Farmers’ perceptions on the factors influencing the hatchability of layer breeder flocks in the selected farms of Wakiso district

Abstract

The study was conducted with an aim of investigating the different farmer’s perceptions about the factors influencing hatchability of layer breeder flocks. The study was conducted from Wakiso district with 40 respondents selected from small scale and the commercial poultry farmers. The study employed across-sectional descriptive survey which involved collecting of both qualitative and quantitative data using semi structured questionnaires. Random sampling was also used to select poultry farms and respondents in the study. Collected data was coded, and fed in statistical package for social scientist (SPSS) from where it was analyzed. The majority 70% were small scale poultry farmers and 30% were commercial /large scale poultry farmers. Fertility of the eggs and good mating ratios were majorly pointed out as the practices that maximize hatchability of their eggs as recorded by 55% of farmers. However, the latter was influenced by a number of factors and management practices. Farmers should attend more of agricultural exhibitions, trainings and trade shows so as to learn more on how to improve the hatchability of their layer breeder birds.