.
• Defining biosecurity: Principles, goals (exclusion, containment, eradication).
• Economic and public health impacts of poultry diseases.
• The "Disease Triangle" concept in poultry health.

Module 2: Poultry Housing & Environmental Management

• Types of poultry housing systems: Deep litter, cage, free-range, semi-intensive.
• Essential housing requirements: Space, ventilation, temperature, humidity, lighting.
• Litter management and its role in disease prevention.
• Water quality and supply management for poultry.
• Site selection and farm layout for optimal biosecurity.

Module 3: Poultry Nutrition & Feed Management

• Nutritional requirements for different poultry types and stages of production.
• Understanding feed ingredients and quality (protein, energy, vitamins, minerals).
• Formulating balanced rations for broilers, layers, and indigenous chickens.
• Feed storage and handling to prevent contamination and spoilage.
• Feed additives and their role in poultry health and performance.

Module 4: Poultry Health & Disease Prevention

• Common poultry diseases: Viral (e.g., Newcastle, Gumboro), Bacterial (e.g., Fowl Cholera, Pullorum), Parasitic (e.g., Coccidiosis, worms).
• Recognizing signs of healthy and sick birds.
• Developing and implementing effective vaccination programs.
• Basic farm-level disease diagnosis and sample collection.
• Responsible use of antibiotics and alternatives.

Module 5: Core Biosecurity Practices (Exclusion & Containment)

• Farm access control: Fencing, gates, signages, restricted entry.
• Personnel hygiene: Foot baths, hand washing, protective clothing, showering in/out.
• Equipment sanitation: Cleaning and disinfection protocols for vehicles and tools.
• Introduction of new birds: Quarantine procedures and health checks.
• Feed and water source security to prevent contamination.

Module 6: Waste Management & Pest Control

• Safe disposal of dead birds: Incineration, composting, burial.
• Manure management: Composting, storage, and disposal.
• Control of wild birds and rodents: Exclusion, trapping, baiting.
• Insect control: Flies, beetles, and their role in disease transmission.
• General farm sanitation and cleanliness protocols.

Module 7: Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Developing a farm-specific emergency response plan for disease outbreaks.
• Early detection and reporting of suspected disease cases.
• Isolation of sick birds and affected units.
• Depopulation, culling, and carcass disposal procedures during an outbreak.
• Post-outbreak clean-up, disinfection, and downtime protocols.

Module 8: Record Keeping, Regulations & Sustainable Poultry

• Importance of comprehensive record keeping for health, production, and biosecurity.
• Understanding national and local regulations related to poultry health and biosecurity.
• Economic benefits of strong biosecurity: Reduced mortality, improved FCR, lower medication costs.
• Sustainable poultry production integrating biosecurity with animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
• Continuous improvement in biosecurity protocols and adaptation to new threats.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com