Alternative Housing Structure for Livestock and Poultry in Micronesia

2003 Annual Report for SW02-048

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2002: $26,857.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2004
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $14,106.00
Region: Western
State: Guam
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Manuel Duguies
Cooperative Extension Service

Alternative Housing Structure for Livestock and Poultry in Micronesia

Summary

Both broilers and layers were raised in a standard brooding facility (control) and in a wire/wooden brooder inside a 20 foot container van (experimental). There was no difference in the performance of the birds in terms of growth rate, morbidities and mortalities.

Initial results show that chickens can be raised in a container van as long as ventilation is provided. There is a sense of security against super typhoons.

Once the Brown Nick pullets start to lay in March, people will realize that instead of imported eggs coming in container vans to Micronesia, eggs can be produced in container vans in their own backyards.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. To study and demonstrate the practical use of container vans as an alternative housing structures for livestock and poultry producers in Micronesia. If properly secured in the ground, a container van should withstand powerful typhoon winds.

2. To show the effect of providing proper housing and environment on livestock and poultry producers in the region.

3. Encourage farmers to revive the poultry industry. One of the reasons farmers won’t go into egg production is because of the vulnerability of chickens during typhoons.

4. Increase awareness of producers about animal welfare and humane treatment.

5. To produce educational materials of the results of the study such as desktop publications and factsheets.

Accomplishments/Milestones

1. Twenty-five four-week-old broilers were raised in an elevated wire/wooden brooder placed inside a 20 foot container van. The broilers were raised inside the van for a period of 4 weeks. To increase ventilation, 2 rectangular openings were made at the closed end of the van and the 2 doors are open at all times.

2. Twenty-five two-week-old Brown Nick layer chicks were raised in an elevated wire/wooden brooder. The brooder was placed inside a 20 foot container van. Chicks were raised in the brooder until 8 weeks of age. Grower chicks were taken out of the brooder and raised on the floor. Grass trimmings were used for beddings. A divider made up of chicken wire was installed 4 feet from the container door. These growing pullets will be housed in the container until laying period.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This is the first year of the project. Initial results show that the performance of both broilers and layer chicks raised inside the container has no difference from the control chicks raised at a nearby brooding facility. Body conditions and growth rates are similar.There were no incidences of cannibalism and other behavioral problems.

I did not make any form of public outeach yet at this time. I plan to make the outreach when the pullets start to lay. I believe the impact of using container vans as an alternative housing for poultry will be greater when the farmers see the eggs.

Collaborators:

Carlito Hermogino

Guam Department of Agriculture
192 Dairy Road
Mangilao, GU 96923
Office Phone: 6717342942
Paul Bassler

Director
Guam Department of Agriculture
142 Dairy Road
Mangilao, Gu 96923
Office Phone: 6717343946