Mar 2006 - FEED FORMULATION HANDBOOK PREVIEW(Contd.)

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Today in Nigeria, a lot of people are gradually finding their way back to Agricultural activities in general and Poultry farming in particular. This is a good development which if continued should see this country return to self-sustenance in food production in the near future. Poultry faming, though potentially lucrative, can be fairly risky if a farmer is not diligent. Some farmers have recorded severe losses by way of disease outbreaks or dismal productivity resulting from poor feeding among other things.

Apart from the hygiene condition of the environment where poultry are kept, the types of feeds - and manner of feeding - that the birds are subjected to can prove quite critical in determining the ultimate output achieved by a farmer whether in terms of eggs laid, or bird sizes/weight at point of sale. Someone recently made an interesting observation to me about practicing poultry producers here in Nigeria.

He pointed out many of these farmers lack formal training in poultry management. However, despite this seemingly serious inadequacy, they successfully feed/manage their birds for profit – which is why they remain in business even today! Now if that is possible, imagine how much better off they would be in terms of farm productivity(and profits) if they developed a better knowledge/understanding of poultry feedstuffs and ration formulation/compounding!!

Feeding is one critical element that determines how well poultry or any other farm animals perform. It impacts not only on growth rates, but also on the disease resistance of the birds(though protection is also afforded the birds through vaccination/medication regimes).

To put it another way, it has been acknowledged that ‘Diet is an important component of the environment under all climatic conditions. The potential of the bird cannot be attained if the environment, and notably the diet, is substandard.

This is why the publication of this Practical Poultry Feed Formulation Handbook could not have come at a better time. It has been written in very simple language, drawing extensively from the author’s personal notes, records and experiences. The handbook also offers some tested and proven pre-formulated poultry ration formulas that can be immediately put to use by a farmer.

2.1 WHO SHOULD READ THIS HANDBOOK?

This handbook will prove a much consulted reference not just for poultry farmers, but also for students - and teachers - of general agriculture, animal/poultry science, animal nutritionists as well as aspiring livestock farmers/ entrepreneurs.

2.2 CAUTIONARY NOTE

A general note of caution is appropriate at this point. In using this handbook, there is the expectation that a farmer will take pains to purchase feedstuff of the right quality if he/she wants to get the results promised in the recommended rations. For instance, a weevil-infested batch of maize will contribute significantly less energy/nutrients to a diet(even if a good prescribed formula is followed) than one that is in good condition.

Also, many experienced poultry/livestock farmers know that certain feedstuffs are not used in excess amounts for compounding animal rations due to detrimental effects that result. Effort has been made in this handbook to give as much detail as possible of the more common types of potentially problematic ingredients. However, the new or less experienced farmer would be well advised, to seek the assistance of more experienced colleagues and/or practicing animal nutritionists when in doubt.

I will however end by saying that for as long as the poultry farmer does not stray beyond the limits recommended in this handbook(and other guide books), it is unlikely that any ration compounded would be detrimental in any way to the animals fed on it.

2.3 CORRECTIONS, COMMENTS, AND HELP

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this book (including the contents of the numerous tables of values provided in it). The Self-Development Academy will provide corrections and additional content for its books through e-mail for now - and it’s website in the near future. If you have any comments, questions, or ideas regarding this book or the subject covered, please send them to us. Contact us via this form.

Finally, note that support or assistance with understanding or making use of the handbook will be readily and freely offered to anyone (who obtains the handbook and requests it) through this website. In addition, the Self-Development Academy will organize and facilitate seminars on feed formulation should the need for it be identified and adequate numbers of persons indicate their interest.

2.4 THE SELF-DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

I founded the Self-Development Academy Limited (in January 2002), as a subsidiary of Madanda Deventures. The Self-Development Academy Limited is a mobile/freelance creative training outfit committed to helping people achieve perpetual successes in their personal and work lives, by teaching them practical Self-Development techniques.

Through the Development Academy, I intend to continue propagating my ideas and convictions about the benefits derivable from diligent application of Self-Development principles to achieve success in any area of endeavour. Self-Development offers ANYONE (who is willing), the opportunity of literally taking control of his/her life to create the future he/she wants.

In order to assist those who might decide to adopt Self-Development as a way of life, the academy offers a rich and constantly updated - collection of life-changing training courses, designed to launch participants to higher performance levels in their personal and/or work lives.

Also, the academy offers a growing library of information products on various topics relating to acquisition of skills aimed at helping anyone develop him/herself towards achieving any objective(s). A summary of the Training Courses/Seminars offered by the academy and/or the list of available information products is available on request. Contact us via this form with your enquiries.

Finally, I sincerely hope all that read this handbook find it useful and beneficial to them in their personal, academic or business pursuits. I would readily welcome any suggestion for its improvement.

Yours in Self-Development,

TAYO SOLAGBADE
The Spontaneous Coach™

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