Field Visit to Poultry Farming, N.N. Patnam, Rowthulapudi Mandal, Kakinada District

The Department of Zoology organized an educational field trip to poultry farming at N.N. Patnam, Rowthulapudi Mandal, Kakinada District on August 25, 2025. Two staff members and 18 students participated in this tour, led by Mrs. Ch. Mangatayaru and Miss P.S. Kumari, Lecturers in the Zoology Department. The group started from the college at 10:00 AM and reached the center, located 20 kilometers away, where they were welcomed by Lalam Ajay, the current manager of the farm. Poultry Farm Management Lalam Ajay explained the construction and management of the poultry farm. - Shed Construction: The sheds are constructed facing east to west with a width of 23 feet, and the length varies according to the farm's needs. Each bird is allocated 1.1 square feet of space. - Breed Selection: The farm cultures the Cobb breed (Broiler) due to its low mortality rate. The breed and feed are imported from Sneha Farming Private Limited. - Farm Capacity: The farm has six sheds, each containing 2000 birds. Health and Hygiene Practices Before introducing day-old chicks, the sheds are cleaned, dried, and kept vacant for 10-15 days. Litter materials are spread on the floor, and brooder guards are provided two days prior to chick arrival. Newspapers are spread over the litter to prevent chicks from eating it. During the first week, the brooding temperature is maintained at 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Vaccination and Disease Management Lalam Ajay emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly on the 9th to 12th day, against diseases like IBD, Ranikhet, and Gumboro. Antibiotics like Hepato liquid are administered to prevent disease outbreaks. Water and Feed Management Each chick consumes 5ml of water for the first two days, increasing thereafter. Waterers are provided with 2.5 liters of water, consumed between 4:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Chicks are fed 3.5 to 4 kg of feed over 38-40 days, comprising soya, wheat, maize granules, and minerals. Challenges and Costs The farm faces higher mortality rates during summer due to high temperatures. The cost per bird is ₹33, and 1 kg of feed costs ₹41. The farm does not receive government subsidies but has a tie-up with Sneha Farming Private Limited. We thanked Mr.Lalam Ajay garu for explaining different types of breeds,water and feed management systems in poultry farming, clearing our doubts.We return back to the college 2:00 pm .All the students felt that the visit is knowledgeable,skill based .We thank our principal Dr.A.R.K.REDDY,and secretary and correspondent Sri CH.V.K.Narasimha Rao for providing all the necessary requirements for the field visit.