Livestock Investigative Report
Name of Student: Ahmad Ali
Student Registration Number: 1605220180
Name of School: ASJA BOYS’ COLLEGE, CHARLIEVILLE.
Title: The effect of deworming on Broiler production at ASJA Boys’ College Charlieville,
Trinidad and Tobago.
Duration of Project: 1/5/24 – 9/6/24
Teacher’s Name: Mr. Rasheed Mohammed
Contents
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 3
PROBLEM STATEMENT, HYPOTHESIS AND AIM .................................................................... 3
METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................... 4
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN ......................................................................................................... 6
DATA COLLECTION .................................................................................................................. 7
BROILER PRODUCTION PRACTICES ..................................................................................... 8
RESULTS. ................................................................................................................................13
DISCUSSION............................................................................................................................18
CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND LIMITATIONS .....................................................20
REFERENCES .........................................................................................................................21
INTRODUCTION
The name of the livestock are Chickens, specifically broilers. Scientifically referred to as Gallus
gallus domesticus, they originated from Southeast Asia (Wikipedia). Domestication would’ve
occurred around 5400 years ago through its primary origin, the Red Junglefowl. According to
Ancient DNA (n.d.), they came to the Caribbean when the Dutch and Portuguese slave traders
brought them here.
Broilers are bred specifically for meat production (Chicken Wikipedia, n.d). According to Free
Food Facts (n.d.), their nutritional facts are as follows: Serving Size: 100 grams, Calories: 144
kcal, Protein: 28.04 grams, Total Fat: 3.57 grams, Cholesterol: 86 mg, Sodium: 328 mg,
Carbohydrates: 0 grams, Dietary Fiber: 0 grams, Sugars: 0 grams, Water Content: 67.78 grams.
According to Douglas (2017), the broiler industry generates an estimated $1.2 billion annually
from the purchase and consumption of broilers. Large-scale broiler farming is considered highly
profitable, providing farmers with significant income opportunities. For human consumption,
broilers can be sold either as live birds or processed carcasses, and they are commonly
available in poultry shops and markets (Weever et al., 1998).
Historical data and literature reveal a wide variety of management practices used in broiler
production. These practices vary depending on environmental factors, husbandry systems, and
the specific breed being raised (Aviagen, 2015; Hubbard, 2015; Cobb-Vantress, 2013; Hi-Pro
Feed, (n.d.) Broilers are typically reared using one of three popular systems:
1. Deep-litter system
2. Extensive or free-range system
3. Semi-intensive system
In a study described by Aviagen (2005), broilers are raised using the intensive deep-litter
system at ASJA Boys’ College in Charlieville, as noted by Husbandry (2015) and Cobb-Vantress
(2013). To examine the impact of deworming on broiler production, this system is employed
within the school.
PROBLEM STATEMENT, HYPOTHESIS AND AIM
Problem Statement
At ASJA Boys’ College Charlieville the response of broilers to deworming is not known.
Hypothesis
The weight of broilers is affected by deworming.
Aim
To determine the effect of deworming on weight gain of broilers at ASJA Boys’ College
Charlieville.
METHODOLOGY
Materials Tools and Equipment
Table 1 – Materials used in the Project
ACTIVITY
MATERIALS USED
Set up of brooder
Cardboard box, Sawdust, Newspapers,
Water trough, Broiler starter
Cleaning of brooder
Newspaper, Garbage bag, Sawdust
Transfer of chicks from brooder to chicken
cage
Saw dust
Feeding
Broiler starter, Broiler finisher
Provision of water to broilers
Water, Nutrival powder, Dewormer
Weighing of broilers
Five broilers
Cleaning of chicken cage
Garbage bag
Changing the bedding of the chicken cage
Garbage bad, Saw dust
Slaughter and dressing
Feed bad, Plastic bags
Disposal
Garbage bags, Feed bag
Table 2 – Tools and Equipment Used in the Project
ACTIVITY
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Set up of brooder
Light bulb, Extension cord, Rod for light bulb,
Water trough, Feed trough
Cleaning of brooder
Hand fork, Transfer of chicks from brooder to
chicken cage
Transfer of chicks from brooder to chicken
cage
Chicken cage
Feeding
Feed hopper, Scale, Bucket, Feed tray
Provision of water to broilers
Waterers
Weighing of broilers
Scale
Cleaning of chicken cage
Hand fork, Push broom, Scoop
Changing the bedding of the chicken cage
Scoop, Hand shovel
Slaughter and dressing
Knife, File, Table, Pot, Stove, Barrel, Water
hose, Gas tank, Slaughtering cones, Scale
Disposal
Push broom, Scoop, Shovel
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
At ASJA Boys’ College in Charlieville, an investigation was conducted in a poultry pen from May
1st to June 9th, 2024. Twelve 12-day-old chicks were initially raised in a brooder for three weeks
before being moved to the poultry pen.
The pen was evenly divided into two sections, labeled "Treatment" and "Control." Six chicks
from the brooder were placed in the Treatment section, while the other six were assigned to the
Control section. The chicks in the Treatment group were dewormed, whereas those in the
Control group were not. All other conditions, including spacing, litter management, equipment,
and water and feeding routines, were kept identical in both sections of the pen.
Figure 1: Showing layout of the Experimental Area
Treatment
Control
DATA COLLECTION
Over the duration of the experimental period, the following data were collected, recorded,
tabulated, and used to detail the graphs whenever necessary.
Broiler Livability
The total number of surviving broilers were recorded each week, throughout the entire duration
of the project. The weight of the feed was recorded until the end of the experimental period every
time the broilers were fed.
Average Feed Consumption
Every day before the broilers were fed, the weight of the feed was recorded and then placed in
the feed hopper which was then consumed. The average feed consumption was calculated as
follows:
Average feed consumption = weekly feed consumption
Number of birds
Broiler Live Weight
Five (5) broilers were randomly chosen on sight each week, from each pen to obtain their
weights. After the weights were obtained, they were then calculated to find the average weight
and then the results were recorded.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
The following formula below was used to determine the feed conversion ratio for the broilers.
(Ramharracksingh, 2011).
Feed conversion ratio = weekly feed intake (KG)
Weekly weight gain (KG)
Other Observations
Over the entire duration of the project, the broilers were heavily monitored, and every other
observation was recorded.
BROILER PRODUCTION PRACTICES
1. Setup of Brooder.
A suitable area was selected to place the brooder. Saw dust was then placed on the
bottom, along with newspaper on top of the dust. A waterer was filled, and one spoon of
nutritional powder was added. To ensure that the chicks drank water, they were held by
their beaks and placed in the waterer, which was then placed in the brooder. Broiler
starter was placed in the brooder on a food tray and some feed were scattered so the
chicks can begin pecking. An incandescent bulb and an extension cord with a socket
was placed over the box as a heat source for warmth for the chicks. Finally, they were
selected at random to measure their weight by placing them on a scale.
2. Cleaning of Brooder.
On a daily basis, the brooder was cleaned, and the feed and water tray were washed.
The newspapers were also replaced daily, and the chicks were given fresh food and
water. This allowed the chicks to grow healthy.
Picture 1 showing washing of feeder for brooder
3. Transfer of Chicks from Brooder to Cage.
After a week of observation, we saw that the chicks no longer needed a heat source for
body temperature to be regulated. As such, they were placed in a cage for the rest of
their life cycle.
4. Deworming.
In the Treatment section, six chicks were dewormed, but in the Control section, they
were not. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications, the chicks in the
Treatment section were only dewormed once throughout the growing period. For the first
2 days of separation during week 3, the measurement is 14.8 grams per gallon.
Picture 2 showing the dewormer used
5. Housing and Security.
The brooders were kept in a chicken pen at the back of the school’s auditorium, away
from the other children attending school and to prevent Praedial Larceny (the act of
Agricultural Theft.) The pens were locked and opened when required for added security.
6. Ventilation.
By placing the pen in a spot where sufficient ventilation and protection was provided, this
prevented weather changes during the day and throughout the growing period.
7. Nutrition.
For the first 3 weeks, broiler starter was fed to the broilers. For 3 days, finisher was
slowly brought in and mixed with the starter in different amounts. One spoon of Nutrival
Powder (nutritional powered vitamin) was added to the water in a one-gallon waterer.
After the waterers were washed each day, the broilers consumed fresh water.
Picture 3 measuring out the feed for the broilers
8. Litter Management.
A shovel and a rake were used to turn up the litter to prevent caking and compacting.
Clean saw dust was used regularly to replace the wet and compressed litter. Using the
unwanted litter from both pens, we fertilized the school’s plants.
9. Health Management.
To ensure maximum health for all the brooders, the feeders and waterers were washed
every day.
Picture 4 showing the washing of the feeder
RESULTS.
1. Broiler Livability
Shown in the table below is the number of broilers that survived during the experiment
period.
Table 3 – Livability over the Experimental Period
Time (weeks) number of broilers survived
Time (weeks)
4
5
6
Treatment
6
6
6
Control
6
6
6
Starting off in Week 4, we see that there were no mortalities in both the Treatment and Control
Sections. In Week 5, there is no change from Week 4, and the same result is shown in Week 6.
Graph of Broiler Livability
Broiler Livability.
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
Number of Broilers
5
4
3
2
1
0
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Weeks
Treatment
Control
2. Feed Consumptions
Every day, the feed was weighed and recorded. To calculate the excess feed that
remained from the previous day, the average feed consumed per bird was weighed. The
amount of feed fed increased every day as the broilers grew. Table 4 shows the average
feed consumption.
Table 4: Average Feed Consumption
Time (weeks)
4
5
6
Total average feed
consumption
Average Feed
Consumption Per Bird(g)
Treatment section
960g
1190g
1300g
1150g
Control section
815g
1000g
1190g
1001g
Table 4 shows that in Week 4, the feed intake in the Treatment Section was 960 g while in the
Control Section, it was only 815 g. This makes a difference of 145 g more of feed consumption
in the Treatment section. In week 5, we observe that the feed intake was at 1190 g in the
Treatment area but only 1000 g in the Control area. A difference of 190 g more is seen for the
Treatment section. In Week 6, we see 1300 g of feed was consumed in the Treatment section
but only 1001 g in the Control section. There was 110 g more in the Treatment area. Finally, we
averaged 1150 g of feed intake in the Treatment section and 1001 g in the Control section. A
difference of 149 g more in the Treatment section.
Graph of Feed Consumption
Grams consumed
Average Feed Consumption
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1190
1000
960
1300
1190
1150
1001
815
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week Number
Treatment
Control
Average
3. Average Broiler Live Weight
Table 5: Average live weight/bird over the experimental period
Time (weeks)
Average
Treatment section
2000g
2250g
2900g
4
5
6
Weight(g)
Control section
1850g
2290g
2575g
Table 5 shows that in Week 4, the birds of the Treatment area weighed 2000 g while in the
Control area, they weighed 1850 g. The broilers in the Treatment area were 150 g heavier than
those in the Control area. In Week 5, we see that the weight of broilers is 2250 g, however the
control section weightings show an increase of 40 g more than the Treatment section, weighing
2290 g. In Week 6, we saw that the Treatment section birds weighed 2900 g, but the Control
section birds only weighed 2575 g. There was a difference of 325 g heavier in the Treatment
area.
Graph of Average Broiler Live Weight
Average Broiler Live Weight
3500
2900
Weight in Grams
3000
2575
2250 2290
2500
2000
2000
1850
1500
1000
500
0
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week Number
Treatment
Control
4. Feed Conversion Ratio
An average weekly feed intake was recorded every Thursday after weighing. This
information was used to calculate the FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio). Table 6 shows both
sections’ feed conversion ratios.
Table 6: Broiler Feed Conversion Ratio Over the Experimental Period.
Time (Weeks)
4
5
6
Overall
Feed Conversion
Ratio
Treatment section
Control section
2.08: 1
2.27: 1
2.14: 1
2.29:1
2.23: 1
2.30: 1
2.12: 1
2.29: 1
In Week 4 of Table 6, we see that in the Treatment section, 2.08 units of feed are required for 1
unit of body weight gain whereas in the Control section, 2.27 units of feed are required for 1 unit
of body weight gain. The Control section needs 0.19 units more of feed to produce 1 unit of
weight. Week 5 shows us that the Treatment section, 2.14 units of feed is needed for 1 unit of
body weight gain, but in the control section, 2.29 units of feed is needed for 1 unit of body
weight gain. 0.19 units of feed are required in the Control section. In Week 6, our observations
show 2.23 units of feed are required for 1 unit of body weight gain in the Treatment area, but the
Control section needs 2.29 units of feed for 1 unit of body weight gain. There is a difference of
0.15 units more in the Control area. Overall, the Treatment section needs 2.12 units of feed to
produce 1 unit of body weight gain, whereas the Control area needs 2.29 units of feed to
produce 1 unit of body weight gain. A difference of 0.17 units is needed by the Control area.
Graph of the Feed Conversion Ratio
Feed Conversion Ratio
Units (to 1 unit of body weight)
3
2,8
2,5
2,27
2,08
2,14
2,29
2,23 2,3
2,12
2
1,5
1
0,5
0
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Overall
Week Number
Treatment
Control
5. Other Observations.
At the end of the experiment, there were no deaths. The broilers in the Treatment area
ate more feed than those in the control area. In the control section, we saw that on some
days, there was more feed leftover, and some days had none remaining.
DISCUSSION.
1. Broiler Livability
Both the treatment and control sections experienced no bird mortality, as the broilers were
provided with excellent care. The areas were well-ventilated, and the litter was routinely turned
and replaced to maintain cleanliness. Feeders and waterers were thoroughly cleaned daily, and
Nutrival powder vitamins were added to their diet to reduce stress. According to Cobb-Vantress
(2012), high survival rates in broilers are achieved when proper feeding practices are followed,
and sanitation is consistently maintained.
2. Feed Consumption Commercial Poultry Nutrition Effect of vitamin E in heat-stressed
poultry | World's Poultry Science Journal | Cambridge Core
Both the Treatment and Control birds were fed adequately during the course of the experiment.
As time went on, birds in the Treatment section were consuming more feed than those in the
Control section. This is due to the vitamins, supplements and heat stress that they might have
incurred. According to two sources, Leeson and Summers (2005) Commercial Poultry Nutrition
and Cambridge University Press and Assessment (2011), stress-relief supplements can reduce
oxidative stress (also caused by heat) which can enhance feed efficiency.
3. Average Broiler Weight Comparative effects of dietary functional nutrients on growth
performance, meat quality, immune responses, and stress biomarkers in broiler chickens
raised under heat stress conditions - PMC
The broilers’ weights were steadily increasing in the Treatment section, and the Control section
almost matching up. With a temporary drop in weight in the Treatment section on Week 5, the
broilers in the Treatment section were heavier than those in the Control area. This is possible
due to dietary supplementation to decrease the heat stress levels. According to the National
Library of Medicine (2021), dietary supplementation helps to reduce stress levels and promote
growth performance.
4. Feed Conversion Ratio RossTechNote-FCRJuly2011.pdf
In the Treatment section, the broilers were more efficient in the conversion of feed to live weight
than those in the Control section. According to Aviagen Ross Tech Note (2011), incorporating a
balanced diet, feed additives, maintaining housing conditions, managing health and engaging in
selective breeding can improve the FCR of broiler chickens.
5. Other Observations
The broilers in the Treatment were overall better than the ones in the Control section. Their
average live weight, feed conversion ratio and average feed consumption statistics were
generally better than those in the Control section.
CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND
LIMITATIONS
1. Conclusion
Based on the findings from the experiment conducted at ASJA Boys’ College Charlieville, it is
recommended that broilers be dewormed to ensure they grow more healthily, experience less
stress, and consume feed more efficiently.
2. Recommendations
It is suggested that broilers at ASJA Boys’ College Charlieville be dewormed after the brooding
phase. This practice can improve feed efficiency and promote better weight gain. Additionally,
increasing the sample size would enhance the accuracy of the results. To further optimize costs,
the school could consider purchasing more affordable feed and selling the manure for added
income.
3. Limitations
The experiment had several limitations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Due to budget constraints, only twelve (12) broilers were included in the study.
The small sample size prevented making more generalized conclusions.
The experiment was not repeated, limiting the reliability of the results.
Seasonal variations were not considered, as the experiment was conducted at a single
time of year and location.
5. The experiment may have been influenced by the equal distribution of male and female
broilers across the sections.
REFERENCES
Cobb-Vantress. 2012. Cabb Broiler Management Guide. Siloam Springs, AK: Cobb-Vantress.
http://www.cobb-vantress.com/docs/default-source/management-guides/broiler-management
guide.pdf (accessed June 20, 2024).
Habbard. 2015. Hubbard Broiler Management and Feeding Guide. Jamaica: Hi-Pro Farm
Supplies. https://www.jamaicabroilersgroup.com/assets/Hi-Pro_Broiler_Book.pdf (accessed May
29,2024)
Ragoonanan Sahadeo. 1994 CXC Agriculture. San Fernando, Trinidad: Caribbean Education
Publishers Trinidad and Tobago, National Agricultural Market Information System. Undated.
Historical Monthly Average Retail Prices 2016. National Agricultural Marketing and
Development Corporation. http://www.namistt.com/ (accessed May 29, 2024)
Weever, F.,J. J. L. M. Phillp-Neri. Y McIntosh, N. Henery, W. Archer, L. Vickerie, and E. O’D.
Williams. 1998. Agricultural Science in Secondary Schools in Guyana Book 1. Georgetown:
Ministry of Education. Willemsen, M. (2009). Strategic deworming programs in poultry
flocks. International Hatchery Practice, 23(5), 13-15.
http://www.positiveaction.info/pdfs/articles/hp23.5p13.pdf (accessed June 5, 2024)
Phiri, I. K., Phiri, A. M., Ziela, M., Chota, A., Masuku, M., & Monrad, J. (2007).
Prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal helminths and their effects on weight gain in freerange chickens in Central Zambia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 39(4), 309-315.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11250-007-9021-5 (accessed June 5, 2024)
Forbes – How Chickens came to the Americas (n.d). Ancient DNA Explains How Chickens Got
To The Americas (Accessed 23/1/25)
Broiler – Wikipedia (n.d) Broiler - Wikipedia Accessed (23/1/25)
Free Food Facts – Broiler Chicken Nutritional Facts (n.d.) Nutrition Facts - Broiler Chicken
Accessed (23/1/25)
Chicken – Wikipedia (n.d) Chicken - Wikipedia Accessed (23/1/25)
COST ANALYSIS
In the Treatment Section (Pen A), a cost analysis was conducted on broilers, which included six
(6) birds. These broilers were raised with a spacing greater than the recommended 1 square foot
per bird and were managed in line with the production practices outlined earlier in the document.
COMPLETE BUDGET
Projected Income
Table 5 shows the projected income for this project as $409.50 from the projected sale of six
(6) broiler birds sold at $25.00 per kg live weight with a project average weight of 2.73kg
each.
Table 5 – Projected Income for Broilers
C
6 Birds weighing at
2.75kg (6lbs) each
Total
Quantity
16.38kg live weight
Projected
Unit Cost ($)
$25.00 per kg live
weight
Income
Total Cost ($)
$409.50
$409.50
Table showing total cost of the 6 birds weighing an average of 2.75kg (6lbs) in each pen.
Projected Expenditure
The estimated expenditure for this project is $385,00
Table 6 – Projected Expenditure for Broilers Reared at ASJA Boys College Charlieville.
Item
Broiler Chicks
Broiler Starter
Broiler Finisher
Electrolyte
Quantity
Unit Cost ($)
6
$15.00
¼ Bag
$300.00
½ Bag
$280.00
2 Packs
$40.00
Total
Expenditure
Table showing total expenditure of all the broilers reared.
Projected Profit/Loss
Total Cost ($)
$90.00
$75.00
$140.00
$80.00
$385.00
The projected profit/loss was calculated using the formula below:
Projected
Profit/Loss = Projected Income – Projected Expenditure
= $409.50 - $385.00
= $24.50
Project Profit = $24.50
Therefore, we expect to make a profit of $24.50 from the sale of 6 (6) broiler birds.
Actual Income – Expenditure Statement
This section comprises of the Actual Income, Actual Expenditure and Actual Profit/Loss.
Actual Income
The actual Income earned for the project was $441.42
Table 7 – Actual Income for Broilers Reared at our school
Item
6 broiler birds
weighing at 2.83 kg
each.
Quantity
16.98kg live weight
Unit Cost ($)
$26,00 per kg live
weight
Total
Income
Table showing total income for the broilers reared at our school.
Total Cost ($)
$441.48
$441.48
Actual Expenditure
The actual expenditure was $324.50.
Table 8 – Actual Expenditure for Broilers Reared at our school.
Item
Broiler Chicks
Broiler Starter
Broiler Finisher
Nutrival Powder
Quantity
Unit Cost ($)
Total Cost ($)
6
$12.00
$72.00
¼ Bag
$270.00
$67.50
½ Bag
$250.00
$125.00
1.5 packs
$40.00
$60.00
$324.50
Total
Expenditure
Table showing actual expenditure for the broilers reared at our school
Actual Profit/Loss
In this a profit of $116.92 was made.
Actual Profit/Loss = Total Income – Total Expenditure
= $441.48 - $324.50 = $116.98
Actual Profit = $116.98
COMPARISON OF PROJECTED AND ACTUAL
INCOME. ACTUAL EXPENDITURE AND ACTUAL
PROFIT/LOSS
Table 9 – Comparison of Projected and Actual Income, Expenditure and Profit/Loss for
Broiler
Reared at ASJA Boys College Charlieville.
Income
Expenditure
Profit/Loss
Projected ($)
Actual ($)
$409.50
$385.00
24.50
$441.48
$324.50
$116.98
Difference Between
Projected and
Actual
31.98
60.50
92.48
1. Comparison between Projected and Actual Income
The actual income from this project amounted to $441.48, exceeding the projected budget by
$31.98. This increase was attributed to several factors:

The broilers' live weight was higher than anticipated, with a projected weight of 16.38 kg
compared to an actual weight of 16.98 kg.

The selling price of broilers at the time of sale was $26.00/kg live weight, which was
higher than the projected $25.00/kg.

Only 1½ packs of Nutrival powder were used instead of the projected 2 packs, resulting
in an additional $20.00 in income.
2. Comparison between Projected and Actual Expenditure
The actual expenditure for this project was $324.50, which was $60.50 less than the projected
amount. The reduced costs were due to the following reasons:

The cost of each chick was $12.00, which was $3.00 less than anticipated.

The price of broiler finisher feed was $15.00 lower than projected.

The broiler starter feed cost $7.50 less than expected.

Only 1½ packs of Nutrival powder were used instead of the projected 2 packs, saving
$20.00.
3. Comparison between Projected and Actual Profit and Loss
This activity generated a profit of $116.98, which was $92.48 higher than projected. The
increased profit was due to the following factors:

The broilers' live weight exceeded projections by 0.6 kg.

The market price for live weight was higher than anticipated, selling at $26/kg instead of
the projected $25/kg.

Reduced expenditure on inputs, including broiler feed and Nutrival powder.
4. Recommendations to increase Profits

Look for bulk purchase discounts or lower-cost suppliers for broiler feed, chicks, and
supplements like Nutrival powder.

Gradually increase the number of birds reared while maintaining efficient production
practices to benefit from economies of scale.

Consider processing broilers into packaged meat or value-added products, such as preseasoned cuts, to increase profit margins.

Time the sale of broilers to coincide with periods of high market demand, potentially
commanding higher prices.