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© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

FARM AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT BY COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMERS   

 

 

Muhammad Shoaib1 
Ijaz Ashraf2 
Khalid Mahmood 
Chaudhary3 
Umair Talib4+ 
Muhammad Usman5 
Awais Ali Khan6 

 

1,2,3,4,5Institute of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University 
of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 

 
 

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 11 June 2018 
Revised: 16 August 2018 
Accepted: 4 September 2018 
Published: 26 September 2018 
 
 

Keywords 
Poultry farmers 
Farm management 
Disease management 
Commercial poultry farming 
Poultry Farming in Pakistan 
Poultry Farming in Developing 
World. 

 
Commercial poultry farming is one of the key sector around the world especially in 
Pakistan due to its adaptability in different factors such as, low investment per unit, 
high growth rate, and agro-climatic conditions and also due to short generation 
interval. Unfortunately its progress is not enough to meet the demanding level due to 
the rate of high population. Therefore, the study was proposed to assess the farm and 
diseases management by commercial poultry farmers. Tehsil Faisalabad was selected 
purposively and the data were collected from randomly selected 120 commercial 
poultry farmers. The findings of the study revealed that majority of poultry farmers 
showed high level of knowledge on poultry housing management about spacing and 
watering equipment’s (70.0%). However their awareness of bedding or litter 
management (52.5%) and its changing was low. They also had low level of knowledge 
about quality of feed and water (52.5%), identification of affected birds (54.2%) but they 
were well known about the vaccination of birds (60.8%) with the help of their 
traditional experiences. They were also well known about common diseases like bird flu 
(68.3%) and gumboro (65.0%) however they had lower level of knowledge about Vent 
gleet (53.3%) and Coccidiosis (41.7%). Therefore, it is recommended that the private 
extension agents should be encouraged to focus their extension activities on the poultry 
farmers who are not getting proper and relevant information about the management of 
housing, disease and their control.   
 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Poultry farming has passed one of the most important aspect, over the past few decades, its status changed 

from backyard poultry farming to commercial poultry farming. Efficiency in poultry production and protection 

depends on the knowledge of various production and management practices at farm level. It was thought 

appropriately to assess the knowledge level of poultry farmers to formulate necessary strategies for the overall 

development of poultry sector. 

In Pakistan, Poultry sector is one of the organized and vibrant segment of agriculture and food industry. This 

is a fast income generating sector and provide employment opportunities over 1.5 million people in the country. In 

agriculture sector, the poultry has contribution in value addition 4.8% and livestock is 9.8%. Poultry meat 

contributes 24.8% of the total meat production in the country. Annually the poultry sector has shown a rapid 

growth which is 8-10%. The poultry industry had made considerable contribution in food production and also have 

vibrant role in the national economy and food security of the country. The investment in poultry sector increased 

day by day currently it is about Rs.200 billion [1]. 

Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 
2018 Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 42-47 
ISSN(e): 2312-6418 
ISSN(p): 2313-3716 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.68.2018.52.42.47 
© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://www.doi.org/10.18488/journal.68.2018.52.42.47


Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2018, 5(2): 42-47 

 

 
43 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

There are two management system in poultry production one is rural poultry farming and the other is 

commercial poultry farming. The commercial poultry farming is an example of private poultry farming which have 

15-20% growth per annum. This achievement is due to the incentive grant provided by the Government and private 

sector from time to time. It includes the duty free import of parent flocks, poultry farm equipment’s, financing and 

credit, low income tax and machinery. Due to this higher investment and proper incentives and management have 

resulted in the organization of infrastructure which comprising of 252 hatcheries and their annual production 

capacity was to produce 346 million day- old chicks, 141 feed mills with the capacity to produce 2540 thousand tons 

of compounds feed per annum and 13154 poultry farms had the capacity to produce 98 million broilers Alam and 

Khan [2]. 

Many challenges faced by the poultry sector like diseases outbreak like birds flu, and avian influenza  

mismanagement and low level of knowledge about proper sanitation in the different parts of the country. Especially 

the broilers birds (280000) were affected due to diseases at 66 poultry farm. In the backyard poultry 40 cases were 

recorded and in commercial poultry farm it was 33400 cases. 

Karcher [3] reported that feed of poultry and its costs was a major impact on the production of poultry and its 

farm operations. Due to low protein diets, the poultry birds like chickens take more time to grow, that’s why they 

are at a higher risk of affecting diseases. The chickens had different requirements of nutrient depending on their 

type, age, and sex. Excessively utilization of dietary nutrients are often excreted in the feces. The environment is 

affected due to excess nitrogen and phosphorus in feces secreted by the poultry birds. Therefore it’s necessary for 

managing the poultry farm and application of feeding formulas. 

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS  

The study was conducted in tehsil Faisalabad, district Faisalabad in Province Punjab, Pakistan. District 

Faisalabad consists of six tehsils i.e. Jaranwala, Sadaar, Faisalabad city tehsil, Samundari, Chak. Jhumra and 

Tandalianwala. The tehsil was selected purposively because it stands largest poultry production and more number 

of poultry farm and accessibility of the study area to the researcher. All the farms (109) of the tehsil Faisalabad were 

considered as the population. The 30 commercial poultry farm were selected purposively from whole population and 

four respondents selected through simple random sampling technique from each farm. The total sample size were 

120 respondents. Keeping in view the objectives of the study, a pre-planned interview schedule was prepared and 

used for the collection of data. The data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for 

drawing conclusions and recommendations. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistic such as frequencies and 

rank orders were used for interpretation of data.  

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

Knowledge is an important component, which significantly influences the adoption of new technology. For the 

present study, the commercial poultry farmers were chosen for detailed analysis.  

 

3.1. Knowledge Level among Commercial Poultry Farmers   

Commercial Poultry farming is the most effective and economical structure for society so for the commercial 

poultry farming the housing of birds is most important for protection and production. The poultry hosing consists 

of different categories on the basis of their requirements. Poultry farming data regarding housing is presented in 

Table 1.1 

 

 

 

 



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Table-1.1. The knowledge level of poultry farm housing of the respondents 
 

Knowledge level of the poultry farm 
 Houses  

Yes No Total Ranked 
order f % f % f % 

Knowledge about spacing   84 70.0 36 30.0 120 100.0 1 
Watering equipment 84 70.0 36 30.0 120 100.0 1 
Cleaning of the shed 80 66.7 40 33.3 120 100.0 2 
Brooder guard 77 64.2 43 35.8 120 100.0 3 
Cleaning of  bird 77 64.2 43 35.8 120 100.0 3 

Availability of fresh water 77 64.2 43 35.8 120 100.0 3 
Preventive measures of diseases 75 62.5 45 37.5 120 100.0 4 
Ventilation 74 61.7 46 38.4 120 100.0 5 
Bedding or litter management  63 52.5 57 47.5 120 100.0 6 
Feeder 63 52.5 57 47.5 120 100.0 6 
Changing the litter 62 51.7 58 48.3 120 100.0 7 

  

It is clear from the data presented in the table 1.1 that large majority of the poultry farmers had complete 

knowledge about the availability of fresh water and ventilation (81.0%) in poultry production practices ranked as 1st 

and 2nd in the study area. Majority of poultry farmers had knowledge about cleaning of the shed and brooder guard, 

preventive measures of diseases, availability of fresh water which ranked as 2nd and 3rd respectively. More than half 

of the farmers (51.7%) had lower level of knowledge about the changing of litter at the poultry farm.  

Smith [4] reported that the poultry houses are the basic aspect for the protection of poultry birds and it must 

be sanitized. Poultry house sanitation depends upon the type of poultry houses like controlled and un-controlled 

shed because it depends upon the floor type. Poultry houses can be sanitized and clean by using many disinfectants 

in many ways. The selection of disinfectant must be controlled carefully and chosen properly to avoiding the 

problems relating to newly introduced flocks.    

Mobley and Kahan [5] reported that the management of poultry farms like its ventilation , preventive 

measures of diseases etc. are one of the most difficult in newly introducing flocks. 

 

3.2. Knowledge Level of Commercial Poultry Farmers about Feed Management at Poultry Houses  

The data regarding feeding management was divided into different categories like type of feed (corn & soya 

bean), quality of feed and water, application of feeder, proper nutrition, drinkers and feeders cleaning and also the 

feeding requirements which provided by the private poultry companies at the poultry farm level.  The data is given 

in Table 1.2 

 
Table-1.2. The knowledge level of the poultry feeding and watering management of the respondents 

Poultry feeding and watering  
management  

Yes No Total Ranked 
Order f % f % f % 

Cleaning of drinkers and feeders 84 65.0 42 35.0 120 100.0 1 
Corn & soya bean  76 63.3 44 36.7 120 100.0 2 
Provision of proper nutrition 69 57.5 51 42.5 120 100.0 3 
Application of  feeder and waterier 61 53.3 56 46.7 120 100.0 4 
Quality of feed and water 47 50.8 59 49.2 120 100.0 5 

Feeding requirements 51 47.5 63 52.5 120 100.0 6 
 

 

Table 1.2 depicts that large majority (65.0%) of the respondents had knowledge about cleaning of drinkers and 

feeders provided by the private extension field staff which is ranked as 1st, while 63.3% of the respondents were 

known about the feeding of poultry birds like corn & soya bean and ranked as 2nd. The respondents had knowledge 

about the provision of proper nutrition, the application of feeder and waterer, quality of feed and water at poultry 

house which is ranked as 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively. While near to half (47.5%) of the respondents had lowest level 

of knowledge about feeding requirements. 



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During the application of poultry feeding, its quality and requirement at proper time is very important. At farm 

level, all the workers should be well known for proper application and maintenance of the farm. Poultry feedings 

and its quality is an important role in broilers, chicks and laying hens etc.  Egg production directly linked with 

proper and in time availability of feeding [6].   

The quality of eggs and meat in poultry production has an important aspects.  A good quality of eggs can be 

taken from the provision and timely availability of proper nutrients (feed) to the poultry birds [7]. 

Bhattacharya, et al. [8] stated that the feeding of poultry like rice meals, corns, maize, and soya bean and some 

other type of feedings like blood, bones and rice milt, bajra, and wheat are the most important foods for the poultry 

birds. Due to proper provision of feeding to poultry birds increased the meat and egg production.  

 

3.3. Knowledge Level of Poultry Farmers about Poultry Protection 

The poultry farmer’s knowledge about the protection of poultry birds from diseases described below in the 

following table 1.3. 

 
Table-1.3. The knowledge level of the poultry protection 

 

Poultry protection  Yes No Total Ranked order 

f % f % f % 

Disease / Parasite  81 66.7 40 33.3 120 100.0 1 
Unhealthy birds 73 65.0 42 35.0 120 100.0 2 
Vaccination status 68 60.8 45 37.5 120 100.0 3 
Disinfectant the poultry house 59 56.7 52 43.3 120 100.0 4 
Identification of affected birds 51 54.2 54 45.0 120 100.0 5 
Prevention and control  44 53.3 56 46.7 120 100.0 6 

 

It is clear from the data presented in the table 1.3 that near to majority (66.7%) of the respondents had 

knowledge about the disease or parasite which ranked as 1st and unhealthy birds ranked as 2nd which provided by 

the private extension field staff. Majority (60.8%) of the respondents were known about the vaccination status of 

poultry birds which ranked as 3rd. While more than half (56.7%) of the respondents were known about disinfectant 

the poultry houses and ranked at 4th. While the poultry farmers have knowledge about identification of affected 

birds which ranked as 5th. The poultry farmers have lower level of knowledge about the prevention and control of 

diseases which ranked as 6th position. 

Poultry protection practices are being done for the prevention and spreading of disease at poultry farm. It is 

used to accomplish and minimize the maximum movement or crossing of biological organisms like virus’s bacteria 

and rodents etc. which directly or indirectly causes the diseases on the poultry birds. The biosecurity is the     

easiest and cheapest way to control the diseases during poultry farming, without it no one any programs and 

disease control practices being done at poultry farm effectively. The biosecurity is actually the eradication and 

effective risk management at the poultry farm by Tiakina [9]. 

 

3.4. Knowledge Level of Poultry Farmers about Poultry Diseases  

The maximum losses in poultry farming is being done due to unhealthy and unprotected measurements and 

their practices regarding to diseases control at poultry farm such as chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is one of the 

most important disease for the losses of birds. It can cause the maximum mortality of poultry birds (100%) at its 

extreme stage. It is a very dangerous disease. The vaccination of diseases should be done ensured otherwise more 

than 70% of  poultry birds could be killed due to fowl pox, vent gleet, fowl typhoid etc. during poultry farming 

compiled by Naila, et al. [10].   

 

 
 



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Table-1.4. Knowledge level of poultry farmers about poultry diseases 
 

Poultry disease  Yes No Total Ranked order 

f % f % f % 

Bird flu  82 68.3 38 31.7 120 100.0 1 
Gumboro disease  78 65.0 42 35.0 120 100.0 2 
Fowl cholera 71 63.3 44 36.7 120 100.0 3 
Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) 69 62.5 45 37.5 120 100.0 4 
Fowl pox  64 61.7 46 38.3 120 100.0 5 
Fowl Typhoid  59 60.8 47 39.2 120 100.0 6 
Vent gleet 44 53.3 56 46.7 120 100.0 7 
Coryza 40 50.0 60 50.0 120 100.0 8 

Coccidiosis  35 41.7 70 58.3 120 100.0 9 

 

Table 1.4 shows that  large majority (68.3%) of the respondents had knowledge about bird flu it was so 

dangerous diseases in the poultry birds, farmers were clearly identified affected birds due to their experience which 

is ranked as 1st, while other  vast majority (65.0%) of the respondents had knowledge about gumboro disease which 

is ranked at 2nd position. The poultry farmers also had knowledge about other diseases like fowl cholera, chronic 

respiratory disease (CRD), Fowl pox, Fowl Typhoid, Vent gleet and Coryza which are ranked in the above mention 

table. The farmers had lowest level of the knowledge about coccidiosis which ranked at 9th position. 

Ameji, et al. [11] reported that Fowl typhoid, Gumboro, Fowl pox, Coccidiosis, Newcastle disease were the 

diseases observed by poultry farmers under extensive management system. 

 

4. CONCLUSIONS  

From the above study it is concluded that the farmers had lowest knowledge about changing of litter, which 

was the main cause of poultry diseases especially in newly produced chicks. Some of the farmers had not changed 

the feeders and waterer tools regularly. Most of the farmers were well known about the spacing and brooder guards 

which was comfortable for the poultry birds. The farmers had some information about poultry feed on the other 

hand they were not able to identify the quality of feed, water and also its requirements. It was also concluded that 

most of the poultry farmers had an idea about common diseases like bird flu and gumboro diseases, on the other 

hand they had little knowledge about the diseases like Coryza and Coccidiosis. They were also well known about 

the parasitic diseases and unhealthy birds due to their working experience. But they were not known about 

precautionary measures and to identify the affected fowl.     

 

5. RECOMMENDATIONS 

i. Private extension staff should provide the training about the poultry farm practices. 

ii. Programs should be started to creating the awareness about diseases prevention and their controls.  

iii. Vaccination of poultry should be done time to time, which is only possible if the farmers are taught about it 

by experts.  

iv. Farmers usually value the suggestions given by public sector extension, so livestock department’s 

extension services should be improved.  

v. Information communication technology should be used for extension services, farmers can be contacted on 

using ICTs tools, which is very effective now a days.  

 

Funding: This study received no specific financial support.    
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Contributors/Acknowledgement: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the 
study. 

 

 



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