Commercial Poultry Farming in India

Monsoon Humidity & Coccidiosis Control: Central and Southern India face high temperatures (35°C) and extreme relative humidity (>90%) during the southwest monsoon (June to September).

• Litter Management: High humidity prevents litter drying, causing moisture compaction (>30% moisture). Wet litter promotes coccidiosis oocyst sporulation and ammonia release (>25 ppm), damaging bird respiratory systems.

• Lime Treatment: Rake the litter at least twice weekly. Add hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) at 1 kg per 10 m² (10 lbs/1000 sq ft) of floor area to absorb moisture and raise pH, suppressing coccidia.

• Stocking Density: Keep densities under 1.2 sq. ft. per broiler in open-sided deep litter sheds.

Subcontinent Feed Alternatives: High corn/soy prices have led to the utilization of alternative ingredients:

• De-oiled Rice Bran (DORB): An abundant byproduct of local rice processing mills. High in silica and fiber, but a cost-effective filler. DORB is capped at 10% to 15% in layer diets.

• Mustard Oil Cake: Commonly used but contains glucosinolates and erucic acid. Must be strictly capped at 5% to 8% in broiler starters and 10% in layer feeds to prevent thyroid hypertrophy and fishy egg taint.

Immunization Protocols: Major viral challenges include Newcastle Disease and low pathogenic Influenza:

• Newcastle Disease (Ranikhet): Highly velogenic strains are endemic. Standard protocol requires live vaccination (F1 strain or Clone 30 at Day 5 via eye-drops, LaSota at Day 21 via drinking water, and R2B strain mesogenic booster at 9-10 weeks in pullets).

• Avian Influenza (H9N2): Triggers mild respiratory symptoms but severe egg production drops. In India, layer pullets are routinely immunized with an inactivated H9N2 vaccine before lay.