Agricultural Science
NAME OF PROJECT: Rearing of 100 Layer Birds
LOCATION: Durban Backlands Practical Instruction Centre
DURATION: June 02, 2015-
SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS
DATE ACTIVITY COMMENT/OBSERVATIONS
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
2016/07/2- Market Research Market research was an easy task because
2015/07/23 of the many vendors selling eggs at the
market.
2016/07/2- Preparation Of Pen Cleaning and disinfection of the pen was
2015/07/23 Cleaning and Disinfecting challenging due to the presence of wood
shavings left from previous rearing of layer
birds.
2016/07/2- Placing Zinc Sheeting Setting up the brooder was manageable.
2015/07/23
2016/07/2- Placing Litter Placing litter was challenging because it
2015/07/23 took a lot of time and effort.
2016/07/2- Placing Bon Paper Placing the paper was easy because it was a
2015/07/23 simple task.
2016/07/2- Installation of Hoover Installing the hover the manageable.
2015/07/23
2016/07/2- Installation of Waterers and Installing waterers are feeders was
2015/07/23 Feeders
2016/07/2- Introduction of Birds
2015/07/23 Arrival of Birds
Week Four to Week Seventeen(June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
Twice Weekly Care and Maintenance Refilling feeders was easy. Adjusting the
Refilling and Adjusting Feeders feeders was in fatiguing because it had to
be done to suit the birds and so had to be
done regularly.
Twice Weekly Refilling and Adjusting Waterers Refilling waterers was easy. Adjusting the
waterers was unfatiguing because it had to
be done to suit the birds and so had to be
done regularly.
Once Weekly Changing/Turning Litter Changing and turning litter was difficult
because care had to be taken no to damage
the birds.
Twice Weekly Maintaining Footbath This was a simple task.
Once Weekly Weighing Weighing the birds were a little challenging
because they were hard to calm down.
2015/07/30- Removal of Brooder This was a manageable task.
2015/09/29
2015/07/30- Preparation of Nesting Boxes This was a difficult task since the birds had
2015/09/29 to keep away while they were being
prepared.
2015/07/30- Collection of Eggs Collecting the eggs from the birds was a
2015/09/29 difficult task because the birds were very
defensive
Week Eighteen to Week Thirty-Two (October 6th,2015 –January 12th, 2016)
2015/10/6- Collection of Eggs Collecting the eggs from the birds was a
2016/01/12 difficult task because the birds were very
defensive.
2015/10/6- Change of Feed This was a very easy task.
2016/01/12
2015/10/6- Cleaning, Packing and This was a difficult task due to the large
2016/01/12 Marketing Eggs number of eggs.
Week Thirty-Three to Week Sixty-Six (January 13th,2016- August 30th,2016)
2015/01/13- Addition of Shells to Pen This was a very simple task because a lot
2015/08/30 of effort did not have to be placed into it.
Week Sixty-Seven to Week Eighty- Two (August 31st,2016- December 20th,2016)
2016/08/31- Molting The addition of molasses to the water when
2016/12/20 the birds molted was simple.
2016/11/28 Sale of Birds Collecting the eggs from the birds was a
difficult task because the birds were very
defensive.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES
o Market Research
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
The Stabroek Marketplace was visited and the price of eggs was inquired. The prices were
recorded from three vendors and the average, which was found to be $800 per tray, was
agreed upon as the price to be used in this project.
Preparation of Pen
o Cleaning and Disinfecting
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
The area chosen for the rearing of the layer birds was swept clean using brooms. Vegetation
surrounding the layer pen was also removed by hand and the corridors surrounding the pen
were swept clean. The pen and its surroundings were then disinfected using Pine Sol and
water.
o Placing Zinc Sheeting
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
One roll of zinc sheeting (approximately 10 inches high) was placed in a suitable corner of
the pen. It was placed allowing a large enough area for 100 layer chicks to dwell temporarily,
that is, until they grew in size. The zinc sheeting acted as a brooder guard that kept the birds
in the designated area.
o Placing Wood shavings
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
After the brooder was completely dried three bags of wood shavings were placed in an
enclosed area for the arriving layer chicks. The wood shavings were evenly distributed
throughout the brooder using shovels. The wood shavings acted as a source of warmth for the
young layer chicks.
o Placing Bon Paper
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
One sheet of white bon paper was placed in the brooder. It was placed directly over the wood
shavings. The bon paper kept the scent of the wood shavings down so that it would not
disrupt the birds. The bon paper also allowed the chicks to differentiate between the wood
shavings and the feed.
o Installation of Hoover
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
Like the wood shavings, the hoover acted as a source of warmth for the chicks. Three 1.5
volts light bulbs were placed in the brooder. They were placed on a hover that was suspended
from the roof by ropes.
o Installation of Waterers and Feeders
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
Some waterers and feeders were placed on the bon paper in the brooder. The waterers were
washed and filled prior to the arrival of the birds. Sugar was added to the water so as to calm
the birds down from stress which may have arisen from transportation. The feeders, however,
were washed, dried and filled with chick starter.
Introduction of Birds
o Arrival of Birds
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015)
On June, 2015, 100 layer birds arrived at the Durban Backlands Practical Instruction Centre.
The birds were of the Rhode Island Red breed and were purchased from Fung-a-Fat
Hatchery. The layer chicks were vaccinated and debeaked at the hatchery. They were placed
in the prepared brooding area.
o Maintaining Footbath
Week One to Week Three (June 2nd, 2015- June 23rd, 2015))
To avoid the spread of diseases and bacteria in the brooder, the footbath was prepared. The
footbath area was swept clean with a broom until all debris was removed. It was then washed
clean and disinfected using Dettol. Afterwards it was refilled with clean water poured from a
watering can.
Care and Maintenance
o Removal of Brooder Guard, Hoover and Bon Paper
Week Four to Week Seventeen (June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
As the layer birds grew, they required more space. The brooder guard (zinc sheeting) was
removed and litter was added up to 3 inches to the next area of the pen. The surroundings of
pen were properly secured by mesh. The hoover was also removed since the grown birds
were able to withstand the temperature. The bon paper was removed because the birds were
grown enough to differentiate between the feed and the wood shavings and they also needed
the wood shavings to scratch around in.
o Adjusting Waterers and Feeders
Week Four to Week Seventeen (June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
As the birds grew, the waterers and feeders were constantly being adjusted to suit their
heights and comfort. They were no longer placed on the ground; they were suspended from
the ceiling by ropes.
o Refilling and Waterers and Feeders
Week Three to Week Nine (October 13th, 2016- November 23rd, 2016)
The waterers were removed twice weekly, washed and refilled with clean, fresh water. The
feeders were removed twice weekly and refilled with chick starter.
o Turning Wood shavings
Week Four to Week Seventeen (June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
Wood shaving was turned once a week. The litter was turned using shovels. The chicks were
kept on one side of the pen until the litter on the other side was turned and vice versa.
o Addition of Litter
Week Four to Week Seventeen (June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
Wood shavings were added to the pen. There was a shortage of litter and the litter was not
added as much as it should. The litter was added using shovels and was incorporated with the
present litter maintaining a 3 inch height.
o Changing Litter
Week Four to Week Seventeen (June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
The litter was changed when it was wet or filled with droppings. The previous litter would be
disposed of and all of the layer birds would be kept on one side of the pen while it was being
removed. The other side was then filled with fresh litter up to a height of 3 inches. The same
was done for the other side. It was ensured not to compress the litter while it was being
added, turned or changed.
o Maintaining Footbath
Week Four to Week Seventeen (June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
The footbath was maintained to prevent bacteria and viruses from the outside surroundings to
get to the pen. The previous water and debris were swept out using brooms. The footbath
area was washed and then refilled with clean, fresh water poured from a watering can. Dettol
was added to the footbath.
o Weighing
o Week Four to Week Seventeen(June 30th, 2015- September 29th, 2015)
Weighing was done to ensure that the layer birds healthy and at the right weight for their age.
o Preparation of Nesting Boxes
The boxes were prepared when the birds almost started laying. They were cleaned and
washed. A little bit of hay was placed at the bottom of the boxes to make the birds
comfortable when they lay.
o Collection of Eggs
Week Eighteen to Week Thirty-Two (October 6th, 2015 –January 12th, 2016)
The eggs were collected in a basket. They were counted, the number recorded and then taken
for cleaning and packing. The birds started laying eggs at week 17. During the period of
week 17 to week 59, their egg production was constant and they were laying 18 trays (552
eggs) per week. However, during the molting period, the egg production dropped and the
birds produced 17 trays in weeks 63, 64 and 65. After the addition of molasses to their water,
their egg production slowly increased to its normal performance.
o Cleaning of Eggs
Week Eighteen to Week Thirty-Two (October 6th, 2015 –January 12th, 2016)
After collection, the eggs were cleaned. They were cleaned using rags that were slightly
damp.
o Sorting of Eggs
Week Eighteen to Week Thirty-Two (October 6th, 2015 –January 12th, 2016)
Since all of the eggs produced were brown, there was no need for sorting.
o Packing of Eggs
Week Eighteen to Week Thirty-Two (October 6th, 2015 –January 12th, 2016)
After the eggs were collected, cleaned and sorted, they were packed. The eggs were packed
in egg trays. Thirty eggs were placed in each tray.
o Mortality
Week Thirty-Three to Week Sixty-Six (January 13th, 2016- August 30th, 2016)
Out of the 100 layer birds that were bought, 12 died. On September 8th, 2015, one died from
being trampled. On September 29th, 2015, another died from natural causes. Also due to
natural causes, another bird passed away on October 7, 2015. Two died on October 13th, 2015
due to poor sanitation and another two birds died on November 28th, 2015 because of natural
causes. On November 12th, 2015, one bird passed from natural causes while on December 10,
2015, two passed away, both from natural causes. Finally, two birds died on December
28,205 because of natural causes.
o Addition of Shells to Pen
Week Thirty-Three to Week Sixty-Six (January 13th, 2016- August 30th, 2016)
Due to a possible lack of calcium, the birds began to peck at their eggs. This caused a
reduction in the sale of eggs because the eggs were damaged and cannot be sold. To correct
this issue, the birds were fed egg shells. The empty egg shells were washed and dried. They
were then crushed into bits and fed to the birds. The egg shells acted as a calcium supplement
for the birds.
o Addition of Molasses to Waterers
Week Sixty-Seven to Week Eighty- Two (August 31st, 2016- December 20th, 2016)
As the birds age, they began to lose their feathers (a process called molting). As an effect, the
birds laid less eggs and the egg production rate dropped. Molasses was added to the waterers
to boost egg production. The molasses was no longer added to the water when the birds
stopped molting.
COMPLETE BUDGET
EXPENDITURE INCOME
Date Item Qty Unit Total Date Item Qty Unit Total Cost
Cost Cost Cost
2016/0 Layer 100 $160 $16,000 2016/ Sale of 1000 $800 $800000
7/2 Birds 11/28 Eggs trays
2016/0 Light 3 $100 $300 2016/ Sale of 95 $200 $19,000
7/2 Bulbs 11/28 Birds
2016/0 Wood 6 $300 $1800
7/2 Shaving Bags
2016/0 Waterers 5 $1500 $7500
7/2
2016/0 Feeders 6 $1500 $9000
7/2
2016/0 Paper 1 $1500 $1500
7/2 roll
2016/0 Rope $2500 $2500
7/2
2016/0 Chick 4 $5400 $21,600
7/2 Starter bags
2016/0 Growing 7 $5600 $39,200
7/2 Ration bags
2016/0 Egg Ration 50 $5100 $255000
7/2 bags
2016/0 Disinfectan 2 $240 $480
7/2 t
2016/0 Shovel 1 $1100 $1100
7/2
2016/0 Broom 1 $600 $600
7/2
Utilities
2016/0 Lighting -
$4000 $4000
7/2
2016/0 Water - $1750 $1750
7/2
TOTAL EXPENDITURE $362330 TOTAL INCOME $819000
Surplus/Shortfall= Projected Income – Projected Expenditure
= $819,000.00 - $362,330.00
= $456,670.00
Therefore a surplus of $456,670.00 is estimated.
ACTUAL BUDGET
EXPENDITURE INCOME
Date Item Qty Unit Total Date Item Qty Unit Total Cost
Cost Cost Cost
2016/ Layer Birds 100 $360 $36000 2016/ Sale of 965.2 $800 $772120
07/2 11/28 Eggs trays
2016/ 3 $5300 2016/ Sale of 88 $500 $44000
07/2 Chick bags $21,300 11/28 Birds
2016/ Starter 1 bag $5400
07/2
2016/ Pulette 18 $5300 $95400
07/2 Grower bags
2016/ Litter 15 $60 $900
07/2 bags
2016/ Egg Ration 96 $5200 $499200
07/2 bags
TOTAL EXPENDITURE $652800 TOTAL INCOME $816120
Surplus/Shortfall= Actual Income –Actual Expenditure
= $816,120.00 - $652,800.00
= $163,320.00
Therefore a surplus of $163,320.00 was gained.
COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED AND ACTUAL BUDGET
It was estimated that 100 trays of eggs and at least 95 birds would have been sold providing a
total income $819,000.However, only 965.2 trays of eggs and 87 birds were sold, which
provided an income of $816,120. The difference between the expected income and the actual
income was $2,880. The estimated income was more than that of the actual income. This was
because of the high mortality rate due to the lack of feed.
It was estimated that the total expenditure for the project would have been $362,330. However,
$652,800 was spent. The estimated expenditure was less than the actual expenditure due to the
large amount of egg ration that was bought for the layer birds.
It was estimated that a surplus of $456,670 would have occurred. Unfortunately, a surplus of
$163,320 was gained. This was due to the increase in the actual expenditure and a decrease in the
actual income from the estimated expenditure and the estimated income respectively... Although
a profit was gained, the profit could have been larger if there was not such a large mortality rate.
In addition, lack of feed contributed greatly to the high mortality rate, thus affecting production
and in turn causing a significant decrease in surplus when compared to the estimated budget.
GENERAL COMMENT
This project was both educative and fun-filled. Important skills were mastered throughout this
project and crucial knowledge was attained.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. It could be recommended that there be a better water system in the instruction centre.
2. It can also be recommended that there be a greater availability of resources.
SKETCH OF LAYOUT OF PLOT
Layer Pen
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