Effect of Housing Design and Location on Production and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens during Summer in Botswana

Abstract

Botswana experiences long, hot summer periods which negatively affect broiler productivity and results in economic losses. To determine these negative effects, two parallel broiler production studies were conducted in the North eastern (NE) and South eastern (SE) regions. In each region, three large scale commercial broiler farms were randomly selected based on similarities in bird management and housing systems. In each farm, one house type (Gable, Hoop and See-saw) was selected for long term flock monitoring (1 to 35 days) over three production cycles. Results showed that the production performance of the broilers in the SE region was superior to that in the NE region, with temperatures on being average higher in the NE than in the SE. The European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the SE (209) than in the NE (174). In the NE region, the broilers reared in the Hoop structure performed significantly better (p<0.05) than in both the Gable and See-saw structures in regards to feed consumption, average daily gain, and water consumption. In the SE region, only water consumption was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the Gable structure as compared to the other house structures. At the point of slaughter (35 days), there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the bird masses across the different house types. Mortality was not significantly different (p>0.05) between the regions at 9.0% and 7.4% for the NE and SE, respectively. In the NE, the Gable structure had the highest profitability and economic efficiency and was thus superior in comparison to the other house structures.