A complete guide for farmers on managing SASSO chicken (improved Kienyeji)

A complete guide for farmers on managing SASSO chicken (improved Kienyeji) Photo courtesy

The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute's introduction of Improved Kienyeji Chicken rearing in 2011 and the introduction of the Indian Kuroiler in Kenya transformed the country's poultry farming industry. Previously, farmers concentrated on layer and broiler farming. Kienyeji farming was only practiced on a small scale and was not yet commercialized. However, improved kienyeji rearing has recently piqued the interest of farmers, who are now practicing it both domestically and commercially. The practice has even spread to some urban areas, though it has yet to fully integrate as one of the primary sources of income in these communities.

SASSO chicken meat is firmer and has a richer chicken flavor, as well as being juicy and tasty, similar to traditional Indian country chicken meat, and it commands a higher market price. SASSO increases farmers' profits while providing consumers with a great taste.

The farmer is the KEY and plays a significant role in the success of rearing.

Dear farmers, When planning to raise chicks, remember that the chick is completely reliant on you to meet its needs. Chicks require proper care, temperature, a comfortable environment, food, water, and protection to survive.

The brief guidelines provided in this farmer's guide are critical to expressing the genetic potential of SASSO chicken and producing good results. Follow these basic guidelines, keep it simple, and you'll get good results even with limited resources.
 



KIENYEJI is a local Swahili name that translates to 'free range' in English.

There are different types improved kienyeji breeds that are currently popular in Kenya:

1. Kari improved kienyeji

2. Kuroiler improved kienyeji

3. Rainbow Rooster

4. Sasso chicken

5. Kenbro Chicken

6. Dominant Kienyeji Chicken

 

1. FREE RANGE:

In free range conditions, the birds are not confined and can search for food over a large area. Makeshift shelters may be provided to protect the birds from extreme weather conditions. Birds often wander around liter collection areas, trees, and bush nests.
The flock may contain birds of various breeds and ages, making it difficult to control inbreeding.

In this case, the stocking density should not exceed 1000 birds per hectare. It is worth noting that 100 birds require 0.4 hectares of land.

Requirements;

1. Large, fenced and well drained land with trees for shade.

2. Land partitioned to allow rotation (runs) to reduce parasite build up.

3. House for shelter and laying nests

ADVANTAGES

  1. Reduced cannibalism and egg eating for there is no overcrowding
  2. Less feeds used as birds scavenge outside
  3. Manure evenly spread to the runs
  4. Requires low capital outlay

 

DISADVANTAGES

  1. A lot of land is required which may not be available
  2. Area may become contaminated with diseases and parasites
  3. Birds exposed to predators or thieves
  4. Difficulty to have close supervision on individual birds
  5. Possibility of eggs getting lost in the runs
  6. Dirty eggs
  7. Breeding program  not easy to follow

2.BACKYARD EXTENSIVE SYSTEM

Poultry are only housed at night and allowed to roam freely in the fields during the day.
In most cases, they are given a small amount of grain in the morning when they are moved out and again in the evening to supplement the food they have collected while scavenging.

Commonly encountered in urban, peri-urban, and rural settings.

In some run systems, birds are confined to an enclosed outdoor area during the day and housed at night.

Feed and water are available in the house to prevent waste caused by rain, wind, and wild animals.

 

3. DEEP LITTER POULTRY FARMING SYSTEM

To begin a successful poultry farming operation in Kenya, the farmer must consider a number of factors. The structure is usually the most important factor, assuming that there is already a suitable plot of land available. When erecting a poultry structure, several requirements must be met in order to ensure the birds' comfort, which naturally leads to increased productivity. These requirements include:

-Good source of light

-Shelter from direct sunlight

-Shelter from wind

-Clean environment

-Good and ample space in side the shelter depending of the number of birds you want to keep.

We at Neochicks Poultry assist you in constructing very nice poultry cages by providing designs, measurements, and specifications for the cages and structures. We also help you find carpenters to build the structures for you.

One of the most important factors to consider when building your poultry structure is capacity, or the number of birds you intend to keep. For example, in the case of chickens, a rough estimate for cage dimensions is one chicken bird for every square foot. For example, if you want to rear six birds, your cage should be the following dimensions:

6ft by 1ft equals 6 square feet.

This means that your floor area should be 6 feet square. According to the above calculation, you can have chicken cages that are 3 feet by 2 feet and hold 6 birds each. Also, make sure the birds are safe from predators. As a result, the cages should be built solidly and with no large openings around them. Keep in mind that the birds are wild animals and may escape if they find a way out.
 

Deep Litter system for kienyeji chicken

Sanitation is also extremely important in your cages. The best way to keep the chicken cages clean is to use fine wire mesh as the floor. This means that droppings will fall away from the floor, ensuring that the birds have a clean environment at all times.

The design of the laying nest is also an important consideration. Birds will lay eggs more comfortably in a dark environment than in an exposed area. To reduce egg breakage, cover the floor of the laying boxes with a soft material or sawdust.

 

NEOCHICKS poultry limited sells different breeds of IMPROVED KIENYEJI CHICKS at various ages at very affordable prices:-

3days old at ksh100

1week old at ksh130

2weeks old ksh160

3weeks old ksh200

4weeks old at ksh230

The Chicks are vaccinated accordingly depending on their age.



SASSO REARING TECHNIQUES

  • Bio-security: Overall, the practice of operation is preferred, at least during the brooding period. Restrict visitors and keep a basin of disinfectant solution for foot dips and hand washing near the entrance.
                                                                                                                    
  • Before the chicks arrive: Arrange the facilities and materials needed for the broiler farm. Pre-brooding management involves cleaning and disinfecting the house prior to the arrival of a new batch of chicks.
  • Delivery and receiving chicks: The first few hours after arriving at the farm are crucial for the chick. Pre-warming the house at least 12 hours before the arrival of sasso chicks ensures that the chicks are comfortable when they arrive at the farm. They begin drinking and eating soon.
  • Brooding chicks to give them a great start:The first few hours after arriving at the farm are crucial for the chick. Pre-warming the house at least 12 hours before the arrival of sasso chicks ensures that the chicks are comfortable when they arrive at the farm. They begin drinking and eating soon.
  • Managing growth
  • Vaccination
  • Nutrient requirements

MANAGING SASSO GROWTH

Beginning the second week, increase the amount of floor space, feeders, and drinkers. If you have an enclosed and safe area where chicks can be released during the day, you can allow birds to roam freely after three weeks of age. However, it is necessary to provide approximately 80% of the feed inside the house in the morning and evening. Birds can find the remaining feed on the free range.
Use high density broiler finisher feeds to avoid forcing the birds to grow quickly. To develop good taste, texture, and flavor, raise the birds until they are 9 to 10 weeks.

Provide food, water, protection, and medical care. Check the live weight of 5% chicks at weekly intervals to ensure that growth is meeting standards (Table 1). Follow proper vaccination and medication procedures.