Chick quality control: a key to sustainable poultry production in Nigeria

Abstract

Poultry industry is one of the fastest growing segments in the agricultural sector and undoubtedly, it plays an important role in the Nigerian economy. However, the growth of this profitable sub sector is threatened by a number of factors critical among which is the quality of day-old-chicks supplied to farmers. The quality of day-old-chicks has a tremendous effects on the growing pattern and consequently on the final performance of the flock. Therefore, it has become necessary that day-old-chicks supply to farmers should be given proper assessment to determine their quality to reduce financial losses, which could result from purchase of poor quality day-old-chicks. This paper highlights the various methods used for the assessment of day-old-chick's quality and made recommendations for quality control of the products for the sustainability of the poultry industry in Nigeria.

Keywords: Chick quality, assessment methods, poultry industry, Nigeria.

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 27 (2) 2006: pp. 1-6