CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Poultry are collection of birds raised commercially or domestically for meat, egg and feathers. Chickens, ducks turkeys and geese are of primary importance while guinea fowl and squabs (pigeons) are chiefly of local interest. These birds are source of income and food to the rarer. In the past only hens that could no longer produce eggs were killed and sold for meat but by the mid-20th century, meat production had outstripped egg. Production as a specialized industry (Encycloparredia Britaimca, 1988). Heavy breed poultry animals are used for meat white light bread chickens are primarily for the production of eggs (Mc Graw Hill encyclopedia 1992). The meat and eggs produced from poultry are important sources of dietary portion.
In Africa, animal protein foods from all sources contribute between 7g and 15g daily per person to the total food intake (Oyenyga, 1974). Today, Poultry production in the country is increasing at a tremendous rate and yet cannot meet the demand because of population growth and the awareness created by the campaigns for the need of animal protein in the diet. The growth and well-being of organisms are to a large extent dependent on the mount and type of food they receive and the manner or rate at which they receive it. The food should contain nutrients such as water, carbohydrates, fats, protein, minerals, vitamins and added growth factors improper balance. Each of these nutrients has a major role to play concerning growth, maintenance and productivity of the poultry. According to Leonard 91981), nutritional deficiency or inbalance.
These diseases may include rickets, perosis, and nutritional roup, curly the paralysis etc. These diseases could result due to deficiency in vitamins D, Manganese, vitamin A, vitamin E and riboflavin. Improper sanitation and inadequate management play major roles in disease. Outbreak and productivity of the desired products. In developing countries like Nigeria, the cost of feeding, especially the monogastries continues to escalate primarily in response the soaring cost of the conventional feed ingredients. This phenomenon is precipitated by under production and importation of some food stuff coupled with the competition between man and farm animal for energy and protein concentrates.