Potential Environmental Effects of Some Poultry Waste Management Techniques in Owo, Southwestern Nigeria

Authors: *Oloruntade, A.J., Alao, F., Sajo, O.S. And Adeyeye, J.A.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18061324

ABSTRACT

The increasing growth of the poultry industry has resulted to rising levels of poultry waste, which requires adequate attention to ensure proper disposal and a safe environment. Therefore, the aim of the present research work was to assess the prevailing poultry waste management techniques and their environmental effects in Owo, Southwestern Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained using a structured questionnaire to extract information relating to poultry waste generation and management practices from respondents at some selected poultry farms. Results showed that poultry droppings and litter/bedding material constitute about 80% of the poultry waste, while others, such as feed bags/health care products, and dead birds, formed the remaining 20%. Further results also revealed that indiscriminate dumping of poultry waste was a common practice amongst farmers (80%), while some (about 60%) stated that waste, especially from slaughtering houses, was sometimes channeled to nearby farmers’ fish farms to be used as feed. However, all the respondents reported that they had never converted their waste to biogas, a modern way of poultry waste management. Consequently, it was concluded that the non-enforcement of rules and regulations regarding the establishment of poultry farms and poultry waste management led to indiscriminate siting of poultry farms and adoption of some unwholesome poultry waste management techniques that were inimical to the environment in the study area. Hence, the study recommended awareness campaigns to sensitize farmers on the inherent environmental and health effects of indiscriminate dumping of poultry wastes, adoption of modern waste management methods, amongst others.

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