Mortality of Chickens in Lower Broiler Poultry Farm Concentration Districts of Punjab

Abstract

Poultry farming is a commercial venture, generating regular employment and income opportunities to the rural people. However, the major hinderance for the growth of broilers reared in this type of farming, is the mortality of chickens as it largely affects the economic aspects of the farmers. The present study is undertaken to analyse the mortality pattern in various broiler poultry farms situated in the lower concentration districts of Punjab. The mortality pattern in the flock of birds according to the age and variation in seasons is also taken into consideration. Using the Garrett Ranking Technique to analyse the cause of mortality among the birds and taking six factors into consideration, it has been found that mortality from diseases is the top most cause resulting in the death of the birds. Untimely provision of vaccinations to the birds is ranked second as it deteriorates chickens health and improper litter management is ranked the least affecting factor for the mortality of birds. More than a half of the broiler poultry farmers have reported maximum chances of mortality in the summer season. Most of the birds die in the first week of their rearing period.