Addressing Tanzanians' Fear and Concerns About Broilers and Commercial Layers

 

 Overview of Commercial Poultry Products for Consumers.

In recent years, concerns about the safety and quality of poultry products have grown in Tanzania especially in very remote areas. Consumers are increasingly questioning the breeding and management practices behind the broilers and commercial layers that populate local markets. Misconceptions and fears, fueled by a lack of information, deter individuals from consuming what is an essential source of protein. This article addresses fears by exploring best practices in breeding and management that ensure the production of safe, high-quality poultry products. Through informed practices and empowering outreach, consumers can enjoy these valuable food sources with confidence, ultimately contributing to the country's nutrition and economic stability. In fostering trust within the community, Tanzania can cultivate a robust poultry industry that stands as a vital resource for its people.

Fears stem from a variety of factors, including the perception that commercial chickens are genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the common use of drugs during their rearing, and the practice of keeping commercial layers without cocks. It is essential to address these concerns with scientific facts to promote community awareness and instill confidence in poultry products.

Fear of Genetically Modified Chickens.

One of the prevalent fears among consumers is the belief that commercial chickens are genetically modified or laboratory-engineered animals. This perception is often fueled by the high growth performance exhibited by broilers, which can reach market weight in as little as four weeks.

It is important to clarify that the vast majority of broiler chickens in commercial production are not genetically modified in the sense commonly associated with GMOs. Instead, they are selectively bred through conventional breeding practices that focus on enhancing specific traits, such as growth rate, feed efficiency, and disease resistance (See on page 3).

Research indicates that selective breeding has been practiced in poultry for decades, resulting in breeds that perform exceptionally well under controlled conditions. According to the World Poultry Science Association, most commercial strains are derived from complex genetic backgrounds developed over generations to produce birds with desirable characteristics (World Poultry Science Association, 2015).

These breeding techniques do not involve inserting foreign genetic material into the chickens' DNA, which typically characterizes genetic modification. Therefore, while the performance of commercial chickens may seem extraordinary, it is the result of traditional breeding methods and not laboratory manipulation.

Commercial Layers and the Absence of Cocks.

The practice of raising commercial layers without the presence of cocks also raises questions and concerns among consumers. Many people are puzzled about how hens can lay an abundance of eggs without the presence of male chickens. This misconception arises from a lack of understanding of modern poultry production practices. Commercial layers bred specifically for high egg production, are selected for their prolific laying capabilities through selective breeding.

Both Commercial and Indigenous hens do not require fertilization to lay eggs. Hens can lay eggs regardless of whether they have mated with a male. The eggs produced in commercial layer operations are typically non-fertilized, meaning they are not intended for hatching but rather for human consumption.

This practice allows producers to focus on selecting high-performing hens that can consistently produce a large number of eggs, meeting market demand efficiently. The International Egg Commission reports that modern laying hens can produce over 300 eggs per year, providing a sustainable and reliable source of protein for consumers (International Egg Commission, 2019).

 

Concerns About Drug Use in Poultry Rearing.

Another significant concern is the use of drugs, particularly antibiotics, in raising commercial chickens. Many consumers fear that the overuse of these drugs can lead to antibiotic residues in the meat and eggs, posing health risks to human consumers and contributing to antibiotic resistance.

It's important for Tanzanian farmers to understand that using antibiotics from the start of rearing is not necessary if their farms are healthy.

Farmers should enhance poultry safety by adopting improved biosecurity measures, minimizing the need for excessive drug use. Focusing on hygiene, vaccination, and flock management helps prevent diseases without relying on antibiotics or growth promoters. This approach not only protects livestock but also builds consumer trust in products like beloved the Sukuma indigenous ching'wekwe. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasizes responsible antibiotic use in livestock to maintain animal health without compromising public health (FAO, 2016).

To effectively address these fears and misconceptions, there is a critical need for community awareness campaigns that deliver factual information about commercial chickens. Engaging local farmers, veterinary professionals, and agricultural extension officers in educational outreach can help bridge the knowledge gap.

Workshops, informational materials, and community discussions can inform consumers about the breeding practices used in poultry production, the responsible use of medications, and the realities of how commercial layers function without cocks.

Understanding Breeding Practices.

Breeding plays a critical role in the quality of commercial broilers and layers. The foundation of a healthy flock lies in pedigree selection, where emphasis is placed on choosing birds with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, growth efficiency, and quality meat production.

The process is strategic, involving a series of stages that focus on pedigree selection and genetic improvements. Each stage is integral to the development of robust breeds that meet market demands for broilers, layers, and dual-purpose chickens.

The following are the main stages of breeding procedures in commercial poultry production:

      Pedigree Flock

The first stage in the breeding process involves establishing a pedigree flock, which serves as the foundation for subsequent generations. In this stage, breeders select four pairs of chickens from distinct genetic backgrounds to create genetic diversity. These pairs consist of two male lines and two female lines. The rearing and breeding practices during this stage are crucial, as they aim to produce a great grandparent flock (F1) that embodies enhanced traits inherited from the pedigree flock.

This selection is based on specific desirable characteristics such as growth rate, feed efficiency, or egg production capacity, as noted by industry experts (U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 2020).

 

      Great Grand Parent Flock

From the pedigree flock, four pairs of breeds are produced and further reared to establish the great grandparent flock. Here, careful selection continues as two lines are specifically designated to produce females while the remaining two lines are used for male production. This segregation ensures that the genetic contributions are optimized for the later stages of breeding.

The great grandparent flock serves as an intermediary step, where specific qualities are assessed, and further refinement occurs to reinforce desired characteristics, good health, and reproductive performance (Nesheim et al., 1994).

      Grand Parent Flocks

The next stage involves the creation of grandparent flocks from the great grandparent generation. Typically, this consists of four breeds that are carefully selected based on their performance and genetic traits. The primary goal at this stage is to breed the male chickens with the selected females to produce robust offspring intended for parent stock. The offspring from the grandparent flocks will exhibit improved traits and characteristics as a result of the earlier selective breeding phases, thus preparing them for the commercial poultry production line (Poultry Science Association, 2018).

      Parent Stock

In this vital stage, male and female breeders are selected from the grandparent generation to produce what is known as parent stock. This parent stock is tasked with producing settable eggs that are pivotal for commercial chicken production, whether for broilers, layers, or dual-purpose chickens. The selection criteria for parent stock are rigorous; breeders are evaluated not only for genetic traits but also for health, fertility, and overall performance. Successful parent stock lays eggs that lead to healthy chicks, thus laying the foundation for a successful poultry operation (Bojanowski et al., 2013).

      Commercial Chickens (Broilers, Layers, and Dual-Purpose Chicks)

Finally, the culmination of this rigorous breeding process results in commercial chickens, which can be classified into three main categories: broilers, layers, and dual-purpose chicks. Broilers are bred primarily for meat production, exhibiting rapid growth and feed conversion rates. Layers, on the other hand, are bred for egg production, focusing on efficiency and consistent output. Dual-purpose chicks are intended for farms where both meat and egg production are desired, featuring balanced traits from both breeding lines. The systematic approach to breeding ensures that the commercial poultry produced is healthy, high-yielding, and capable of meeting consumer demands, thereby supporting the poultry industry's growth in Tanzania and beyond (World Poultry Science Association, 2015).

The structured breeding procedures in commercial poultry production involve a meticulous process aimed at producing birds with desirable traits through five distinct stages: pedigree flocks, great grandparent flocks, grandparent flocks, parent stock, and ultimately, commercial chickens. Each stage relies on informed practices rooted in genetic selection, health, and optimal management to ensure the quality and safety of poultry products. By understanding and implementing these procedures, poultry producers can alleviate consumer concerns while enhancing food security and economic growth in the region.

In addition to selective breeding, effective management practices are essential in ensuring the safety of poultry products. A well-managed poultry operation focuses on biosecurity measures, nutrition, and overall animal welfare. Proper biosecurity protocols include limiting access to poultry houses, regularly cleaning the facilities, and monitoring flock health. By significantly reducing the risk of disease transmission, these practices can help reassure consumers about the health of the birds and the safety of their products.

Furthermore, nutrition plays a vital role in the growth and overall health of poultry. Farmers must be guided towards formulating balanced diets that meet the nutritional requirements of both broilers and layers. Using locally available feed resources and supplements can lead to healthier birds and high-quality products, thus instilling confidence in consumers regarding what they are purchasing.

Conclusion

While implementing best practices in breeding and management is crucial, it is equally important to communicate these practices to the community. Educational initiatives aimed at informing consumers about how poultry is raised, the measures taken to ensure their safety, and the health benefits of consuming poultry products can have a significant impact. Workshops, community outreach programs, and informational materials will help demystify the poultry industry for consumers, promoting transparency and trust.

Additionally, involving local health professionals and agricultural extension officers in these educational efforts will further enhance credibility. By creating a dialogue between farmers and consumers, it will be possible to address concerns, clarify misconceptions, and empower consumers to make informed decisions regarding poultry products.

References:

World Poultry Science Association. (2015). Poultry Genetics and Breeding.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2016). Guidelines for Responsible and Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Animals.

International Egg Commission. (2019). World Egg Production Statistics.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. (2020). Breeding and genetics in poultry.

Nesheim, M. C. (1994). Poultry Production. A Guide to the Fundamental Principles.

Poultry Science Association. (2018). Genetics and Breeding in Poultry.

Bojanowski, J.  (2013). Factors Affecting Egg Production Performance in Layers.

World Poultry Science Association. (2015). World’s Poultry Science Journal: Poultry Genetics and Breeding