Soy Excellence Center – Msuega Clifford

Forum Replies Created

Page 54 of 4535

Muhammad Ahmad

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:43 am in reply to: Simple Biosecurity Habits

Daily shower

Cleaning

Spraying of disinfectant

Cloth changing
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:42 am in reply to: cooked appearance of meat

Birds that die from heat stress often show a “cooked” appearance on the breast because high body temperature and poor blood circulation cause protein denaturation in the muscles before or soon after death. This leads to pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like meat, resembling partially cooked tissue due to internal overheating and lack of oxygen in muscle cells.Birds that die from heat stress often show a “cooked” appearance on the breast because high body temperature and poor blood circulation cause protein denaturation in the muscles before or soon after death. This leads to pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like meat, resembling partially cooked tissue due to internal overheating and lack of oxygen in muscle cells.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 am in reply to: Nutritional requirements

Broilers need high-energy, high-protein diets for fast growth — typically protein 20–23%, metabolizable energy 3000–3200 kcal/kg, plus balanced amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Layers require lower protein (16–18%) but higher calcium (3.5–4%) for strong eggshells, along with adequate phosphorus, vitamins, and trace minerals to maintain egg production and quality.Broilers need high-energy, high-protein diets for fast growth — typically protein 20–23%, metabolizable energy 3000–3200 kcal/kg, plus balanced amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Layers require lower protein (16–18%) but higher calcium (3.5–4%) for strong eggshells, along with adequate phosphorus, vitamins, and trace minerals to maintain egg production and quality.
Muhammad Ahmad

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:39 am in reply to: Environmental Concerns

Good explanation
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:39 am in reply to: Poultry

Newly hatched chicks need high protein levels to support rapid growth and muscle development — typically 20–23% crude protein in the starter diet for the first 2–3 weeks. The protein should come from high-quality, digestible sources like soybean meal and fish meal, balanced with essential amino acids (especially lysine and methionine).Newly hatched chicks need high protein levels to support rapid growth and muscle development — typically 20–23% crude protein in the starter diet for the first 2–3 weeks. The protein should come from high-quality, digestible sources like soybean meal and fish meal, balanced with essential amino acids (especially lysine and methionine).
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:38 am in reply to: Anticoccidial effects of oregano and garlic

That’s a great finding — it shows that oregano and garlic essential oils can effectively reduce Eimeria oocyst shedding, likely by disrupting parasite development and enhancing gut immunity. Such herbal additives offer a promising natural alternative to synthetic anticoccidials, supporting both health and performance in broilers.That’s a great finding — it shows that oregano and garlic essential oils can effectively reduce Eimeria oocyst shedding, likely by disrupting parasite development and enhancing gut immunity. Such herbal additives offer a promising natural alternative to synthetic anticoccidials, supporting both health and performance in broilers.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:38 am in reply to: Hammer mill sieve size

The ideal hammer mill sieve size depends on bird age and feed type:

<ul data-start=”75″ data-end=”409″>
Broiler pre-starter: 2.0–2.5 mm (fine grind for better digestibility)
Starter: 2.5–3.0 mm
Finisher: 3.0–3.5 mm
Layer phase 1 & 2: 3.0–4.0 mm (coarser to aid gizzard function)
Breeder feed: 3.5–4.0 mm
Pellet feed: Slightly finer (around 2.5–3.0 mm) for better pellet quality and binding.

Proper particle size improves digestibility, pellet durability, and bird performance.The ideal hammer mill sieve size depends on bird age and feed type:

Broiler pre-starter: 2.0–2.5 mm (fine grind for better digestibility)

Starter: 2.5–3.0 mm

Finisher: 3.0–3.5 mm

Layer phase 1 & 2: 3.0–4.0 mm (coarser to aid gizzard function)

Breeder feed: 3.5–4.0 mm

Pellet feed: Slightly finer (around 2.5–3.0 mm) for better pellet quality and binding.

Proper particle size improves digestibility, pellet durability, and bird performance.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:37 am in reply to: Feed

A sudden drop in feed intake can result from several factors:

Temperature stress – High heat or cold stress reduces appetite.
Poor feed quality – Rancid fats, mold, or ingredient changes affect palatability.
Water issues – Dirty or unavailable water immediately lowers feed intake.
Disease or vaccination stress – Illness or recent vaccination can suppress appetite.
Lighting or ventilation changes – Poor air quality or sudden light adjustments disturb feeding behavior.A sudden drop in feed intake can result from several factors:

Temperature stress – High heat or cold stress reduces appetite.

Poor feed quality – Rancid fats, mold, or ingredient changes affect palatability.

Water issues – Dirty or unavailable water immediately lowers feed intake.

Disease or vaccination stress – Illness or recent vaccination can suppress appetite.

Lighting or ventilation changes – Poor air quality or sudden light adjustments disturb feeding behavior.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:36 am in reply to: Cost management

To calculate cost of production and determine profit margins in poultry or livestock farming:

Add all costs – include feed, chicks, vaccines, labor, utilities, housing, litter, and depreciation of equipment.
Divide total cost by output – e.g., per kg of meat or per dozen eggs.
Determine selling price – based on market rates.
Calculate profit margin –

<math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML” display=”block”><semantics><mrow><mtext>Profit Margin (%)</mtext><mo>=</mo><mfrac><mrow><mo stretchy=”false”>(</mo><mtext>Selling Price</mtext><mo>−</mo><mtext>Production Cost</mtext><mo stretchy=”false”>)</mo></mrow><mtext>Selling Price</mtext></mfrac><mo>×</mo><mn>100</mn></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>\text{Profit Margin (\%)} = \frac{(\text{Selling Price} – \text{Production Cost})}{\text{Selling Price}} \times 100</annotation></semantics></math>Profit Margin (%)=Selling Price(Selling Price−Production Cost)×100

Tracking these costs regularly helps identify where to cut expenses or improve efficiency.To calculate cost of production and determine profit margins in poultry or livestock farming:

Add all costs – include feed, chicks, vaccines, labor, utilities, housing, litter, and depreciation of equipment.

Divide total cost by output – e.g., per kg of meat or per dozen eggs.

Determine selling price – based on market rates.

Calculate profit margin –

Profit Margin (%)
=
(
Selling Price
−
Production Cost
)
Selling Price
×
100
Profit Margin (%)=
Selling Price
(Selling Price−Production Cost)

×100

Tracking these costs regularly helps identify where to cut expenses or improve efficiency.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:35 am in reply to: meal limitations

Canola and rapeseed meals are good protein sources, but they have some limitations:

Glucosinolates – Can reduce feed intake and affect thyroid function if levels are high.
Fiber content – Higher than soybean meal, which can lower digestibility and energy value.
Palatability – Some birds may eat less due to bitter taste.
Variability – Nutrient content can vary depending on processing and seed variety.

Using low-glucosinolate (canola-type) meals and proper formulation helps minimize these issues.Canola and rapeseed meals are good protein sources, but they have some limitations:

Glucosinolates – Can reduce feed intake and affect thyroid function if levels are high.

Fiber content – Higher than soybean meal, which can lower digestibility and energy value.

Palatability – Some birds may eat less due to bitter taste.

Variability – Nutrient content can vary depending on processing and seed variety.

Using low-glucosinolate (canola-type) meals and proper formulation helps minimize these issues.

Muhammad Ahmad

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:34 am in reply to: Aquaculture

Selecting a suitable site is the single most important decision in fish pond construction, as it affects construction cost, water retention, and long-term production. The primary considerations revolve around Water, Soil, and Topography.

Here are the key factors for fish pond site selection:

1. Water Supply (Quantity and Quality)

This is the most critical factor, as fish require a continuous supply of suitable water.

| Consideration | Requirement | Why it Matters |

|—|—|—|

| Source Reliability | Must be available year-round to fill the pond and replace losses from evaporation and seepage. Groundwater (wells, springs) is often preferred for consistency. | If the source is seasonal (like a stream), the pond may dry up, resulting in total fish loss. |

| Flow Rate | Should be sufficient to fill the pond quickly (ideally within 1–2 weeks) and maintain the desired water level. | Slow filling delays production cycles and encourages unwanted weed growth. |

| Source Purity | Must be free from pollution (industrial effluents, toxic runoff, agricultural pesticides, or heavy domestic waste). | Pollutants directly poison the fish or make them unfit for consumption. |

| Basic Parameters | Should meet quality standards for the intended fish species (e.g., pH 6.5–8.5, dissolved oxygen > 5 \text{ mg/L}, low ammonia). | Water quality directly impacts fish health, growth, and survival. |

2. Soil Quality (Water Retention)

The soil composition determines the ability of the pond bottom and walls (dykes) to hold water.

* Best Soil Type: Clayey soils (e.g., clay, sandy clay, silty clay loam, or clay loam) are ideal because the fine particles compact well and are impermeable, minimizing seepage.

* Clay Content: The soil should ideally have at least 20\% \text{ to } 30\% clay content to ensure good water retention.

* Unsuitable Soils: Avoid highly sandy soils, gravel beds, or rocky/limestone areas, as water will leak rapidly. Also, avoid organic soils (like peat or swampy marsh) as they are unstable and unsuitable for dyke construction.

3. Topography (Land Shape and Slope)

The shape of the land affects the pond design, construction cost, and drainage.

* Slope: The ideal site should be level or gently sloping (0.5\% to 3\% slope). This is sufficient for gravity drainage without requiring extensive, costly earthwork.

* Gravity Flow: Ideally, the pond should be located slightly lower than the water source so it can be filled by gravity, avoiding the cost and complexity of continuous pumping.

* Drainage: The site must allow for total drainage by gravity for harvesting and maintenance purposes. A higher elevation area is suitable for this.

* Flood Risk: The site must be above the highest flood level and should not be prone to seasonal flooding, which can wash away the fish stock and damage the structure.

4. Accessibility and Economic Factors

* Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible by road for transporting construction materials, feed, supplies, and, most importantly, for taking the harvested fish to market.

* Security: Proximity to the farmer’s residence or a secured area is important to prevent poaching and vandalism.

* Labor and Utilities: Access to reliable electricity (for aerators or pumps) and a source of local labor can be important factors, especially for commercial operations.

* Market Proximity: Being reasonably close to the target market reduces transport costs and ensures the fish are delivered fresh.Selecting a suitable site is the single most important decision in fish pond construction, as it affects construction cost, water retention, and long-term production. The primary considerations revolve around Water, Soil, and Topography.
Here are the key factors for fish pond site selection:
1. Water Supply (Quantity and Quality)
This is the most critical factor, as fish require a continuous supply of suitable water.
| Consideration | Requirement | Why it Matters |
|—|—|—|
| Source Reliability | Must be available year-round to fill the pond and replace losses from evaporation and seepage. Groundwater (wells, springs) is often preferred for consistency. | If the source is seasonal (like a stream), the pond may dry up, resulting in total fish loss. |
| Flow Rate | Should be sufficient to fill the pond quickly (ideally within 1–2 weeks) and maintain the desired water level. | Slow filling delays production cycles and encourages unwanted weed growth. |
| Source Purity | Must be free from pollution (industrial effluents, toxic runoff, agricultural pesticides, or heavy domestic waste). | Pollutants directly poison the fish or make them unfit for consumption. |
| Basic Parameters | Should meet quality standards for the intended fish species (e.g., pH 6.5–8.5, dissolved oxygen > 5 \text{ mg/L}, low ammonia). | Water quality directly impacts fish health, growth, and survival. |
2. Soil Quality (Water Retention)
The soil composition determines the ability of the pond bottom and walls (dykes) to hold water.
* Best Soil Type: Clayey soils (e.g., clay, sandy clay, silty clay loam, or clay loam) are ideal because the fine particles compact well and are impermeable, minimizing seepage.
* Clay Content: The soil should ideally have at least 20\% \text{ to } 30\% clay content to ensure good water retention.
* Unsuitable Soils: Avoid highly sandy soils, gravel beds, or rocky/limestone areas, as water will leak rapidly. Also, avoid organic soils (like peat or swampy marsh) as they are unstable and unsuitable for dyke construction.
3. Topography (Land Shape and Slope)
The shape of the land affects the pond design, construction cost, and drainage.
* Slope: The ideal site should be level or gently sloping (0.5\% to 3\% slope). This is sufficient for gravity drainage without requiring extensive, costly earthwork.
* Gravity Flow: Ideally, the pond should be located slightly lower than the water source so it can be filled by gravity, avoiding the cost and complexity of continuous pumping.
* Drainage: The site must allow for total drainage by gravity for harvesting and maintenance purposes. A higher elevation area is suitable for this.
* Flood Risk: The site must be above the highest flood level and should not be prone to seasonal flooding, which can wash away the fish stock and damage the structure.
4. Accessibility and Economic Factors
* Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible by road for transporting construction materials, feed, supplies, and, most importantly, for taking the harvested fish to market.
* Security: Proximity to the farmer’s residence or a secured area is important to prevent poaching and vandalism.
* Labor and Utilities: Access to reliable electricity (for aerators or pumps) and a source of local labor can be important factors, especially for commercial operations.
* Market Proximity: Being reasonably close to the target market reduces transport costs and ensures the fish are delivered fresh.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:32 am in reply to: Egg Freshness..

Loss of feed freshness usually happens due to oxidation of fats, vitamin degradation, and moisture absorption during storage. High temperature, humidity, and poor aeration speed up these reactions, leading to rancid smell, nutrient loss, and reduced palatability. Proper storage — cool, dry, and well-ventilated — is key to maintaining freshness.Loss of feed freshness usually happens due to oxidation of fats, vitamin degradation, and moisture absorption during storage. High temperature, humidity, and poor aeration speed up these reactions, leading to rancid smell, nutrient loss, and reduced palatability. Proper storage — cool, dry, and well-ventilated — is key to maintaining freshness.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:30 am in reply to: Feed Efficiency Tips That Work

Switching to high-quality pellets with consistent size and minimal fines made a big difference — birds ate more efficiently, wasted less feed, and showed better FCR and uniform growth. Even small improvements in pellet quality or feeder management can noticeably boost performance.Switching to high-quality pellets with consistent size and minimal fines made a big difference — birds ate more efficiently, wasted less feed, and showed better FCR and uniform growth. Even small improvements in pellet quality or feeder management can noticeably boost performance.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:23 am in reply to: moisture loss (shrinkage)

Moisture loss mainly reduces weight, not the nutritional concentration of dry matter. However, excessive drying or poor storage can cause nutrient degradation — especially loss of vitamins, fats (oxidation), and amino acids. So while nutrient percentages may appear higher on a dry-matter basis, overall nutrient quality and feed freshness can decline if moisture loss is uncontrolled.Moisture loss mainly reduces weight, not the nutritional concentration of dry matter. However, excessive drying or poor storage can cause nutrient degradation — especially loss of vitamins, fats (oxidation), and amino acids. So while nutrient percentages may appear higher on a dry-matter basis, overall nutrient quality and feed freshness can decline if moisture loss is uncontrolled.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:20 am in reply to: litter treatment for coccidiosis

To control or kill Eimeria oocysts in litter, use chemical disinfectants and management practices that target coccidia:

Ammonia-based disinfectants – e.g., litter treatments releasing ammonia gas are effective against oocysts.
Phenolic compounds – some phenol-based disinfectants can reduce oocyst viability.
Drying and heat – removing wet spots, sun-drying, or heating litter (>60°C) helps destroy oocysts.
Litter acidifiers – products that lower pH can reduce oocyst survival.
Good rotation and rest – allow litter areas to dry completely between flocks.To control or kill Eimeria oocysts in litter, use chemical disinfectants and management practices that target coccidia:

Ammonia-based disinfectants – e.g., litter treatments releasing ammonia gas are effective against oocysts.

Phenolic compounds – some phenol-based disinfectants can reduce oocyst viability.

Drying and heat – removing wet spots, sun-drying, or heating litter (>60°C) helps destroy oocysts.

Litter acidifiers – products that lower pH can reduce oocyst survival.

Good rotation and rest – allow litter areas to dry completely between flocks.

Page 54 of 4535

← 1 … 53 54 55 … 4,535 →