Assessment of the factors leading to mortality in chicks of two weeks old in selected farms of Mukono District

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the factors that lead to mortality rate of chicks in Mukono district from the local perspective. This study employed a survey research design using majorly qualitative method of data collection. The sample size comprised of poultry commercial farmers who were 11 in number. Data from the poultry famers was collected by the use of interview guides and content analysis was employed to analyzed the data The study showed that overcrowding of the chicks in the corners of brooder rooms 30%; inappropriate brooding temperatures 25.6% were the major factors leading to mortality in chicks’ others included poor breed of parent stock 18% and diseases 12% which affect the chicks in their early stages of life in Mukono district. The extension staff should educate farmers on how to brooder chicks to avoid high mortality in early stages of life and they should also train them on proper management during brooding.