The performance of village chickens in selected rural areas of Uganda, given Newcastle disease I-2 thermostable vaccine, Levamisole[registered] treatment and feed supplementation

Poultry health and management interventions for Newcastle disease, endo-parasite control and feed supplementation were introduced to a free-range poultry production system in six villages in two Agro-ecological zones of Uganda to improve chicken productivity. Newcastle disease vaccination using a locally produced I-2 thermostable vaccine of Embryo-infective dose (EID50) of 108 per ml and LaSota cold chain vaccine of Embryo infective dose (EID50) of 109 ml, one for each zone, where given to chickens by the eye drop method on a 3 month-interval-vaccination schedule for 9 months. Endo parasite control using Levamisole[registered] was given twice in the wet and once in the dry season. Feed supplementation, using commercial chick mash, at estimated quantity of 30 gm per chick per day was provided for chicks for 3 months in two villages. Serum-samples, collected one month after each vaccination from 8 chickens per household were tested by the Haemagglutination inhibition test (HI). Faecal samples, also collected from 4 chickens per household were used to establish the helminth parasite infestation rates. The chick numbers and their weights were established weekly in each household for 3 months. Protection in chickens against Newcastle disease increased to mean HI log2 titres of 4.5 and 3.7 with mean protection levels of 83% and 80% for I-2 thermostable and LaSota vaccines respectively. Mean parasite infestation rates dropped by 27%. Mean chick survival rates improved by 29% and chick age weights increased significantly. Overall, there was an increase in poultry stock numbers, mean household flock sizes and egg production. The health interventions were cost effective by cost benefit analysis. (author)