In an effort to strengthen animal health and wellness, especially that of farm animals, a three-member team from the Ministry of Agriculture was deployed in St. John for two days of this week – April 13 and 14, assisting farmers in the community.
The two-day animal health outreach was held in collaboration with the Praedial Larceny Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), with officers from the Eastern and Western Districts participating actively in the outreach.
A three-member team from the department, including Yolande Lord-Telesford, Wendell Louison, and Ian Morris supported farmers in the Maran, Clozier, Central Gouyave Estate, Douglaston areas. They were able to conduct animal examinations and treatment of diseased animals with the administration of drugs and supplements along with technical advice on remedies against easily diagnosable diseases and attributes related to general animal wellness.
The Praedial Larceny officers who keenly participated in the exercise were able to develop an understanding of the industry especially related to animal health, an issue that they may encounter while dealing with instances of crime. The outreach also served as an opportunity to strengthen their record-keeping skills and abilities.
“As a result of the operations, several animals were checked. What was observed over the two days will help the department, in terms of handling reports of animals that are damaged or abandoned,” explained Constable 191 Gibbs of the Western Department.
“My team is out in the field every day, doing our utmost to assist farmers; often we meet farmers that have the same issues that we have observed; so, what we would have learnt we would be able to assist them if the need arises, “said Camille Mc Donald Trainee Officer.
Daniel Orville-Nicholas, livestock farmer from St. John was able to benefit from the visit; the advice and treatments he said will be able to assist him to grow a healthier flock, especially now with intentions to scale up production.
“I got some really good advice. I will use some of the recommendations from the team and practice some of the techniques and information shared. I think this will be able to help me, especially now as I want to increase my flock.”
The Ministry will continue to work with stakeholders including the praedial larceny department to create an enabling environment for the development of the livestock sector.
Yolande Lorde –Telesford representative of the Vet & Livestock Department indicated the Ministry’s commitment to continue to support the farmers. She said, “We are particularly happy that we got the opportunity to reach the farmers, to understand what their needs and aspirations are. We appreciate the job that the praedial larceny department is doing to assist the farmers and we were happy to partner with them. “
Some important things to consider when constructing your poultry houses are:
- The building should be of a solid construction; meaning the wooden structure be
anchored in a concrete base which will prevent water seepage into the pen and lend
support to the framework.
- The roof must be completely water-proof and should project three (3) feet beyond all
walls. (Over the sides of the pen).
- The house must be wild- bird proof; the wire mesh should meet the galvanize at the top of the pen.
- The floor should be concrete to enable easy cleaning and dis-infecting. Easy removal of all litter material from the pen to prepare for the next batch of birds. NB: Concrete floor is optional.
- The house should have sufficient light and ventilation at all time. Therefore the house should be at least Eight (8) to Ten (10) feet high, with wire mesh surrounding the entire structure and at least One (1) row of blocks to hold the litter material.
- There must be sufficient space per bird for easier movements so that they can obtain sufficient feed and water. For example: Broilers should be one (1) sq. ft per bird and Layers two and quarter 2 ¼ sq. ft per bird.
