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AGRICULTURE PROJECT 2023/24

Project Topic: Broiler Production

Starting date: September 4th, 2023

Termination date:

Proficiency: General

Candidate name: Roman Rodriquez

Candidate number: 15001

School: North Union Secondary School

School code: 150020

Teacher: Mrs. S. Lavia-Daniels

Country: St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Table Of Content

Introduction

Methodology

Description of activity

Data Collection(Pictures)

Data Collection(Technical Results)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

References

Cost Analysis

Comparison of Budget

INTRODUCTION
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Problem Statement: The growth of broiler birds based on their feeding regime is yet to be
known at the North Union Secondary School (NUSS).

Aim: To determine the proper feeding regime needed for optimal growth of broiler birds.

METHODOLOGY
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Experimental Design: A batch of fifty (50) broiler birds were divided into two (2) equal groups
of twenty-five (25) and would be attended to for six weeks. At the start of weeks one and two,
both batches of broiler birds (Groups A&B) would be fed Starter. To continue weeks three and
four, both batches would be fed Grower. And to finish, batch A would continue with the Grower
feed while batch B would end with the Finisher feed. Fifteen (15) chickens from each batch
would be chosen at random weekly to collect their weight. The weight recorded would be used to
determine the best possible feeding regime for the broiler bird's growth and development. The
carcass and live weight would be co

LIST OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

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Name of Tool Used Function/use

Waters Used to provide chickens with water

Feeders Used to provide chickens with feed

Broom Used to clean the chicken pen as well as spread wood

shavings.

Wood shavings (litter) Used to provide comfort for the chickens

Shovel Used to remove old litter from the chicken pen

Buckets Used to dispense water to the waters

Infrared bulb Used to keep chickens warm and comfortable

Scale Used to measure the weight of chickens before and

after slaughter

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES

Pen preparation: The pen needed to be prepared after renovation for the arrival of the chickens
so that they would be accommodated well and for the prevention of diseases. The pen was swept
and wood shavings (litter) were then placed on the floor and spreaded with a broom across the
surface. Lastly, buckets, feeders and waters were set up and filled to be placed in the pen at
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appropriate positions for the chickens to get access to them without any difficulties.

Maintenance of chickens: Chickens were monitored daily in terms of the amount of feed and
water they consumed and how often the feed and water needed to be changed. Wood shaving
(litter) would be changed or turned depending on its condition and feeders and waters would be
cleaned weekly.

Litter Management: Wood shavings (litter) would be turned daily using a shovel depending on
the condition it was in and would also be replaced every 2-3 days for fresh litter. This was to
ensure that chickens would be in a clean and comfortable living space and so that chickens
would remain healthy.

Weighing of chicken: A total of ten (10) chickens were taken from each batch ( groups A&B)
weekly and an average weight was calculated. This was done so that the weight of the chickens
could be tracked weekly to determine which feeding style was the best fit for broiler birds
growth and development.

Slaughtering Of Chicken: Firstly the area that was to be used for slaughtering the broiler birds
was prepared and cleaned so that chickens would be killed and prepared in a sanitary area. The
chickens were then killed by cutting their heads off and were then placed into a pot with boiling
hot water for 8-10 seconds so that their features would loosen and they would be able to be
plucked effectively. A knife was used to slit the chicken above the cloaca in order for its innards
to be removed. Innards were removed carefully to not puncture the gallbladder and the chicken's
feet were then placed into the boiling water again for 3-4 seconds so that they could be cleaned
and removed. The chickens were then weighed for the last time and were then placed into bags
along with their feet and placed in a refrigerator.

Marketing of chickens: Chickens were weighed and sold at $7.00 per pound.
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DATA COLLECTION (photos)

Cleaning the pen

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Replacing wood shavings (litter)

Weighing of chicken

Slaughtering of chicken
DATA COLLECTION (Technical Results)

Broiler beards at the North Union Secondary School were not fed at an estimated feed ratio but
were instead fed ad libitum (lib). Table 1 shows the weight of the broiler birds over the six (6)
weeks.

Table 1
WEEK BATCH (A) WEIGHT- BATCH (B) WEIGHT-
Starter and Grower Starter,Grower and
Finisher
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Week 1 0.4 ibs 0.4 lbs

Week 2 2.5 lbs 2.5 lbs

Week 3 2.45 lbs 2.01 ibs

Week 4 3.6 lbs 3.7 lbs

Week 5 5.4 ibs 5.75 lbs

Week 6 5.8 lbs 6.4 lbs

Table 2 shows the average carcass weight of the broiler birds batch A ( Starter and Grower) and
batch B ( Starter, Grower and Finisher) after slaughtering and cleaning.

Table 2
Average Carcass weight (lbs.) of Broiler Birds

Batch A ( Starter and Grower) Batch B ( Starter, Grower and Finisher)

5.1 lbs 5.4 lbs

RESULTS
Figure 1
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Figure 1: The bar graph above shows the weight of the broiler birds over a six (6) week period.
Both batches of birds gradually increased in weight for the first three weeks, but by week four
batch B had begun to show signs of better growth and development than batch A. By the end of
the six week mark, the birds in batch B had gained 0.6lbs more than those in batch A. There
was not a significant difference in weight gain between batch A ( Starter and Grower) and batch
B (Starter, Grower and finisher).

Figure 2

Figure 2: The graph above shows the average total carcass weight of the broiler birds after they
were slaughtered. The birds in batch B (Starter, Grower and finisher) had a 0.3lbs difference in
weight, showing that they were the better of both batches in terms of growth and development.
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There was not a significant difference in the average carcass weight, but it was enough to set
both batches apart.

DISCUSSION

Broiler birds formally known as Gallus gallus domesticus is a type of chicken primarily
bred for meat rather than to lay eggs. This breed of chicken tends to be a fast grower and offers a
good value in terms of protein and calories ( What IsA Broiler chicken? 2024). This experiment
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was conducted to determine the best feeding regime for broiler birds at the North Union
Secondary School (NUSS) farm. According to Akinbobola (2018), Broiler Starter is the initial
feed for chicks within the first ten (10) days. The starter feed must contain a 21-22% level of
crude protein to start the baby chicks. Broiler Grower must be given to the broiler chickens from
days 11-25 with a balanced crude protein level of 19-20%. To end, Broiler birds should be given
Finisher feed from days 26-42 or until slaughter. The feed must contain a lower protein level of
18-19%. Protein is regarded as the most important nutrient for the optimal growth and
production of broiler chicks seeing that protein is responsible for muscle growth.
The experiment was in harmony with the requirements stated, but instead of a uniformed
feeding schedule; broiler birds were fed Ad libitum in hopes of outstanding growth and
development. The outcome of the experiment based on the results shows that the birds in batch
B that were fed all three feeds ( Starter, Grower and Finisher) for the six weeks did better than
those in batch A that only received Starter and Grower feed only. There was a considerable
difference in weight between both batches of birds in relation to the parameters measured. The
parameters measured were live weight on a weekly basis and the average carcass weight after
slaughter at the ending of the six weeks. The live weekly weight showed a 0.6lbs difference
between both batches at the end of the six weeks while the average carcass weight showed a
0.3lbs difference, both were in favor of batch B ( Starter, Grower and Finisher).
It is recommended that broiler birds not be kept past six (6) weeks because this is when the
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) reaches its peak. It is uneconomical for poultry business to keep
broiler birds past this time because the birds require more feed and may not gain any form of
weight past this time.

CONCLUSION

According to the results obtained from this experiment, chickens that were fed with all three
feeds (Starter, Grower and Finisher) performed better in terms of growth and development when
compared to those that only received Starter and Grower feed. This was shown in the results for
the average carcass weight after slaughter at the end of the six weeks with batch B ( Starter,
Grower and finisher) having a 0.3lbs difference over batch A ( Starter and Grower). Broiler
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Starter at weeks 1-2 , Broiler grower at weeks 3-4 and broiler Finisher at weeks 5-6 was the most
suitable feeding regime for broiler birds growth at the North Union Secondary School (NUSS).

LIMITATIONS

- Results lacked accuracy due to the usage of an analog scale instead of a digital scale.

- Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was not clear because the birds were fed Ad libitum.

- Only one breed of broiler bird was examined in this experiment which prevented
generalization.

RECOMMENDATION

- A digital scale should be used for more precise measurements.

- The amount of feed given to the broiler birds should be measured to better monitor their
growth

- Different breeds of broiler birds can be used to strengthen the validity of the experiment.

REFERENCE

What Is A Broiler chicken?| Broiler Chicken| Nature’s Best

https://organicfeeds.com/what-are-broiler-chickens/

Broiler Feeding Guide, Growth & Weight Chart

https://www.livestocking.net/standard-broiler-feed-chart-growth-weight
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PROJECTED BUDGET

Income AVERAGE QUANTITY Unit Cost Total ($)

(lbs) ($)

Sale of whole chicken (50) 7 lbs. $8.00 $2800.00

(Number of birds x weight 50 whole chicken x 7 lbs x
x unit cost) $8.00

EXPENDITURE QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL ($)

($)
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chickens 50 $ 1.50 $75.50

Vitalyte 1 pack $20.00 $20.00
Water $50.00 $50.00
Electricity $30.00 $30.00
Wood shavings 10 $2.50 $25.00
Labour 42 days $15.00 $630.00
Sack of Starter Feed 5 sack $40.00 $200.00
Sack of Grower Feed 5 sack $55.00 $275.00
Sack of Finisher Feed 2 sack $45.00 $90.00
Plastic bag 2 pack $25.00 $50.00
Infrared bulb 1 $30.00 $30.00
Baby water 2 $34.50 $69.00
Baby feeder 2 $34.50 $69.00
Total projected expenditure $1625.50
Projected Surplus/ profit $2800.00 - $1625.50 $1174.50
Total Income- Total Expenditure
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ACTUAL BUDGET

Income Average Quantity (lbs.) Unit Cost Total ($)

($)

Sale of whole chicken (50) 6 (lbs.) $7.00 $2100.00

(Number of birds x weight 50 whole chicken x 6 lbs. x
x unit cost) $7.00

EXPENDITURE QUANTIT UNIT COST TOTAL ($)

Y
($)

chickens 50 $ 1.75 $87.50

Vitalyte 1 pack $20.00 $20.00
Water $30.00 $30.00
Electricity $25.00 $25.00
Wood shavings 10 $1.00 $10.00
Labour 42 days $5.00 $210.00
Sack of Starter Feed 3 sacks $52.00 $156.00
Sack of Grower Feed 5 sacks $52.00 $260.00
Sack of Finisher Feed 2 sacks $54.00 $108.00
Plastic bag 1 pack $10.00 $10.00
Infrared bulb 1 $10.00 $10.00
Baby water 2 $30.00 $60.00
Baby feeder 2 $25.00 $50.00
Total projected expenditure $1036.00
Project Surplus/ profit $2100.00 - $1036.00 $1064.00
Total Income - Total
Expenditure
Comparison on total projected income and total actual income