Heat Stress Management Training Empowers Ghanaian Chicken Farmers to Reduce Bird Losses

The Ghanaian poultry industry in the Greater Accra region has been grappling with a pressing issue - rising temperatures. This has led to a significant increase in mysterious bird deaths, leaving farmers perplexed and frustrated. To address this challenge, the Livestock Industry Foundation for Africa (LIFA) launched a training program on heat stress management techniques for chicken farmers.

The training program, which targeted 200 chicken farmers, focused on equipping them with practical solutions to manage heat stress in their flocks. Prior to the training, many farmers were unaware of the significant role heat stress plays in bird mortality. For instance, Esther Andoh, a farmer at Dorothy's Garden of Eden Farm, had lost 50 birds in a single day despite consulting veterinary services. Akosua Agyemang, an agricultural extension officer, suspected heat stress might be the culprit on a duck farm she supports.

The training program proved to be a turning point for many farmers. Armiyawu Abdul-Rahim of Ami Farms Ventures, who attended the sessions, found them to be informative and life-saving for his cousin's farm. The training shed light on the importance of providing cool water for birds throughout the day, adjusting feeding schedules, and allowing for better air circulation within the pens.

Professor Adebukunola Olufunmilayo Lala of LIFA explained the science behind heat stress. Poultry thrives in a specific temperature range called the thermoneutral zone (18-22°C). When temperatures rise above this zone, birds struggle to maintain a stable body temperature, leading to heat stress. Heat stress not only impacts bird mortality but also affects their overall well-being and productivity, resulting in reduced growth rate, lower egg production, and compromised meat quality.

The training program focused on equipping farmers with a multi-pronged approach to tackle heat stress. Transitioning to cooling housing systems with proper ventilation was a key recommendation. This could involve installing fans or strategically placed vents to improve air circulation within poultry pens. Providing readily available cool drinking water through multiple water points is also crucial.

In addition to environmental modifications, the training program delved into the role of nutrition in mitigating heat stress. Farmers learned about providing pelletized diets with higher energy content and fat content, as well as supplementing these diets with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to bolster the birds' resilience to heat.

The LIFA training program has empowered Ghanaian chicken farmers with the knowledge and tools to create optimal environments for their birds. By implementing these strategies, farmers can not only safeguard the health and well-being of their flocks but also ensure the continued success of their poultry businesses in the face of a rising heat challenge.