Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This project aimed to compile a comprehensive bibliography on poultry, encompassing various aspects related to poultry farming, production, diseases, nutrition, and management. The bibliography includes a wide range of sources such as research articles, books, reports, and websites, providing a valuable resource for individuals involved in the poultry industry, researchers, students, and enthusiasts. The compiled bibliography covers topics including poultry genetics, breeding, housing systems, feeding practices, disease prevention, and management strategies. It includes references to seminal studies on optimizing poultry production, improving feed efficiency, and enhancing the health and welfare of poultry. In addition to scientific research, the bibliography also includes references to practical guides and manuals for poultry farmers, offering insights into best practices for raising different types of poultry, from broilers and layers to turkeys and ducks. Information on biosecurity measures, vaccination protocols, and disease control strategies are also included to assist poultry farmers in maintaining healthy flocks. Furthermore, the bibliography encompasses recent advancements in poultry nutrition, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and alternative feed ingredients to improve growth performance and gut health in poultry. References to studies on the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, on poultry production are also provided, highlighting the importance of optimizing the poultry farm environment for maximum productivity. Moreover, the bibliography includes resources on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common poultry diseases, ranging from viral and bacterial infections to parasitic infestations. Information on biosecurity measures, quarantine protocols, and biocontainment strategies are included to help poultry farmers mitigate disease outbreaks and protect their flocks. Overall, this compilation of poultry bibliography serves as a valuable tool for individuals seeking information on various aspects of poultry farming, from basic husbandry practices to advanced research findings. By consolidating a diverse range of sources, this bibliography facilitates easy access to key information and promotes knowledge sharing within the poultry industry, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth and development of poultry farming worldwide.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Poultry farms are farms that raise chickens, duck, turkeys and other birds for meat or egg production. In the must, poultry farming involved raising chickens in the back yard for daily egg production and family consumption. However, poultry farming today is a huge business that is split into several operations including hatcheries, pullet farms for meat product, or farms for egg producton. This paper will focus on poultry farms raising chickens.

Chickens originated from jngle fowl I South Easten Asia around 3200Bc (Dr. faran personal communicsation  2009) chickens were domesticated and spread to China, India Africa, pacific Island and Europe. They were primarily raise for human consumption. In addition, their feathers were used for making cushions, litter for fertilizer and in some societies chickens were used in lock fighting as a source of entertainment.

As the human population increase, the poultry industries continue ot grow to meet the demand for poultry products in world markets. The importance of poultry farms lies in the quality of product that are provided to humans. Broiler farms provides meat that supplies the human body with high quality proteins, layer farms provide egg rich in proteins and vitamins, especially the fat soluble vitamin (A.D.E and K) poultry farms are fast-paced operations that can expanded easily ot meet the ever-growign demand (Dr. M. Ferran, personal communication 2009).

Chickens are fast growing animals. In the past, it took about 4 months to produce a two kilogram chicken. However a two-kilogram chicken can be produce in 42 days (Dr. M. Ferran, personal communication 2009). Due to this fact, a better understanding of husbanding practices, and use of new technologies, poultry farms can be profitable enterprise. Each operations in he poultry business has become a huge business by itself. Some farms specialize in producing eggs for market consumption, or for hatching chicks for the purpose of meat production. Other business are focused on feed preparation or on using the wastes of poultry farms for compost production and fertilizing farm lands. If managed and marketed well, all segments of the poultry business can be profitable.

OBJECTIVES

This study will examine the feasibility of broiler producing farms in Lebanon. A rental for will be used as a representative case study for other poultry producers. Sensitivity analysis will use to determine potential profitability when input cost and point of sale values are varied. .