Constraints to the Development of Turkey Farming in Southern Benin

Abstract

The turkeys are reared throughout the national territory of Benin, but their breeding is less developed than other poultry species, such as chickens and ducks. The current study aimed to characterize turkey farming in Southern Benin to identify the constraints associated with the farming practice that limit its development. A survey was performed in 104 turkey farms in the Atlantic, Ouémé, and Zou departments. The frequencies of qualitative variables and average quantitative variables were calculated and compared across departments. The investigated variables included turkey housing, feeding practices, reproduction management, health management, difficulties encountered, marketing of animals, and farm products. It was found that the housing, feeding, health monitoring, and constraints varied from one department to another. The turkeys were raised in fence-run buildings in the Ouémé (76.7%), modern poultry houses in the Atlantic (75%), and traditional habitats (42.9%) with a free range in the Zou. The free range prevented farmers from separating the turkeys from other poultry species. The poultry species present with turkeys on studied farms were chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. The turkeys were fed more with commercial feed in the Atlantic (100%) and Ouémé (92.7%) regions and with cereals and agricultural by-products in Zou (82.1%). The prophylaxis consisted of deworming the birds, vaccinating them against Newcastle disease, controlling bacterial infections with antibiotics, and giving them vitamins in drinking water. The farmers vaccinated more turkeys in Zou than in Atlantic and Ouémé. The vaccination and administration of antibiotics do not prevent the introduction of disease into farms due to poor farm biosecurity, resulting in animal deaths. In conclusion, this study identified the obstacles that limit the development of turkey farming by region in Southern Benin. These barriers are primarily related to housing, feeding, mating, and marketing. Scientific research could potentially solve some of these issues, notably those concerning feeding and mating success. However, housing and marketing concerns would necessitate support from the authorities. Keywords: Constraint, Feeding, Prophylaxis, Turkey