AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT

(Life stock Project)

Name of Student: Meshall Williams

Student Registration Number:

Name of school: Northeastern College

Centre #:

Title of Project: The effects of spacing on broiler production at Northeastern College.

Project Started: February 12th 2021

Project Ended: March 24th 2021

Name of Teacher: Ms. K. Ali

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………..

Introduction …………………………………………………………………

Problem statement …………………………………………………………..

Hypothesis …………………………………………………………………..

Aim ………………………………………………………………………….

Methodology ………………………………………………………………..

Broiler Production Practices ………………………………………………...

Data Collection ……………………………………………………………...

Results ………………………………………………………………………

Broilers Livability …………………………………………………………..

Feed Consumption ………………………………………………………….

Average Live Weight ……………………………………………………….

Discussion …………………………………………………………………..

Conclusion ………………………………………………………………….

Limitations ………………………………………………………………….

Recommendations …………………………………………………………..

References …………………………………………………………………..

Appendix ……………………………………………………………………

Cost Analysis ……………………………………………………………….

 Acknowledgement
Firstly I would like to thank God for giving me the strength to go on and see a new day and
improve especially in this covid-19 time where everything is dangerous and yet the government
found a way to let students have a future.

Secondly, for the teachers for putting their lives on the line especially, Ms. K. Ali; taking the
time to help us in this endeavour to learn and explore new things. My parents; for being there
through the whole thing especially my mother for helping me in my project.

Lastly, for Northeastern College for providing the facilities and supplies for this project to be
completed.
 Introduction

For this School Based Assessment we did an experiment on the production of broilers in
different spacing for a period of six weeks. The difference in the development of the broilers was
compared to determine how they grow with different spacing. A broiler (Gallus gallus
domesticus) is any chicken that is bred and raised specifically for meat production. Many typical
broilers have white and yellowish skin.

Problem Statement
The response of broilers to spacing at Northeastern College is unknown.

Hypothesis
Broiler weight gain is affected by spacing or spacing affects the weight of broilers.

Aim
To determine the effect of spacing on weight gain in broilers and determine the optimum spacing
for broiler at Northeastern College.
 Methodology
Materials Tools and Equipment

24 broilers chicks Wire mash

Starter feed Infrared lamp

Finisher Feeders

Electrolyte Waters

Wood shavings Shavings

Disinfectant Rake

Paper Bucket

Shovel

Water pots

Wheel Barrow

Feed bags

Experimental Design

The experiment was conducted in the poultry pen at Northeastern College during the period
February 12 to March 24 , 2021. Twenty-one day old chicks were reared for (3) three weeks in a
th th

brooder. After brooding, the poultry pen was divided into two sections.
They were labeled Section C and T. Section C was the Control Section and Section T was the
Treatment Section. The Treatment Section for rearing the birds were at a spacing of 0.14 m²
(15ft²) per bird and the Controlled Section spacing was 0.09 m² (1ft) per bird. Ten brooded
chicks were placed randomly in each section of the pen. Broiler and the Treatment Section was
9.14 m² (5ft²) per broiler. The chickens had starter feed for the first four (4) weeks. They would
then be given finisher from week four (4) to six (6)
Data Collection

The broilers in the Treatment Section (T).

Treatment Section (T) was label from T1 to T12. Broilers in the Control Section (C) were label
C1 to C12.
Over the experimental period, the following data were recorded in tables used to plot appropriate
graphs.
Broiler Livability:
The number of surviving broilers was recorded each week until the end of the experiment.
Average Feed Consumption Per Bird Per Week:
The feed was weighed before filling the feeders and the weight of feed given each week was
recorded until the end of the experiment. Average feed consumption was calculated as follows.
Average feed consumption/bird/week = Weekly Feed Consumption
Number of bird
Broiler Live Weight:
All the birds were weighed at the start of the experiment and each week thereafter the weight of
the birds was recorded until the end of the experiment.

Feed Conversion Ratio

FCR for each set of birds was calculated using the following formula:
Feed Conversion Ratio = Weekly Feed Intake (kg)
Weekly Weight Gain (kg)
Other Observations:
Throughout the investigative period, the broilers were observed, and all other observations were
recorded. (See appendix)
 BROILER PRODUCTION PRACTICES

 Feeder: This is used for feeding poultry birds. Plastic or metal feeders are used mostly to
feed the chickens. The feeder should be kept neat and clean always to keep the chicken
healthy.

 Water Pot: This is essential for supplying water into the chicken cage. Clean and fresh
water is very essential and helpful for chicken’s health. Clean the water pot regularly.
Water pots are of various types. Water can be served by a simple water pot or through a
pipeline. In the pipeline system, you can keep a pipe from one corner to another corner of
the house or use a drop water system.

 Heater: Heat management is very necessary for poultry farming. Bulb, heater, or other
heating equipment can be used to warm up the chicken cage.

 Fencing: In the case of free-range poultry farming system fencing is a must. Because it
protects the poultry birds from all types of predators. Almost all producers use wire for
fencing purposes.

 Flooring: Neat, clean, and dry floor keep the birds healthy. So, always try to use the
proper floor. In the case of indoor farming methods use a wire net on the floor.

 Coops and Cages: The coop/cage or hen house is a small house where chickens are kept
safe and secure.

 Litter management: The litter was turned using a rake. All caked and wet litter was
removed and replace with clean wood shavings. The litter was removed and placed in a
compost heap.

 Spacing: Control spacing of 0.09m² (1ft²) per bird Treatment: spacing of 9.14 m² (5ft²)
per bird.

 Wood shavings: are used under the bedding for the broilers to absorb water and soft
feces and it also provides warmth for the chicks.

 Weighing: To see if the broiler is a good size and ready to buy.

 PRACTICES

Picture 1: Weighing the Broilers

Picture 2: Weighing the feed for broilers

Picture 3: Throwing feed in the Feed pot.

Pictures 4: Putting the water pot in the pen for the Broilers.
Picture 5: Setting up the pen for the Broilers

RESULTS
Number of Surviving Broilers

Table 1: Shows the number of Surviving Broilers the six week period the Treatment
Section.

Broiler Number of Broilers Livability

Treatment

Number (Weeks)

1 2 3 4 5 6
T1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 T2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

T3 Yes Yes No No No No
T4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T9 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
T12 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Total
Amount
of
12 12 11 11 11 11
broilers
survivin
g

Table 2: Shows the numbers of broilers livability in the Control Section.

Broiler Number of Broilers Livability

CONTROL

Number (Weeks)
1 2 3 4 5 6
C1 Yes Yes Yes No No No
 C2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C9 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
C12 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Total
Amount
of 12 12 12 11 11 11
broilers
surviving

Average Food Consumption

Table 3: Shows the Average Food Consumption in the Control Section which is 670 to 3971
and Treatment Section which is 678 to 3955.

Time Average Food Consumption (g)

(Weeks) Control Section Treatment Section
 3 670 678
4 978 960
5 1090 1078
6 1233 1238
Total 3971 3955
Average

Average Live Weight

Table 4: Shows the Average Live Weight of the broilers in the Control Section which is 453
to 2292 and the Treatment Section which is 453 to 1892.

Time Average Live Weight (g)

(Weeks) Control Section Treatment Section
3 453 453
4 997 697
5 1794 1639
6 2292 1893

Average Food Consumption

Table 5: Shows the Average Food Consumption ratio of Broilers Consumption.

Time Average Food Consumption (g)

(Weeks) Control Section Treatment Section
3 1.4 :1 1.4 :1
4 1.7:1 3.9:1
5 1.3:1 1.1:1
 6 2.5:1 4.8:1

Overall 1.7:1 2.8:1

Graph 1: Shows Average Food Consumption during project

 Average Food Consumption
1400

1200
A
N
I
M 1000
A
L
F 800
E Control Section
E Treatment Section
D
600
(
G
R
A 400
M
S
)
200

0
1 2 3 4

Time (Weeks)
Source: Table 3

Graph 2: Shows Average Live Weight of Broilers

 Average Live Weight
2500
A
n
i
m
a
l 2000

L
i
v
e 1500
Control Section
(
G Treatment Section
r
a 1000
m
s
)

500

0
1 2 3 4

Time (Weeks)
Source: Table 4

DISCUSSION
Broiler Livability:
Some of the broiler birds survived in both the treatment and control sections of the pen during
the experiment. This was probably because both the wider and closer spacing was adequate for
the growth and development of the broilers.
The water-soluble electrolyte in the drinking water probably contributed to the high livability by
providing the necessary vitamins and materials needed for the health, growth and development of
the birds. It also would have counteracted the negative effect of stress and maintained hydration
of the chicks during the early brooding stages.
Feed Consumption:
In both the treatment and controlled sections, the broiler ate 3955g for the treatment side and the
control 3971g and displays the same feed intake pattern. Spacing did not affect the quantity of
the feed consumed by the birds in this experiment.
Broiler Live Weight:
In both the treatment and control sections, the broilers displayed similar live weight gain patterns
and by the end of the experimental period of the six weeks, the birds were the same for week 3
weighing 453 g for both treatment and control. For the other weeks for 4 to 6, the control had a
higher weight gain. These results indicated that the spacing did not affect broiler live weight gain
in this experiment.
Feed Conversion Ratio:
For week 3, the FCR of the broilers in the treatment section and the control section was 1.4.1
FCR. And the other weeks the FCR fluctuated, and the treatment had the higher FCR in week 4
and week 5. This was probably due because of the spacing the birds having received. The FCR
of the broilers in the treatment section 1.5ft /broilers was the same as the FCR for those in the
2

control section 1ft . This was probably due to the broilers having more than adequate space to
2

move around thereby using the same amount of energy and eating the same amount of feed. The
overall FCR for both the treatment and the control sections was the same 2.8:1 this was higher
than the control section..

Recommendations and Limitations, Conclusions

Recommendations
Based on the results collected throughout this investigation, I recommended that broilers can be
reared in closer spaces of 1ft per broiler. This spacing would allow the farmer to maximize his
2

stock density, thereby improving the efficiency of his operations. However, the study needs to be
repeated and more broilers used.

Limitations
 This experiment was limited to only two spacing requirements. This was too narrow, a
range to determine the optimum spacing requirement for broiler birds at Northeastern
College.
 The number of broilers reared was too few to make a generalized statement.
 This trail was not replicated. This trial was only done at one point of the year and did not
take any seasonality into accounting.
 The results could have been affected by varying environmental conditions due to
inappropriate trail design.

Conclusion
It can be concluded that spacing don’t affect the weight gain of the broilers at the end of the
experimental period at Northeastern College.

References
 Henry, A.I., Caribbean Agriculture Science: Book 2


Cost Analysis
The cost analysis was shown for 11 broilers in the control and treatment section of the pen. This had a
total number of 22 broilers in total.

Complete Budget:
The control section contains a complete budget, and it includes projected income, projected
expenditure, and projected profit/loss.

Projected Income:

12 birds x $60.00 = $720.00.

($15lb) per broiler x 5 lb each)

Projected Expenditure:
The projected expenditure for this project is $495.00.
Table 5: Projected expenditure for Broilers reared at Northeastern College.

Item Quantity Unit Cost ($) Total Cost ($)

Broiler Chicks 12 $10.00 $120.00
Broiler Starter Half Bag $210.00 a bag $105.00
Broiler 1 Bag $210.00 a bag $210.00
Finisher
Vitamin 1 Pack $20.00 $20.00
De-wormer 1 Pack $20.00 $20.00
Saw Dust 1 Bags $20.00 $20.00
Total Projected Expenditure $495.00
Projected Profit/Loss:
The formula was used to calculate the projected profit/loss:
Projected Profit/Loss = Projected Income – Projected Expenditure
= $720.00 - $495.00
= $225.00
The expected profit of $225.00 is made from the sale of the 22 birds.

Actual Income – Expenditure Statement:

The part comprises the actual income, actual expenditure, and actual profit/loss.
Actual Income:
Actual Income = $60.00 x 11 birds = $660.00
15 broilers at 4 lb each
Actual Expenditure:
The actual expenditure for this project was $599.00.
Table 6: Below shows the Actual Expenditure earned from the rearing of broilers at
Northeastern College.
Item Quantity Unit Cost ($) Total Cost ($)

Broiler 12 $8.00 $96.00

Broiler Starter ½ Bag $210.00 a bag $105.00

Broiler ¾ Bag 225.00 a bag $157.50

Finisher
Vitamin Pack $20.00 $20.00

De-Wormer 1 Pack $20.00 $20.00

Saw Dust 1 Bags $20.00 $0.00

Total Actual Expenditure $398.00

Actual Profit/Loss:
Actual profit/loss = Total Income - Total Expenditure
=$660.00 - $398.50
=$261.50
Comparison of Projected and Actual Income, Expenditure, and Profit/Loss

A comparison of the projected and actual income, expenditure, and profit/loss for broilers reared
at Northeastern College.
The table below shows the Comparison of Projected and Actual Income, Expenditure and
Profit/Loss for the Broilers reared at Northeastern College.
Projected Actual Difference between Projected and Actual
($) ($) ($)

Income $720.00 $660.00 $60.00

Expenditure $495.00 $398.50 $96.50

Profit/Loss $225.00 $261.50 $36.50

The actual income earned from this project was $660.00 and the difference was $60.00 less than
what was projected in the complete budget.
The actual expenditure from this project was $398.50 which was $96.50 less than what was
expected budget. The amount of money that was spent did not exceed what was planned due to
the donation that we received for the sawdust.
Conclusion:
Selling the broilers after the six weeks instead of the 8 weeks because the birds would not have
brought much income due to fat building upon the meat of the broiler.
Recommendations:
In future planning, to make the project most profitable, a few strategies that should be considered
are:
 The litter is left to cure as manure and then be sold to obtain additional income.
 The birds should be sold as freshly slaughtered meat to obtain more income.
 The Broilers must have died due to lack of water and nutrition.
 APPENDIX

Number of Broilers Livability

Broiler Number of Broilers Livability

Number (Weeks)

1 2 3 4 5 6
T1
T2

T3
T4
T5
Treatment

T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
Total
Amount
of
broilers
survivin
g
Number of Broilers Livability

Broiler Number of Broilers Livability

Number (Weeks)
1 2 3 4 5 6
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
CONTROL

C6
C7
C8
C9
C10
C11
C12
Total
Amount
of
broilers
surviving
Average Food Consumption
Time Average Food Consumption (g)
(Weeks) Control Section Treatment Section
3
4
5
6
Total
Average

Average Live Weight

Time Average Live Weight (g)
(Weeks) Control Section Treatment Section
3
4
5
6