Commercial Poultry Production and Hatchery Management

SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM

• As the name indicates birds are half-way reared in houses and half-way on ground or range, i.e. birds are confined to houses in night or as per need and they are also given access to runs.
• The houses are with solid floors while runs are fields only.
• The success of rearing depends on maintenance condition of runs to reduce the contamination.
• Runs can also be used on rotation basis. The stocking density rate on an average for adult birds is 750 per hectare. This system is usually adopted for duck rearing.
• The feeding and watering facilities are provided in the pen.

Advantages

• More economical use of land compared to free range system
• Protection of birds from extreme climatic conditions
• Control over scientific operation to some extent is possible

Disadvantages

• High cost for fencing.
• Need for routine cleaning and removal of litter material from the pen.