Soy Excellence Center – MATEEN ADEBAYO

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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.

Muhammad Ahmad

Member

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

Killing Eimeria oocysts (the highly resistant, egg-like stage of the parasite that causes coccidiosis) in poultry litter is exceptionally difficult because they have a tough, double-layered wall that resists most common disinfectants.

The most effective approach is a combination of chemical application (disinfection) and environmental management.

1. Highly Effective Chemical Disinfectants (Coccidiocidal Agents)

The oocyst requires specialized, powerful chemical agents—most standard disinfectants like quaternary ammonium compounds or basic aldehydes are ineffective.

|—|—|—|—|

| Phenol-Based | Chlorocresol (synthetic phenol) | This is often cited as one of the most effective coccidiocidal disinfectants. It works by acting as a lipid solvent, penetrating and breaking through the oocyst’s tough protective wall. | Requires a specific formulation, often with a secondary active ingredient (like an acid or alcohol) to aid penetration. Must be used at high concentrations. |

| Ammonia | Ammonium Hydroxide or Gaseous Ammonia | The strong, alkaline nature of ammonia, particularly when produced by composting or applied as a gas, can destroy the oocysts. | This method is highly effective but must be applied in an empty house by trained personnel due to the extreme danger of ammonia gas to birds and humans. |

| Caustic Agents | Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) | Highly alkaline compounds are effective at destroying the oocyst wall. | Highly corrosive and dangerous to handle. Only used for total house disinfection between flocks, never with birds present. |

| Acetic Acid | High-Concentration Acetic Acid (e.g., concentrated vinegar) | Some studies suggest very high concentrations of acetic acid can suppress the sporulation (making it infectious) of the oocysts. | Less common for large-scale house treatment, but useful for small-scale equipment cleaning. |

Important Note on Disinfection: All effective disinfectants must be used only after the house is completely empty of birds, litter is removed or treated, and all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned of organic matter. Organic matter (like droppings) drastically reduces the efficacy of almost all disinfectants.

2. Environmental and Management Techniques (Non-Chemical)

For litter that remains in the house (built-up litter), environmental control is the primary method to inactivate oocysts. The oocysts only become infectious when they sporulate, which requires specific conditions:

A. Litter Fermentation / Composting (Heat and Ammonia)

This is one of the most widely adopted and effective methods for treating litter between flocks.

* Windrowing: The litter is pushed into high piles (windrows) in the center of the house.

* Heat Generation: The natural microbial activity in the piles generates intense heat (up to 140^{\circ}\text{F} or 60^{\circ}\text{C} or more).

* Oocyst Destruction: The combination of high heat and the production of ammonia gas from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the droppings effectively kills or inactivates the oocysts and most other pathogens.

* Turning: Piles are turned multiple times over several days or weeks to ensure all litter is exposed to the high temperatures.

B. Moisture Control

The most critical factor for preventing coccidiosis in an active flock is keeping the litter dry.

* Oocysts only sporulate (become infectious) when the litter is warm and moist (around 20-30% moisture content).

* Good Ventilation removes moisture and ammonia.

* Proper Drinker Management (keeping drinkers at the right height and fixing leaks) prevents caked and wet litter around water sources.

C. Total Clean-Out

The most rigorous method, typically used after a severe disease outbreak, is to remove all existing litter from the house and follow with a thorough wash and a powerful chemical disinfection (as mentioned above) before applying new, fresh litter.Killing Eimeria oocysts (the highly resistant, egg-like stage of the parasite that causes coccidiosis) in poultry litter is exceptionally difficult because they have a tough, double-layered wall that resists most common disinfectants.
The most effective approach is a combination of chemical application (disinfection) and environmental management.
1. Highly Effective Chemical Disinfectants (Coccidiocidal Agents)
The oocyst requires specialized, powerful chemical agents—most standard disinfectants like quaternary ammonium compounds or basic aldehydes are ineffective.
| Chemical Class | Common Agents/Method | How it Works | Key Consideration |
|—|—|—|—|
| Phenol-Based | Chlorocresol (synthetic phenol) | This is often cited as one of the most effective coccidiocidal disinfectants. It works by acting as a lipid solvent, penetrating and breaking through the oocyst’s tough protective wall. | Requires a specific formulation, often with a secondary active ingredient (like an acid or alcohol) to aid penetration. Must be used at high concentrations. |
| Ammonia | Ammonium Hydroxide or Gaseous Ammonia | The strong, alkaline nature of ammonia, particularly when produced by composting or applied as a gas, can destroy the oocysts. | This method is highly effective but must be applied in an empty house by trained personnel due to the extreme danger of ammonia gas to birds and humans. |
| Caustic Agents | Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) | Highly alkaline compounds are effective at destroying the oocyst wall. | Highly corrosive and dangerous to handle. Only used for total house disinfection between flocks, never with birds present. |
| Acetic Acid | High-Concentration Acetic Acid (e.g., concentrated vinegar) | Some studies suggest very high concentrations of acetic acid can suppress the sporulation (making it infectious) of the oocysts. | Less common for large-scale house treatment, but useful for small-scale equipment cleaning. |
Important Note on Disinfection: All effective disinfectants must be used only after the house is completely empty of birds, litter is removed or treated, and all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned of organic matter. Organic matter (like droppings) drastically reduces the efficacy of almost all disinfectants.
2. Environmental and Management Techniques (Non-Chemical)
For litter that remains in the house (built-up litter), environmental control is the primary method to inactivate oocysts. The oocysts only become infectious when they sporulate, which requires specific conditions:
A. Litter Fermentation / Composting (Heat and Ammonia)
This is one of the most widely adopted and effective methods for treating litter between flocks.
* Windrowing: The litter is pushed into high piles (windrows) in the center of the house.
* Heat Generation: The natural microbial activity in the piles generates intense heat (up to 140^{\circ}\text{F} or 60^{\circ}\text{C} or more).
* Oocyst Destruction: The combination of high heat and the production of ammonia gas from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the droppings effectively kills or inactivates the oocysts and most other pathogens.
* Turning: Piles are turned multiple times over several days or weeks to ensure all litter is exposed to the high temperatures.
B. Moisture Control
The most critical factor for preventing coccidiosis in an active flock is keeping the litter dry.
* Oocysts only sporulate (become infectious) when the litter is warm and moist (around 20-30% moisture content).
* Good Ventilation removes moisture and ammonia.
* Proper Drinker Management (keeping drinkers at the right height and fixing leaks) prevents caked and wet litter around water sources.
C. Total Clean-Out
The most rigorous method, typically used after a severe disease outbreak, is to remove all existing litter from the house and follow with a thorough wash and a powerful chemical disinfection (as mentioned above) before applying new, fresh litter.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:19 am in reply to: chest size of broiler

To increase broiler chest (breast muscle) size, focus on high-quality protein and balanced amino acids — especially lysine, methionine, and threonine, which directly support muscle growth. Provide energy-rich diets with proper vitamin and mineral balance, and ensure feed form (pellet/crumbles) to enhance intake. Also, maintain good management, temperature, and health so nutrients go toward muscle development, not stress recovery.To increase broiler chest (breast muscle) size, focus on high-quality protein and balanced amino acids — especially lysine, methionine, and threonine, which directly support muscle growth. Provide energy-rich diets with proper vitamin and mineral balance, and ensure feed form (pellet/crumbles) to enhance intake. Also, maintain good management, temperature, and health so nutrients go toward muscle development, not stress recovery.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:18 am in reply to: Poultry

After the first week, chicks can be sexed mainly by physical and behavioral traits:

Feather sexing – In some breeds, males have slower feather growth than females.
Comb and wattle size – Males often develop slightly larger, redder combs earlier.
Body shape – Males are usually a bit heavier and stand more upright.
Vent sexing – A trained expert can check the chick’s vent for male or female organs (still the most accurate method).After the first week, chicks can be sexed mainly by physical and behavioral traits:

Feather sexing – In some breeds, males have slower feather growth than females.

Comb and wattle size – Males often develop slightly larger, redder combs earlier.

Body shape – Males are usually a bit heavier and stand more upright.

Vent sexing – A trained expert can check the chick’s vent for male or female organs (still the most accurate method).

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