Ministry of Agriculture Summer Interns Gain Hands-On Experience in Poultry Production by Shenequa Williams
Day 11 – The Ministry of Agriculture Summer Internship Programme continued to provide participants with practical agricultural experiences as interns visited two poultry facilities, gaining valuable insight into bird production and management.
The day’s activities began at Pelle Farm, owned by former Agricultural Science teacher Kelvin Pelle, where interns were welcomed by a member of the farm staff who guided them through the facility. They were introduced to a variety of birds, including the impressive rhea, ducks, and black chickens. The visit gave participants the opportunity to observe these birds up close while learning about their characteristics and the importance of proper care and management.
The interns then travelled to the All Saints Secondary School Farm, where they were guided by a member of the school’s agricultural team. During the tour, they received an engaging lesson on poultry production and the importance of preserving different poultry breeds while observing quails, pheasants, partridges, layer chickens, and broilers.
The tour guide explained that layer chickens are raised for egg production, while broilers are reared for meat. She also highlighted the importance of preserving pure breeds through careful breeding practices to maintain desirable genetic traits.
Interns learned how poultry farmers determine whether a hen is actively laying eggs by examining the spacing between the pelvic bones. They also discovered that chickens are photoperiodic birds, meaning the amount of daylight they receive directly affects egg production, with hens generally laying more eggs during the longer days of the year.
Another valuable lesson focused on proper egg handling. The interns were advised that eggs should not be washed with water, as this removes the natural protective coating on the shell, making it easier for bacteria to enter. Instead, eggs should be gently wiped clean when necessary to preserve their quality.
Throughout the visit, many interns had the opportunity to safely hold several of the birds while learning about their unique characteristics and temperaments. The hands-on experience provided participants with a greater appreciation for poultry production and the level of care, management and biosecurity required to operate a successful poultry enterprise.
As the Summer Internship Programme continues, participants will gain further exposure to the diverse sectors of agriculture while developing practical skills and a deeper understanding of the industry’s role in Antigua and Barbuda.
