Feedback: Art and science of making chicken feeds

MAKING NUTRITIOUS POULTRY FEEDS

Teach me how to mix chicken feeds’ raw materials to make chick, growers and layers mashes. In particular, I want to make a tonne of each of the mashes, thus, how many kilos of maize germ, wheat and omena should I use?

Morris Ochieng, Oyugis

Feed formulation is more than just mixing ingredients. It requires both technical and practical knowledge, patience and innovation. Accurate and economic feed formulation requires one to basically understand nutrient requirements of each class of poultry, the feed ingredients in terms of nutrient composition, nutritional constraints and processing and cost plus availability of the ingredients.

Also, know which would sufficiently and nutritionally substitute those in short supply at the least cost.

Any slight mess would result in poor feed utilisation and consequently reduced production characterised by underweight birds and low egg laying percentage.

Many farmers use predetermined spread sheets formulae that bear metabolisable energy values (kcal or MJ ME/kg feed) and protein content of the diet.

This is not enough, comprehensive information lies on the concentrations of mineral elements, digestible amino acids and other additives.

As a general guide, please refer to Seeds of Gold’s article The A-Z of making your own quality chicken feed at home to cut costs available online.

In addition, attend feed formulation training for further expert guidance, one which will be held soon at Egerton University, Njoro Campus. Keep reading Seeds of Gold to know the dates.

Felix Akatch Opinya,
Department of Animal Science, Egerton University.

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CROPS TO GROW WITH SALINE WATER

I live at the Coast and the only water available is saline from wells. What food crops will grow with saline water?
T.M Hopking

Beets, bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, sukuma wiki, loquats, spinach and tomatoes have high salt tolerance and can be grown with saline water.

Carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, potatoes, squash and sweet corn have moderate salt tolerance.

Carol Mutua,
Department of Crops, Horticulture, and Soils, Egerton University.

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I HAVE GREAT INTEREST IN CHICKEN FARMING

I am interested in poultry farming but I do not have funds to establish the business, where can I get funding? Secondly, I already have a business plan, can you help me to review it?

Miano

There are corporations mandated to provide financial and business development support to young people owned enterprises such as farming.

We have the Agricultural Finance Corporation and Youth Enterprise Development Fund reachable through [email protected]. However, it may be mandatory that you belong to a registered group, among other requirements.

For individual loans, commercial banks which have set up special financing packages for farmers can be a good alternative. Apart from the reduced interest rates nowadays, they also have reasonably flexible terms and conditions for maximum solutions that are tailored to meet your needs.

There are farmers who have also benefited from grants and competitions that encourage citizens to venture into farming and agribusiness. You need to put your ideas down on paper and present after which they do a business summary analysis and shortlist you for funding based on meeting their requirements.

You can also visit websites of organisations like TechnoServe and Farm Africa, which sometimes link investors with agricultural enterprises funding. Reach me on [email protected] to assist you formulate a winning business plan.

Felix Akatch Opinya,
Department of Animal Science, Egerton University.

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SOURCE OF KIENYEJI EGGS FOR HATCHING

I’m Shadrack and I would like to know where I can get improved Kienyeji eggs in Kericho town?

I recommend you source eggs from reputable breeders like Kalro Naivasha Station. The other option is to source them from their approved dealers, and for your case you can visit Matutu Farm that has been breeding and hatching Kari Kienyeji chicks.

The farm is located near Nyasiongo Shopping Centre on your way to Kisii Town.

Musyoka Duncan,
Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University.

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SOIL TESTING

I am a farmer in Siaya County. Where do I get soil testing services and at what cost? Also, where is lime found in Siaya and how much is suitable for an acre?

Paul Omondi

Egerton University, Kalro Kibos and Kakamega are known centres for credible soil testing. Now for liming, you need to know how much acidic the soil is by testing the pH (acidity/alkalinity).

This will determine the amount of liming required. Please do not attempt to lime before you know the pH condition of the soil.

Peter Caleb Otieno,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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BRUSSEL SPROUT SEEDS

I am still waiting to be advised on where I can buy Brussel sprout seeds.

Wanjiru

Brussel sprout is a cool season vegetable grown in cool climatic areas. They are imported seeds, therefore, kindly seek direction from any horticultural seeds company.

Peter Caleb Otieno,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.