An Assessment of Poultry Husbandry by selected Farmers in the Greater Accra area

Abstract

To ensure food security, constraints to improved animal production must be identified and addressed. This study assessed poultry husbandry practices focusing on housing design, stocking density, feeding, biosecurity and waste management among selected farmers in the Greater Accra region. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 farmers across seven districts. Most farmers used intensive housing systems, with pens primarily oriented east-west, though only onethird adhered to recommended sidewall heights of 0.3 – 0.5 m. A major concern was widespread overstocking, with some farms exceeding recommended densities by up to 200%, often accompanied by poor litter conditions. Feeding practices were relatively good as most farmers fed birds twice daily using commercial feeds based on maize and fish meal. While awareness of biosecurity was high, implementation was inconsistent. Although 84% had isolation pens and 70.6% restricted vehicle access, only 14% controlled human entry and just 11.8% implemented clean/dirty zone separation. Footbaths were present on only 43.5% of farms and often incorrectly sited. Waste management was largely traditional as 48% used untreated manure, 39% burned waste and only 15% composted. These deficiencies may stem from limited technical knowledge and financial constraints. The study recommends regular training and support to improve housing, biosecurity and waste management practices to enhance bird welfare, productivity and reduce reliance on imported poultry.