POULTRY PRODUCTION
Poultry is one of the most important sources of animal protein in the world, and poultry production is a major industry. The poultry industry has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by increasing demand for poultry products and the development of intensive poultry production systems. These systems have raised concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact, but there are initiatives that are working to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry.
Poultry birds belongs to the avian class of animal having wide varieties and several species and are mostly kept for useful purpose(s),such as production of meat,egg,decorating feather,leather etc. Types of poultry birds include Ostrich, Turkey, Domestic fowl, duck, geese, Japanese quail, Guinea fowl, domestic pigeon, pheasant etc. They are known to render economic service to man. This service consist mainly the provision of meat, eggs, manure and feathers. The meat and the eggs are essential protein nutrients to man. In Nigeria, the domestic fowl is cosmopolitan species.
The Nigerian indigenous fowl is kept by almost every household both in the rural areas and peasants in the urban settings. Then, it was kept as a means of savings, source of meat and timer. In recent years, it has been modernized and turned around to fulltime occupation being practiced by a lot of people who derive their means of livelihood from poultry and its associated industries. However, as a lot of benefits are derived from the sector, so also the production processes are facing some constraints.
The biggest challenge facing the poultry industry is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used in poultry production to prevent and treat disease, but their overuse has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is a major public health issue, and the poultry industry is working to reduce its reliance on antibiotics. One approach is to improve biosecurity and sanitation practices on poultry farms.
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