Outdoor egg production using local forages in the warm wet tropical climate

Abstract

This review discusses the findings of existing research surrounding the nutritional impact of leaf meals as incorporated in chicken diets, the importance of forages in sustainable poultry production and the capacity of hens to digest high fibre diets. The potentials of conventional and/or outdoor production systems for developing countries, the effects of outdoor production systems on the welfare of laying hens, and methods used in measuring forage intakes and the feed items obtained by hens from the outdoor area are also discussed. This review highlights those factors ranging from utilization to behaviors of free - range hens and the recommendations for better range utilization by egg- laying birds (hens), particularly in the warm wet climate.