Page 91 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Figure 4.18: Deep litter housing for indigenous chicken

Note: As the poultry excreta is added to litter in layers poultry house, the mixture
accumulates until it reaches a depth of 20 - 30 cm, after an original start of
8 - 15 cm depth. At this point, bacterial action decomposes the mixture of
litter and poultry excreta into crumble form. During decomposition, heat is
produced and it keeps litter dry and warm. If the amount of droppings exceeds
the litter, fresh litter should be added to lower the amount of droppings.
Periodical stirring of the litter should also be carried out for effective

functioning of the built-up litter. After the built-up litter has accumulated, it
has to be removed then new litter is brought using the procedure you have
already learnt. When the built-up litter is dry, friable and free from very
strong unpleasant odour, it can serve as a good quality manure.

Slatted floor poultry housing system: In this system, iron rods or treated wooden
poles are used as floor, usually 0.6 - 1 m above the ground level to facilitate fall of
droppings through slats. Wooden poles or iron rods can be used on lengthwise of the
house with interspaces of 2.5 cm between rods or poles. The stocking space for this

system can be 6 to 8 birds per square meter. The house should be roofed with water-
proof material. If the poultry pen is roofed with iron roof then it needs to put some

Student’s Book Form Three
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AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 80
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 80 10/01/2025 12:31