International Journal of Poultry - Ornamental Birds Science and Technology

Integration and Contract Production in Goose Farming

Mehmet Akif Boz — 2024-12-31

Goose farming has a traditional production structure in our country and the KOP region, but also has a cultural and social infrastructure. Although it is not currently an important commercial production model in our country, it has an important place in rural development in many countries. Goose meat and other products are an alternative source for consumers. Goose meat, edible internal organs, head and feet, intestines, feathers and abdominal fat can be used as food products and in some areas as raw materials. In addition, unused eggs and feathers can be turned into art. In addition, the use of geese in biological control of weeds and acting as a guard dog are among the important duties of geese. In recent years, consumer demands have been increasing in our country, as in many countries. However, goose production has not reached its potential in our country because production has not been well organized to meet this demand. Türkiye, which is at an important level in the world, is one of the countries that best implements the poultry industry integration model. The contract production system included in this model makes a significant contribution to rural development on a regional basis. The KOP region, located in the middle of Turkey, can stand out in goose breeding with both its traditional and cultural infrastructure and its producer structure suitable for this model. On-site support can be provided to rural development through the creation of an integration model and contract production with the appropriate investor profile and resources. The contractual production system has an important potential in terms of production involving people living in rural areas. Controlling production from beginning to end with the integration model is important for sustainable animal husbandry and economic efficiency level.

Effect of Genotype and Storage Period on Hatchability results in Layer Parents

Suzan Yusuf Mohamed — 2024-12-31

Breeder factors that affect hatchability include strain, health, nutrition, age of the flock, egg size, weight and quality, egg storage duration and conditions. Hatchability is of considerable economic importance for all hatcheries and therefore must be given appropriate attention inbreeding programs for commercial layers. The variability between and within strains will tell us whether reproductive performance can be improved by selection within specific lines. Fertility and hatchability are the most important determinant for producing more chicks from given number of breeding stock within a stipulated period. Fertility and hatchability performance of eggs depend on the number of factors like genetic, physiological, social and environmental. The principal objectives of the commercial hatchery are to secure the maximum number of quality day-old chicks out of the eggs set for hatching. Several researchers reported that genotype of breeder hen had significant effect on hatchability of egg Fertility and hatchability are 2 major parameters that highly influence the reproductive performance of chicken breeds. In commercial poultry production, storage of hatching eggs is an indispensable part of hatchery operation and long egg storage times are sometimes unavoidable due to flock logistic issues and market availability. It is well known that an increase in the storage duration increases incubation duration and decreases hatchability and chick quality.

Effects of Stocking Density on Performance, Welfare, and Economic Profitability in Broiler Chicken Production

Hasan Eleroğlu — 2024-12-31

Broiler chicken production plays a crucial role in meeting global animal protein demand due to its short production cycle and high efficiency. One of the most common strategies to increase profitability in intensive broiler systems is increasing stocking density. However, higher stocking density affects not only live weight production per unit area but also biological performance, animal welfare, carcass quality, and long-term economic sustainability. Therefore, the impacts of stocking density must be evaluated using a holistic approach. The literature indicates that beyond a certain threshold, increasing stocking density leads to negative changes in growth performance, feed conversion ratio, flock uniformity, and health parameters. In particular, stocking densities exceeding 35–40 kg/m² are associated with increased metabolic load during the final growth phase, limited physiological adaptation capacity, and marked performance losses. High stocking densities also increase the prevalence of welfare problems such as footpad dermatitis, skeletal disorders, and behavioural restrictions, which adversely affect carcass quality and marketability. From an economic perspective, although higher stocking densities may increase production per unit area in the short term, net income gains are often limited or reduced due to increased feed costs, health-related expenses, carcass condemnations, and quality penalties. Recent studies emphasize that production strategies aiming to maximize biological capacity can create significant long-term economic risks and that sustainable profitability requires identifying an optimal stocking density rather than maximizing density. In conclusion, stocking density in broiler production represents a critical balance between performance, welfare, and economic profitability. Sustainable and competitive broiler production systems should focus not on maximum stocking densities but on determining an optimal density that protects animal welfare, ensures production stability, and supports long-term economic returns.