Final Report

Brief Report on

Environmental Status of Some Poultry Farms in India

Submitted to

Animal Welfare Board of India (MoEF&CC, Govt. of India), Chennai

CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)

Delhi Zonal Centre
Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi -110028
August 2017
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 Study Team

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Director, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur

Dr. S.K. Goyal Sr. Principal Scientist & Head,

CSIR-NEERI-Delhi Zonal Centre, New Delhi

Ms. Priyanka Saxena Scientist

Dr. Sunil Gulia Scientist Fellow

Dr. Shradhanjali Singh DST Scientist Fellow

Dr. Smita Aggarwal CSIR Pool Scientist

Mr. Sourabh Kumar Project Assistant

Mr. Mohit Kashyap Project Assistant

Acknowledgements

The Cooperation of HSPCB, Sonipat is acknowledged for arranging visits to poultry farms in
Sonipat region. Further, the cooperation rendered by the various farm owners and their staff
members is also gratefully acknowledged.

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Contents of the Report

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1

2. Natural Behavior of Hens versus Caged Life .......................................................................... 2

3. Other Issues and Concerns in Poultry Farming ....................................................................... 3

3.1. Inhumane Poultry Practices .............................................................................................. 4

3.2. Use of Antibiotics............................................................................................................. 4

3.3. Consumer Health Effects ................................................................................................. 5

3.4. Environmental Issues ....................................................................................................... 5

3.5. Need for the Study............................................................................................................ 6

4. Study Details .......................................................................................................................... 7

4.1. Poultry Farms Visited....................................................................................................... 7

4.2. Sample Collection ............................................................................................................ 7

5. Environmental Status of Poultry Farms ............................................................................. 8

5.1. Observations made during Caged Farms Visit on Feb 21, 2017 ...................................... 8

5.2. Observations made during Caged Farms Visit on April 11, 2017 ................................. 14

5.3. Observations made during Cage Free Farm Visit on May 29, 2017 .............................. 16

5.4. Water Quality Analysis .................................................................................................. 19

5.5. Heavy Metal Analysis in Feed Grains and Excreta Slurry............................................. 19

5.6. Airborne Microbial Particles (Bio-aerosols) Analysis ................................................... 21

6. Summary and Recommendations ...................................................................................... 22

References ………………………………………………………………………………… 25

Annexure I ……………………………………………………………………………….. 27

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List of Tables
Table 1: Area Covered by Hens for their Different Activities........................................................ 2

Table 2: Water Quality Analysis Results ...................................................................................... 19

Table 3: Heavy Metal Content in Birds Feed ............................................................................... 19

Table 4: Heavy Metal Content in Excreta Slurry.......................................................................... 20

List of Plates
Plate 1: Entrance Gate of Nanak and Talwar Poultry Farms …………………………………… 9

Plate 2: Sheds in the Poultry Farm………………………………………………………………..9

Plate 3: Racks in Shed .................................................................................................................. 10

Plate 4: Cages in Each Rack ........................................................................................................ 10

Plate 5: Poultry Feed Godown showing Grinder, Feed Composition Forula and Grains ............ 11

Plate 6: Excreta Slurry Deposit at the Bottom of Shed ………………………………………... 12

Plate 7: Spider Web in Godown ................................................................................................... 12

Plate 8: Abnormality in the Neck of Hens ……………………………………………………... 13

Plate 9: Dead Hens in Shed and Pit for Dead Hens ...................................................................... 14

Plate 10: Photographs showing Status of a Poultry farm in Karnal District …………………… 15

Plate 11: Photograhs showing Status of a Hatchery in Karnal District ....................................... 16

Plate 12: Photographs showing Status of Closed Cage Free System in Keggfarm, Gurgaon .… 18

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1. Introduction

Poultry farming means raising various types of domestic fowls including chickens,
turkeys, geese and ducks, for the production of meat and/or eggs. In India, different types of
poultry birds or fowls are being raised since long. The total poultry population in India is 729.2
million, which is 12.39% higher than numbers in the previous census (Livestock Census, 2012).
The most common and mostly raised poultry breeds in India are of three types:

 Broilers: This type of breed (includes young male and female both) is suitable for
commercial tender meat production and is termed as broiler poultry. They grow from a
hatch weight of 40 g to a weight of approximately 1.5 to 2 kg within a very short span of
6 weeks only.
 Cockerels: Cockerels, also known as roosters, are the male chicken under one year of
age. The small poultry farmer prefers to rear cockerel than broiler because of low cost
and lesser susceptibility to disease compared to broiler production. Cockerels are hardy
and reared mainly under extensive system of production where they roam about and fend
for themselves much similar to backyard farming.
 Layers: Layer poultry is done for the commercial egg production throughout the world.
Layers can be used for both commercial meat and egg production. Layer chickens need to
be raised from, when they are one day old. They start laying eggs at the age of 18-19
weeks and continue till they are 72-78 weeks of age. They can produce about one kg of
eggs by consuming about 2.25-2.75 kg of food during their egg laying period.

Commercial poultry farming in India has created and still creating profitable business
opportunity for the business runners. The demand of eggs and meat in the market is a never
ending stuff, therefore this business provides a huge source of employment for poor, lower
middle class, housewives etc. In addition, the business does not require a huge capital investment
and even bank loans are easily available throughout the country. However, the economics as well
as employment opportunities of poultry farming in caged system and cage free system needs to
be studied separately.

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2. Natural Behavior of Hens versus Caged Life

Chickens exhibit a range of natural behavior, including nesting, dust-bathing, perching

and roosting, scratching and foraging, exploring and comfort behavior. They use their beaks as a
primary means of touching and feeling, as well as for picking up and manipulating objects. The
beak is essential for activities such as preening, nesting and defense. Foraging is important for
domestic chickens and jungle fowl, as well, which means hens prefer to find their own food
rather than take freely from a feeder, a phenomenon called “contra free-loading”. They spend
over 50% of their daily time budget pecking and scratching. They are biologically designed to
forage for plants, insects, and seeds. Chickens dust-bathe on an average for 20 minutes every
other day. The function is to balance oil levels in the plumage, so it keeps the feather in good
condition. Nesting behavior is triggered internally with a sudden rise in progesterone against a
background of fairly high estrogen levels. The need is so strong that a hen will push through a
heavily weighted swing-door to get to a nest box. They are frustrated and distressed without an
outlet for the natural nesting instinct. They also need regular movement and exercise to stay
healthy and keep their bones strong [1-3].

The space requirements of hens vary according to the activities being performed. Table 1
describes that space requirement by a hen during different activities [1, 4].
Table 1: Area Covered by Hens for their Different Activities

Mean Area Covered Mean area covered by

Activity
(cm2) body (cm2)
Reference  Bogner et al., 1979 Dawkins et al., 1989
Standing - 475.3
Ground Scratching - 856
Turning - 1271.8
Preening 506 1150.6
Body shake 528 -
Feather ruffling 497 873.3
Wing spreading 538
Wing stretching 892.9
Wing flapping - 1876.3
Resting 424 -

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It may be noted that values mentioned are more than the space recommended by the
Bureau of Indian Standards, which is approximately 450 cm2. Hens prefer a larger enclosure
with more space as compared to smaller enclosure with less space. It has been shown that any
space allowance of less than ~5000 cm2 per hen imposes some constraint on the free expression
of their behavior.

Caged hens are more fearful than those kept in cage free environments. Small size of the
cage, sloping wire floor, lack of nest boxes or perches and close proximity of other birds etc.
results in suffering to the birds. Some of the serious issues with caged system are Cage layer
fatigue, beak trimming, forced molting, transport, Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS),
osteoporosis, reproductive problems etc.

Several studies have found that laying hens kept for egg production are more fearful in
caged system compared to those kept in cage free housing. Confinement of the hens in battery
cages restricts them for free movement and prevents them from undertaking activities that are
inherent to their nature. The barren and restrictive environments of battery cages are detrimental
to the psychological well-being of an animal. When environments are predictable, monotonous
and unchanging, they do not offer the degree of stimulation or opportunity for choice that would
be found in natural environments [5]. It has been found that environmental challenge is an
integral part of animal well-being and that barren environments lacking challenge and stifling
exploration engender apathy, frustration and boredom [6-7].

The openly living hens tend to respond faster to all environments in comparison to those
kept in battery cages. It has been shown that within a range of about 300 cm2 to 650 cm2,
increasing the area per bird elevates egg production, raises food consumption, enhances body
weight and decreases mortality [8-9].

3. Other Issues and Concerns in Poultry Farming

The serious issues and concerns related to poultry farming can be classified as follows:

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3.1. Inhumane Poultry Practices

There have been different issues related to “farming conditions” like the unhygienic
practices under which fowls or birds are raised. Consumption of contaminated food – such as
eggs from unhygienic poultry farms may result into diseases in human due to Salmonella, E. coli
and Campylobacter [10]. The other serious issues are harsh treatment during transportation,
trimming of the beaks at just one day of age resulting into the damage of nociceptors and acute
pain [11,12], culling of newly hatched male chicks as they do not lay eggs or are weak [13] etc.

The confinement of hens in battery cages result in the following diseases in the hens-
 Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome [FLHS]
 Cage Layer Fatigue
 Osteoporosis
 Keel Bone Disorders
 Foot Disorders [Hyperkeratosis, bumblefoot, lesions, etc.]

3.2. Use of Antibiotics

Keeping in view the consumption of livestock and poultry as food, US Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA) has approved the use of antibiotics in 1951 [14]. Although the
regulatory mechanism of antibiotics is particularly strict, yet their use may not be regularized. As
in case of humans, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections in the fowls too, resulting into
low mortality rates and less illness. But with the increasing demand and business competition,
antibiotics appeared to be an ideal and cost-effective way to increase the output of poultry. Since
this discovery, antibiotics have been routinely used in poultry production without proper
regulatory limits. This unregulated use of antibiotics poses a serious threat of antibiotic
resistance, which in turn affects the health of consumers.

On 3 June, 2014, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry
of Agriculture, wrote a letter to all Directors/Commissioners of State Animal Husbandry
Department, advising controlled and judicious use of antibiotics in treatment of food producing
animals and in animal feed. The Directorate General of Health Services, on 6 June, 2014,
reiterated the directions in the aforementioned letter to the State Drug Controllers.

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Despite directions to state Animal Husbandry Departments and State Drug Controllers
from their respective nodal Ministries, it has been observed that the use of antibiotics in
treatment of & feed for poultry (layer & broiler) is on higher side, which otherwise need to be as
per the advice of Animal Husbandry Departments and State Drug Controllers.

3.3. Consumer Health Effects

The issue of antibiotic use in poultry is leading to antibiotic resistance in fowls, which in
turn is an emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in consumers of poultry eggs and meat.
Consumers may develop antibiotic resistance through consumption of poultry products that have
prior exposure to resistant strains. Besides oral consumption, antibiotic resistance may develop
through extensive handling and transfer of birds. Such problem could be more prominent in
broilers than egg laying hens. It is also apparent from the literature that arsenic is fed to the hens
and chickens to promote growth and weight gain with less feed. Arsenic apparently helps fight
some diseases and aids in tissue and vascular development, making the muscle of animals look
more appealing to consumers (https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2013-10-10/what-was-
arsenic-doing-in-our-chicken-anyway). The long term exposure of arsenic above the
recommended limit can cause cancer in the skin, lung, bladder and kidney. Growth hormones
given to the fowls is another issue related to the health of the consumers.

3.4. Environmental Issues

There are several environmental concerns related to poultry farming with respect to air,
water and soil pollution as well as socio-economic aspect. Following are the concerns:

1. Poultry production is associated with a variety of environmental pollutants, including

oxygen-demanding substances, ammonia, solids, nutrients (specifically nitrogen and
phosphorus), pathogens, trace elements, antibiotics, pesticides, hormones etc and other
airborne emissions. Besides, the poultry attracts flies, rodents, dogs and other pests
that create local nuisances and carry diseases.

2. Poor management of manure, litter and wastewater etc adversely affects the
environment. Besides, odour emissions from poultry farms affect the life of people

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living in the vicinity. Odour is generated from fresh and decomposing waste products
such as manure, carcasses, feathers and bedding litter. Furthermore, intensive poultry
production may be responsible for the emission of greenhouse gasses, acidification,
and eutrophication [15].

3. Other indirect impacts include ecosystem destruction and biodiversity erosion

associated with the expansion of feed crop production into natural habitats and the
over-exploitation of non-renewable resources for feed production.

3.5. Need for the Study

There have been complaints in relation to house fly infestation caused in the
neighborhood of the poultry farms. The living standard of those living in the vicinity of such
poultry farms is tremendously impacted. This grave impact of poultry farming on the
environment was brought into the notice of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory
advisory body on Animal Welfare Laws that promotes animal welfare in the country. With
reference to letter no.9-1/2016-17/PCA, Secretary, AWBI approached CSIR-NEERI, Delhi
Zonal Center (DZC) to conduct research on assessing the environmental impact of poultry units.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the operation of poultry farms, waste management,
and health issues, use of antibiotics and other aspects is also sought.

In the view of above (discouraging animal cruelty, animal welfare and socio-economic as
well as environmental impacts of poultry farming), a preliminary study has been conducted by
NEERI with the following scope of work:
 Inspection of representative Poultry Farms to understand Poultry Farm practices
 Assessment of environmental status at Poultry Farms (w.r.t water, soil and bio-
aerosols)
 Heavy metal analysis in feed grains and excreta slurry.

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4. Study Details

4.1. Poultry Farms Visited

With the above scope of work in view, team comprising of three scientists from CSIR-
NEERI, Delhi Zonal Centre visited the following Poultry farms during February to May 2017:

1st Visit: February 21, 2017 – Sonipat District – Caged Farms

1. Talwar Poultry Farm, Kani Gannaur road, Sonipat (Poultry #1)
2. Nanak Poultry Farm, Kani Gannaur road, Sonipat (Poultry #2)
3. Yadav Poultry Farm, Sanpeda road, Sonipat (Poultry #3)
Representatives from HSPCB, Regional Office Sonipat and AWBI, New Delhi also
accompanied the team.

2nd Visit: April 11, 2017 – Karnal District – Caged Farms

1. Karnal Poultry Farm, Karnal (Poultry # 4)
2. Akhil Poultry Farm, Nalikhurd, Karnal
3. Poultry Hatchery Plant, Nalikhurd, Karnal
Representative from AWBI, New Delhi also accompanied the team.
rd
3 Visit: May 29, 2017 - Gurgaon District - Cage Free Farm
1. KeggFarms, Khandsha Village, Gurgaon - Cage Free System

4.2. Sample Collection

During the visit on 21st February 2017, the following samples were collected from all the
three Poultry farms:
Excreta Slurry Samples: The excreta slurry samples were collected from the bottom of
the shed for further analysis of heavy metals content.
Drinking Water Samples: Water samples were collected from all the three poultry
farms from bore well (Groundwater). Water samples from the tanks, which were directly
connected to the nipples of drinking water network in the poultry sheds could not be collected
because of sealed tank system. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Alkalinity, chloride and
total hardness parameters were analyzed although these parameters may not be of direct

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significance in the context of poultry farms. As such wastewater generation was not observed in
the visited poultry farms because liquid waste from poultry farm gets mixed with excreta making
it slightly wet. The excreta is used as manure in the agriculture fields.
Bio-aerosol Samples: Bio-aerosol samples were also collected using Envirotech Handy
Samplers (APM 821) using Impinging technique and analyzed by count-culture method. Three
samples were collected for indoor air inside the shed and one sample for ambient air within the
premises of the farm.
Feed Grain Samples: The Feed grain samples were collected from the rack for further
analysis of heavy metal content.
For heavy metal analysis, the samples were digested and analyzed on ICP-OES.

5. Environmental Status of Poultry Farms

5.1. Observations made during Caged Farms Visit on Feb 21, 2017

All the three farms were found to practice more or less similar type of poultry practices,
therefore following are the common observations during the visit for all the three farms:

1. At the entrance of poultry farms, a small pool of water mixed with bleaching powder/
formaldehyde is created so that the vehicles entering the farms do not carry any
contamination inside the farm along with wheels of vehicles. Infact the wheels of the
vehicle were washed with pressure jet at the entrance of Nanak Farms. This mechanism
was not observed in Yadav Farm, instead bleaching powder was sprinkled all over the
farm for disinfection (Plate 1).

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Plate 1: Entrance Gate of Nanak and Talwar Poultry Farms

2. The population of the birds in Talwar, Nanak and Yadav Farms are approximately
60,000, 50,000 and 70,000, respectively based on discussion with owner. The layered
closed- cage system was found in all the three farms. There were 3-8 sheds in each farm
and each shed has 3-4 racks. Plate 2 shows the sheds in Poultry Farms. Each rack has a
length of 180 or 200 ft and each cage has a dimension of 14”x 18” x 15” (Plate 3). Each
cage houses 3-4 hens, which seems to be insufficient and uncomfortable for them (Plate
4). The hens are even unable to stand properly and stretch their wings in full.

Plate 2: Sheds in the Poultry Farms

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Plate 3: Racks in Shed

Plate 4: Cages in Each Rack

3. The hens are fed a mixture of grains in which corn, bajra, soya, mustard, marble etc. are
mixed in a certain proportion according to a formula as shown in the image below. On an
average, one bird consumes 110 gm of grains per day. Adequate amount of feedstock is

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maintained in godowns. Besides, a crusher and a mixing tank are also installed in the
godowns to grind and mix the grains (Plate 5).

Plate: 5: Poultry Feed Godown showing Grinder, Feed Composition

Formula and Grains

4. It was observed that one of the major causes of the pollution in poultry farms was the
unbearable odour due to the slurry formed at the bottom of each shed because of excreta,
feathers, wastewater, feed-wastes, dead hens etc (Plate 6). The condition was worst in
Talwar Farm due to improper management, ventilation and aeration whereas in Yadav
Farm the odour level was quite low because of the dried fecal matter at the bottom of
sheds. According to the staff of poultry farms, the excreta slurry is periodically (once in
4-5 months) taken away by the local farmers for use in their farms as compost.
Approximately 35-40 trolley of compost is taken away by them (compost in 150 ft3 of
land is carried in one trolley). This compost (slurry) is sold at the rate of Rs. 5 per ft of

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the land to the farmers. The issue of odour needs to be managed by all the three poultry
farms. Although ventilation has been provided in the sheds, yet it is not enough to cope
up with the odour problem.

Plate 6: Excreta Slurry Deposits at the Bottom of Shed

5. Another problem observed in the sheds and godowns of all poultry farms was formation
of spider webs. It should be cleaned periodically. At the time of visit heavy cob webs
were observed in the sheds of Talwar Farm (Plate 7).

Plate 7: Spider web in Godown

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6. Abnormality in the neck and foul smell from the hens of Talwar Farm were observed
(Plate 8). It could be due to the old age of hens as explained by the staff of the farm.
Another reason may be that, the hens have to put their head and neck out of cage to feed,
the feathery part gets deteriorated in the old hens. The doctor should have tackled this
issue. The condition in Talwar Farm was unhygienic as stains of blood were observed on
egg shells.

Plate 8: Abnormality in the Neck of Hens

7. The team interacted with veterinary doctors and came to know about different
vaccinations that are administered to the chicks during their growth cycle. According to
the doctors, the chicks are not administered any sort of antibiotics at any stage of their
development. The mortality rate of the hens is 0.5 %. In case of any death, postmortem is
carried out by the doctors to know the cause of death. The team observed three dead hens
in the shed of Nanak farm, which were kept aside for the postmortem (Plate 9 a).

8. In all the three farms, the practice for the disposal of dead hens was almost the same. The
dead hens are disposed into a big 20 ft pit and acid or salt is added over them for faster
decomposition. The pit is fully cemented leaving a small hole for the disposal of dead
hens (Plate 9 b).

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Plate 9: Dead Hens in Shed and Pit for Dead Hens (a, b)

5.2. Observations made during Caged Farms Visit on April 11, 2017

Further, two more caged poultry farms and one hatchery in Karnal district were visited on
April 11, 2017. The situation of birds and surrounding environment was found to be more
or similar to one observed earlier in Sonipat district. Plate 10 shows poultry farm
practices in Karnal and Akhil Poultry Farms. One hatchery visited was found to follow
good management practices, as depicted in Plate 11.

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Plate 10: Photographs showing Status of a Poultry Farm in Karnal District

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Plate 11: Photographs showing Status of a Hatchery in Karnal District

5.3. Observations made during Cage Free Farm Visit on May 29, 2017

Subsequently, NEERI team visited the Kegg Farm Pvt. Ltd located on the NH-8 at
Khandsa Village in Gurgaon, Haryana on May 29, 2017. The farm is cage-free and is located
over an area of 24 acres, rearing 30,000-35,000 birds of all age group. It produces Kuroiler, a
dual purpose bird (eggs and meat both), which are genetically bred through selective and
controlled crossing of high yield indigenized poultry germ-plasm. The birds are kept in deep-
litter housing with adequate space, proper ventilation, abundant sunshine, fan and water
sprinkling system to control harsh temperature conditions in summers.

It is observed that in cage-free environment, birds are able to express their natural
behavior like scratching, perching, dust bathing etc as well as have ready approach to food and
water. The farm is found to be neat and clean alongwith essential biosecurity facilities at entry
gate such as water pool, spray on the tyres of the vehicles entering the farm etc. No odour and
litter problem was observed in the farm in contrast to the battery cage farms where odour was
one of the major problems. No mites and webs were observed in the housing.

In Keggfarm, the birds are reared in different deep-litter housings on the basis of different
age groups. 1000 chicks of the age group of 1-3 weeks are reared in a room of 500 sq ft (20 ft x

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25 ft), allotting 0.5 sq ft (464.5 cm2) of space per chick. Similarly, 1200-1300 large sized birds
are reared in another housing of 3600 sq ft, allotting 2.5-3 sq ft (2322.5 cm2) of area per bird. It
should be noted that as per Bureau of Indian Standards, the space requirement by a hen is merely
450 cm2, which is five times lesser than the space actually required (2322.5 cm2) for natural
behaviour.

40 plastic feeders and waterers, each of 2.5 kg and 3 litre capacity respectively, are
placed in the housing containing 1000 chicks of 3 and more than 3 weeks of age. A 1.5 inch
thick saw dust or rice husk layer is placed on the floor of each housing. One Kuroiler bird can
consume approximately 130-135 gm of grain per day. Plate 12 shows the photographs of cage
free system in Keggfarms.

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Plate 12: Photographs showing Closed Cage Free System in Keggfarm, Gurgaon

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5.4. Water Quality Analysis

The groundwater samples were collected from the three farms. Table 2 summarizes the
results of water sample analysis.
Table 2: Water Quality Analysis Results
Parameters Poultry Poultry Poultry Drinking Water Quality
#1 #2 #3 Standard (IS 10500:2012)
Acceptable/Permissible Limit
pH 8.20 7.95 8.45 6.5-8.5
EC (µSiemens/cm) 1361 900 2083 --
TDS (mg/L) 753 481 1150 500/ 2000
Chloride (mg/L) 160 100 220 250/1000
Sulphate (mg/L) 112 42 286 200/400
Nitrate (mg/L) 171 60 74 45/45
o-phosphate (mg/L) 0.76 0.91 0.80 --

Analysis of results indicates that groundwater contains considerably high levels of nitrate
at all the three poultry farms, whereas high levels of TDS at two and sulphate at one poultry
farms.

5.5. Heavy Metal Analysis in Feed Grains and Excreta Slurry

Table 3 and 4 present the concentration of heavy metals content (in mg/Kg) in feed and
excreta slurry (composed of fecal matter, feathers, feed waste, water etc.) samples respectively.

Table 3: Heavy Metal Content in Birds Feed

Metal Metal Concentration (mg/Kg) Max. Tolerable
Poultry Poultry Poultry Poultry Level (mg/Kg)*
#1 #2 #3 #4
Arsenic (As) 0.9 0.9 BDL BDL 30
Chromium (Cr) 73.6 162.9 200.2 172.0 500
Copper (Cu) 5.3 9.3 15.3 9.9 250
Iron (Fe) 24.6 63.5 142.1 202.0 500
Manganese (Mn) 29.9 114.1 106.8 72.5 2000
Lead (Pb) 6.2 10.1 16.9 16.8 10
Zinc (Zn) 39.8 92.4 111.8 91.7 500
*Maximum Tolerable levels of minerals in the feed (mg/kg) of Animal Based on Indexes of Animal Health [16]

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Table 4: Heavy Metal Content in Excreta Slurry

Metal Metal Concentration (mg/Kg)
Poultry #1 Poultry #2 Poultry #3 Poultry #4
Arsenic (As) 0.2 0.1 BDL BDL
Chromium (Cr) 220.8 90.7 198.8 224
Copper (Cu) 19.0 11.7 20.4 22.9
Iron (Fe) 512.6 29.2 181.9 597
Manganese (Mn) 96.5 47.6 112.1 106.7
Lead (Pb) 20.8 13.0 21.3 33.4
Zinc (Zn) 143.4 28.4 98.2 105.8

Variation is found among the feed collected from the four poultry farms. This may be
correlated with the different composition of feed used in each farm (refer Plate 5) for hens and
chicks separately. In general, for the four visited farms, Mn and Fe in feed varied from 29.9 to
114.1 mg/Kg and 24.6 to 202 mg/Kg, respectively. Cu and Zn in the feed varied from 5.3 to 15.3
mg/Kg and 39.8 to 111.8 mg/Kg respectively while Pb varied from 6.2 to 16.9 mg/Kg and Cr
varied from 73.6 to 200.2 mg/Kg. The concentration of As in feed is found below 0.9 mg/Kg,
which indicates that there may not be intentional addition of arsenic in the feed of the hens.
The metal content results in slurry indicate that Mn and Fe varied from 47.6 to 112.1
mg/Kg and 29.2 to 512.6 mg/Kg, respectively. Cu and Zn in the feed varied from 11.7 to 20.4
mg/Kg and 28.4 to 143.4 mg/Kg, respectively while Pb varied from 13.0 to 21.3 mg/Kg and Cr
varied from 90.7 to 220.8 mg/Kg. The concentration of As in slurry was found below 0.2 mg/Kg.
Arsenic concentration in slurry (excreta) also indicates that the birds are not fed the arsenic laden
food.
From the results of Poultry #2, it is found that concentration of the all the metals except
As in the feed are higher than those in slurry. No such trend is observed for Poultry #1 and
Poultry #3. It was noted during the visit that the hens were given groundwater (directly without
any pretreatment) for drinking. The groundwater contain metals which may be additive to the
metals found in the feed. The trend in the Poultry #2 may be understood on the basis of this
aspect. This may also explain the higher concentration of metals in the slurry than in the feed in
Poultry #2.

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5.6. Airborne Microbial Particles (Bio-aerosols) Analysis

Table 5 describes the bio-aerosol concentration for indoor as well as ambient air
collected at poultry farms.

Table 5: Bio-aerosol Status in Indoor and Ambient Air at Poultry Farms

Sr. Sampling Site Bio-aerosols Conc.

No. (cfu/m3)
1. Poultry #1 (Indoor)* 6.5 × 105
2. Poultry #1 (Outdoor) # 8.0 × 105
3. Poultry #2 (Indoor) 2.3 × 105
4. Poultry #3 (Indoor) 7.2 × 104
* -inside shed, # Outside shed at a distance of ~250 m

Bioaerosol Exposure limit- The exposure limit by European countries such as Germany
and Netherlands for bacterial aerosols is 10,000 cfu/m3 for indoor air in different work
Environments. Presently, no such exposure limits are proposed by the regulatory authorities in
India.
Higher bioaerosol levels were observed at poultry farms (especially at Poultry #1) and
exceeded the human exposure limits given by European countries for indoor workplaces
(mentioned above). This high emission of microorganisms via aerosols from poultry housing
facilities might have resulted from various sources such as skin (epithelial desquamation) and
feathers, as well as from feed dust, manure, feces and litter. Intensive poultry production was
seen at the sampling sites, implying large densities of animals in small areas, causing significant
indoor as well as outdoor air pollution especially microbial components.

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6. Summary and Recommendations

Based on observations made during visits to closed-cage and cage-free poultry farming
system in Haryana State, it can be concluded that the condition of closed-cage poultry farms is
very poor and cruel for hens when compared to cage-free poultry system. Odor generation and
mites in the farms are two major problems in closed-caged system, which is not observed in
cage- free system. The cage-free system provides enough space for movement of hens and the
kind of environment required to express their natural behavior. Poultry owners and the
consumers should understand that the animals raised for food too deserve to live free from abuse
and cruelty.

Based on the analysis of overall situation in both the types of poultry farms, following
recommendations are made for better poultry practices:

1. Layered battery-cage systems should be replaced with cage-free housings in a phase-wise

manner. The cage free housing must be such that it allows the birds to stand up straight,
stretch their wings fully and provide reasonable opportunity of movement. The Law
Commission of India, vide Report No. 269, titled “Transportation and House-keeping of
Egg Laying Hens (Layers) and Broiler Chickens” specified certain space allocations. The
space allocations recommended are suitable. The report is attached as Annexure I.

2. Viable alternatives to battery cages, which can be adapted to commercial production,

have been identified, such as-

a. Barn systems or floor-systems: Indoor, non-cage facilities with reduced stocking

density compared to cages, with space for each bird to stretch their wings and
move freely. The system has a slatted or deep-litter floor, usually covered in loose
litter to allow dust-bathing and ground scratching, important components of
foraging behaviour. The system provides perches for roosting, nest boxes for egg-
laying.

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b. Aviary systems: Similar to barn systems (i.e. enclosed buildings), with multiple
tiers, a higher stocking density than floor-systems. Perches are located on the
elevated tiers, hens may preferentially roost higher off the ground.
c. Free range systems: Non-cage systems in which hen are housed in a single-tiered
barn or multi-tiered aviary. Additionally, birds are provided with outdoor access.

3. To encourage the existing poultry farm owners to make changes in the present caged-
system, suitable rebate in tax or subsidies may be given to the poultry farms who adopt
either system (i) or (ii) as mentioned above within a year. In addition to that, a reward of
Rs.1 per hen per month may be provided to the poultry farm. At the same time, a fine of
Rs. 1 per hen per month may be charged who does not adopt one of the above suggested
systems within a year.

4. The farm owner or the operator should ensure that the maximum housing density is not
exceeded and records of the total floor area available to the chickens and number of birds
in the shed; the daily mortality and number culled should be properly maintained.

5. All new poultry farm should follow cage-free system since beginning. Concerned
licensing departments should be instructed in this regard. The floor of all houses should
be completely covered by litter and the chickens should have access to the litter area at all
times. The litter shall be easy to maintain; good quality (clean, dry, dust-free, and
absorbent); sufficient depth for dilution of feces etc. The details are given in Annexure I.

6. Cleanliness and maintenance of the sheds in poultry farms should be ensured

periodically. Heavy spider webs, house-fly infestation, undisposed manure, odor from
manure in the sheds and godowns of visited poultry farms indicate poor hygiene and may
attract mites, lices and parasites causing parasitic health disorders like intestinal and skin
infections. Sudden outbreak of bacterial, viral, fungal and communicable diseases like
Avian Influenza, Pox, Pasteurella, Coryza, Aspergillosis becomes inevitable. Hygienic
practices like regular cleaning of manure and storage in closed/ sealed condition with
proper disposal should be adopted by the each farm owner. This may partially solve
problems of odour and flies.

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7. Farmers use the excreta (mix of bird’s excreta and liquid waste) as manure in the
agriculture fields. However, its toxicity should be tested before use as manure.

8. Use of formaldehyde for disinfection purposes should be recorded and documented. This
is because of its irritant and carcinogenic nature even with exposure in low
concentrations.

9. Routine health checkup of individual fowls may keep a check on the outbreak of
communicable and other diseases at an early stage. Early and accurate diagnosis may
restrict the use of antibiotics. Similar suggestions have been made in the Law
Commission Report (Annexure I).

10. Poor poultry workers and local residents living in or around the vicinity of poultry farms
are more prone to catch the bacterial and viral infections. It may therefore be
recommended that certain guidelines be framed to define the vicinity of the poultry
farms.

11. It is also recommended that Animal Welfare Board of India may suggest changes to laws
and rules about animal welfare issues. In 2011, a new draft Animal Welfare Act was
published for comment [17]. Existing laws and policies against animal cruelty should be
re-evaluated on a stricter note and brought into action within a stipulated period of time.
Rules and regulations regarding the use of antibiotics must be regularized and their
implementation must be ensured by the Government.

12. Guidance should be offered to concerned organizations and officials to help them
interpret and apply the laws [18]. AWBI may provide publications to raise awareness of
various animal welfare issues. Further, annual or six-monthly trainings may be imparted
by Central Avian Research Institute and Indian Council for Agricultural Research to
poultry managers, staff to practice hygiene and good management in the poultry farms. In
addition members of the community or NGOs may be trained to become Board Certified
Animal Welfare Educators [19].

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References

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of welfare in domestic fowl. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 24: 77-80

2. Apple M.C., Mench J.A. and Hughes B.O., 2004. Poultry Behaviour and Welfare,
Wallingford U.K.: CABI Publishing, P-48.

3. Weeks C.A. and Nicol C.J., 2006. Behavioral needs, priorities and preferences of laying
hens. World’s Poultry Science Journal 62:296-307.

4. Bogner, H., Peschke, W., Seda, V. and Popp, K., 1979. The area requirements for certain
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12. Gentle M.J., 1992. Pain in birds. Animal Welfare. 1: 235–247, 3

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Environmental Status of Some Poultry Farms in India

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13. Brulliard K., 2016. Egg producers pledge to stop grinding newborn male chickens to
death. The Washington Post, accessed on 12 June 2016.

14. Castonon, J.R., 2011. History of the Use of Antibiotics, Poultry Science.

15. Kolominskas C., Bawden K. and Ormerod R., 2002. Strategies to reduce odour emissions
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16. NRC, 2005. Mineral Tolerance of Animals. Second Revised edition, The National
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17. AWBI, 2011. Draft Animal Welfare Act 2011, Animal Welfare Board of India, Accessed
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Welfare Board of India, July-Sept. 2012, p. 2.

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