INTRODUCTION
Poultry farming is a very versatile industry, adapting itself to a full time or part time job. The routine operations are so simple, that women, children or elderly persons alike can easily manage small poultry units. However it is said to be a business, netting the profit in the quickest time possible while at the same time equally quick to lose. With the increase in feed cost, the margin of profit in egg production is being gradually reduced. Only the most efficient producer can remain in poultry business for long.
Poultry farming is a very versatile industry, adapting itself to a full time or part time job. The routine operations are so simple, that women, children or elderly persons alike can easily manage small poultry units. However it is said to be a business, netting the profit in the quickest time possible while at the same time equally quick to lose. With the increase in feed cost, the margin of profit in egg production is being gradually reduced. Only the most efficient producer can remain in poultry business for long.
Hence there is a need for improvement in the poultry farming in almost every aspect viz., breeding, housing, economic feeding and health control. The preservation and marketing of poultry products have been neglected so far and such these areas also require equal emphasis, for development of poultry.
SELECTION OF GENETIC STOCK
The success and profit in the poultry farming depends on good genetic stock and their sound and efficient managem
ent. Therefore, great care should be given in the selection of the right type of chicken, with regard to local conditions, the need of the market and the performance of layers with respect to important economic characters like egg production, feed conversion, mortality etc. Under Goa conditions, HH 260 layer is found to be one of the most suitable commercial layers for intensive system of poultry keeping. .SELECTION OF SITE
The site for poultry farming should be carefully selected, considering the suitability from two different aspects, viz.; (1) biological aspect and (2) business aspect.
From the biological point of view, poultry needs a clean, dry, well-ventilated, quiet and comfortable place. There should be a perennial source of drinking water and preferably electricity also.
From the business point of view, there should be good facilities for transport and communication and also the site should be close to egg and feed market so that the expenditure on transport can be minimised.
