ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF BROILER FARMING IN RURAL AREAS (A CASE STUDY IN KAMBURUPITIYA AREA)

Abstract

Broiler fanning was popular among the rural farming community during lastdecade due to ever increasing consumer demand. Most of these farmersengage in broiler farming expect higher profits for their ventures but they donot consider about the hazards done to the surrounding environment.Therefore, the objective of this survey was to find out the causes, whichnegatively affect on the surrounding environment and advice farmers how toreduce the above impacts. A house survey was conducted in Kamburupitiyaarea by visiting the broiler farms to monitor the dust and ammonia levels inthe cages, litter management, slaughtering process etc.

The results of this survey revealed that, all the farmers expect higher profitsfrom their ventures while having little skill, knowledge and technology. 90%of the farmers have taken correct initial steps in the construction of cagesconsidering north-south direction, selection of sloppy lands etc. However allthe cages were located very close to the residential areas and public roads(less than 25m) due to security reasons. It was also found that the cages(100%) situated in sloppy lands were very close to the water bodies. Even ifthe north-south direction was correct 20% of the cages were situated underhigh shade condition preventing natural disinfection. 50% of the cages hadmetal roofing sheets, which lead to heat stress during daytime. It was alsorevealed that more than 50% cages had poor ventilation due to some barrierssuch as vegetation and closely constructed cages. 60% of the cages had verystrong ammonia smell inside while 40% farms had strong ammonia smell dueto poor litter management and ventilation. None of the farmers mixed thelitter with lime and they did not turn and mix litter frequently or even notbothered to change the wet litter as well. Dust level was higher in 70% of thecages and medium in 30% of the cages leading the surroundingenvironmental problems. All the farmers processed chicken by them selves,but there were no problem of offal disposal. None of the farmers do recordkeeping, use of footbath and contact advisory services.

High concentration of ammonia and dust in the surrounding environmentleads to cause respiratory. problems in near by public and ammonia may leadsto cause toxic effects alsd,

Most of these farms have over ten-year history but their knowledge aboutproper management practices has not updated. They just gather informationfrom neighbour farmers and they have no theory knowledge about broilermanagement. If the farmers can be educated abut the proper managementpractices such as litter management, ventilation, proper housing andmaintenance, proper waste disposal and disinfection of sheds etc. it ispossible to maximize profit while minimizing the negative impacts on theenvironment.