The aim of this study was to assess poor hatchability of poultry in Savelugu in the Savelugu municipality of the Northern region, Ghana. The study will adopt the survey design to administer questionnaires to 55 poultry producers to collect relevant data. Data will be analysed using SPSS V26.
The research highlights the significant role of artificial incubation and rearing in aviculture to boost reproductive rates, especially in endangered species. It emphasizes how artificial incubation impacts performance in modern poultry farming, with a focus on quality chicks. Despite advancements in incubator technology, artificial incubation remains a challenge, particularly compared to natural incubation. The study points out how critical factors like temperature, humidity, and egg turning can influence incubation success rates. In Ghana, where the poultry industry contributes significantly to the economy, there is a lack of standardized procedures for producing quality chicks, leading to high mortality rates and low hatchability. This study focuses on Savelugu to gain better understanding of the issue and potential solutions.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Justification
1.4 Research objectives
1.5 Main research objective
1.5.1 Specific research objectives
1.6 Research questions
1.6.1 Main research question
1.6.2 Specific research questions
1.7 Delimitations
1.8 Organization of the thesis
2.0 Literature review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Poultry production in Ghana
2.3 Artificial incubation
2.3.1 Two to three days before incubation
2.3.2 Cleaning and fumigation
2.3.3 The day eggs are set
2.3.4 Set stage
2.4 Egg factors causing hatching failure
2.5 Incubator factors causes hatching failure
2.6 Empirical review
2.6.1 Embryonic Mortality.
2.6.2 Malposition
2.7 Chapter summary
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Study area
3.2.1 Study design
3.2.2 Sample size determination
3.2.3 Sampling technique
3.3 Data collection techniques
3.3.1 Data sources
3.3.2 Questionnaire instrumentation
3.3.3 Data collection procedure
3.3.4 Data management and statistical analysis
3.3.5 Ethical considerations
4.0 Results and discussion
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Descriptive statistics
4.3 Sociodemographic characteristics of farmers
4.4 Farm Management
5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of findings
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
Research Objectives & Key Themes
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the incidence of poor poultry egg hatchability within the Savelugu municipality in Ghana, identifying the underlying environmental, management, and biological factors contributing to hatching failure. Key research themes include:
- Farming practices and socio-demographic characteristics of poultry producers.
- Causes and risk factors associated with artificial incubation failures.
- Impact of the broody hen method compared to artificial incubation techniques.
- Influence of nutritional factors, specifically the use of millet versus maize, on hatchability and egg quality.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Artificial incubation and hand-rearing allow aviculturists to greatly increase the reproductive potential of breeding populations. When one clutch is pulled for incubation, a second clutch will typically be laid, which can then be parent-reared or also pulled for incubation, thereby doubling or tripling reproductive output. This technique has been used effectively for a number of endangered species recovery programs as well as for a wide variety of domestic and nondomestic birds (Blanco et al., 2009; Burnside et al., 2021).
The incubation process is fundamental to modern poultry farming and favours performance and yield. In this way, both the egg-producing farm and the hatchery are directly related to obtaining quality chicks. Glass-shelled eggs are a type of mottled eggs, identified by having mottling on its surface with light-grey coloration of various diameters, which become more visible during the period of egg storage (Burnside et al., 2021). This kind of eggs emits a tinkling sound when flicked with a fingernail, resembling the sound when a glass is flicked (Burnside et al., 2021).
The avian egg is equipped with all the nutrients, minerals, energy sources and water required to support a developing chick (Agbehadzi et al., 2019). The only additional requirements for the embryo to successfully develop are warming, periodic turning, and a supply of oxygen. Warming and turning are achieved through incubation by the parent. While natural incubation leads to the best outcome, incubation has been attempted by many with varying degrees of success. Egg quality helps in the hatch of healthy chicks (Baballe, 2021; Brinsea, 2016). Healthy chicks have a well-healed navel, clean and dry, without membrane and/or yolk
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: Sets the stage by outlining the fundamental role of incubation, the problem of hatching failures in poultry, and the specific research objectives focused on Savelugu, Ghana.
2.0 Literature review: Provides a comprehensive overview of poultry production in Ghana, the technologies and challenges of artificial incubation, and a synthesis of empirical studies regarding embryonic mortality and malposition.
3.0 Methodology: Describes the quantitative survey design, sampling techniques, and data collection procedures used to gather information from poultry farmers in the Savelugu municipality.
4.0 Results and discussion: Presents the primary data regarding farmer demographics, farm management systems, and a detailed statistical analysis of the factors (including feeding and incubation methods) influencing hatchability.
5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations: Synthesizes the core findings and offers recommendations for government and stakeholders to improve practitioner knowledge and agricultural productivity.
Keywords
Hatchability, Poultry, Savelugu, Incubation, Artificial Incubation, Broody Hen, Embryonic Mortality, Malposition, Poultry Farming, Egg Quality, Embryo Development, Ghana, Farming Practices, Hatching Failure, Animal Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study focuses on assessing the incidence of poor poultry egg hatchability specifically in the Savelugu municipality of the Northern region, Ghana.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in this work?
Key themes include the comparison of hatching methods (natural vs. artificial), the analysis of farm management practices, the influence of poultry feed composition, and the identification of environmental failure factors.
What is the research goal of this project?
The primary goal is to determine the rates of poor hatchability and identify the specific factors—such as temperature, humidity, and malposition—that contribute to hatching failure.
Which scientific methodology was utilized for this study?
The research adopted a quantitative survey design, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 55 selected poultry farmers, with data subsequently analyzed using SPSS software.
What aspects of poultry farming are detailed in the main body?
The main body examines modern incubation techniques, the biology of embryonic development, common causes of embryonic mortality, and the impacts of different management systems and feed varieties on final productivity.
Which specific keywords define this study?
The work is characterized by terms such as hatchability, artificial incubation, embryonic mortality, malpositioning, and agro-economic factors in Northern Ghana poultry production.
What role does the 'broody hen' play according to the research findings?
The findings indicate that the broody hen remains the dominant method for hatching eggs in the studied region, although it is still subject to failures caused by restive behavior, poor heating, and insanitary conditions.
How does the type of poultry feed affect hatchability as described by the farmers?
The study highlights that layers fed with millet during the laying stage are associated with higher hatch rates compared to those on maize-based diets, suggesting a specific local perception on nutritional requirements.
What are the findings regarding the 'intensive' versus 'extensive' farming systems?
The results show a clear hierarchy in efficacy, where the intensive farming system is associated with the highest hatchability rates, significantly outperforming both semi-intensive and extensive systems.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mubarik Mahamud (Autor:in), 2023, Challenges of Artificial Incubation in Ghana's Poultry Industry. A Study on Improving Hatchability Rates in Savelugu, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1436725
