Adoption of sanitary measures by layer farmers in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state

The investigation was planned to study the adoption of sanitary measures by 15 layer farms in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State. The farms were selected for assessment of biosecurity measures adopted by layer farmers on the basis of spot observations of score system for identifying the status of different sanitary measures practiced on farms. The selected layer farms were categorized on the basis of score obtained out of 100. The minimum score is 75 per cent for excellent grade, 50–75 per cent for optimum and less than 50 per cent for poor grade farms. Under the cleanliness of premises the excellent farms followed sprinkling of water around the poultry shed and hygienic disposal of poultry waste which was not followed by poor and optimum grade farms and also lacked fumigation of shed. Any scientific system of disposal of dead birds was not observed on any poultry farm and majority of farms lack foot bath system. The excellent sanitation farms followed sanitary measures for drinking water while the optimum and poor farms showed poor results. Excellent and optimum farms scored maximum for the disinfection of feeders and eggs collection trays during rest period. Litter management was good in excellent sanitation farm. The layer farms can be advised through intensive poultry extension activities to be more specific scientific and disciplined in maintaining sanitary conditions.