1

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
SPC - Societe le Provendere du Cameroon
Belgocam -Belgium Cameroon
C.I.G -Common Initiative Group
o
C -Degree Celsius
Kg -Kilogram

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 ABSTRACT
The information on this report is on the production and management techniques of an agro
pastoral in which this in internship was carried out in the case of Taka farm. The enterprise was
created in 1987 by Mr Pius. Taka farm is involved in the production of maize, rearing of layer
birds, cattle and sheep. The information in this report was collected through participation,
observation, lectures, internet research, reading of books and past report of the enterprise. The
data is interpreted and analysed in tables, diagrams and explanatory analysis. Chapter one deals
with the techniques of production of the enterprise i.e. description of the different factors of
production and mode of acquisition of inputs, description of infrastructures, materials and
equipment of the enterprise, elaboration of planning of activities and description of technical
itineraries. Chapter two talk about the post production activities of the enterprise i.e. conditioning
and conservation of products, marketing and commercialization of products. Chapter three talks
about the activities carried out by the intern during internship i.e. describing all the activities
carried out during the internship, identifying and analysing the risks undergone by the personnel
of the enterprise, bringing out the difficulties encountered by the enterprise and proposed
solutions. Finally the report ends with a general conclusion of the report.

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 INTRODUCTION
My production internship on production techniques was carried out at Taka Farms located in
Mile 6 Nkwen, Bamenda III, Mezam division, North West region of Cameroon with part at
Atuazire Bamenda II sub- division. The professional internship carried out in Taka farm from
22nd of July to the 20th of September 2019. The internship lasted for two months i.e. from July to
September.
Taka farm started as a common Initiative group and their funding has been through
contributions from family members. TAKA FARM C.I.G Registration no NW/GP/03/00/3348 is
its legal status. The farm became operational in the year 2006 the manager Mr. Sengoh Forka
Taka. He started with 150 broilers and that marked the continuous growth and it is thanks to this
growth that the farm has switched from broilers to layer birds with the aim of supplying quality
eggs to Bamenda town and other neighbouring areas. The farm is a profit making enterprise and
through their production process, they do everything necessary and possible to minimize cost and
maximize profit and they do so by implementing and applying strategies common foe every
successful business. Taka farm is not insured in due time. The farm has it’s land certificate and
its demarcations are done using pillars along its boundaries.

The objectives of Taka farms are:

 To produce good quality eggs in great quantity.

 To meet up the needs of the general public by selling its output to customers.
 To raise enough capital to keep the business going.
 To train students and trainees to become entrepreneurs on poultry farming.
 To fight against food shortage within our country precisely North and South West where
demand for eggs is high.

The maim activity of Taka farm is rearing of layer birds for egg production and other minor
activities like cattle, sheep rearing and off season maize cultivation done in small scale. The
cultivated maize is sold fresh to customers and either sells it roasted or boiled along the road
side.

The objectives of the internship were to acquire techniques on production and management of
and agro pastoral enterprise, secondly it was also for me as a trainee to participate in the
activities of the enterprise so as to acquire skills on the production of eggs. Moreover, it was an
opportunity to put theories into practice as I also participated in the formulation of feed.
This report is divided into three chapters. Chapter one deals with the techniques of
production of the enterprise i.e. description of the different factors of production and mode of
acquisition of inputs, description of infrastructures, materials and equipment of the enterprise,
elaboration of planning of activities and description of technical itineraries. Chapter two talk
about the post production activities of the enterprise i.e. conditioning and conservation of
products, marketing and commercialization of products. Chapter three talks about the activities
carried out by the intern during internship i.e. describing all the activities carried out during the
internship, identifying and analysing the risks undergone by the personnel of the enterprise,

5
bringing out the difficulties encountered by the enterprise and proposed solutions. Finally the
report ends with a general conclusion of the report.

The data was collection through discussions, teachings from my field supervisor, reading of
books, observations and research from the web.

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 CHAPTER ONE
TECHNIQUES OF PRODUCTION OF THE ENTERPRISE
This chapter talks on the various activities of the enterprise. it’s factors of production and
their mode of acquisition, describing the infrastructures of the enterprise, materials and
equipment. We will also be talking on how the activities of the enterprise are planned and the
technical itineraries of the enterprise.
1.1) FACTORS OF PRODUCTION
This includes all the resources (natural and human) which are been used up in the production
process such as land, labour, capital and entrepreneur.
1.1.1) Land
Land is any naturally occurring resource which is used up in the production of goods with little
or nothing done to change its form. The land was located and bought at Mile 6. Land has
characteristics such as geographical immobility but occupational mobility, it can be bought and
owned, little or nothing can be done to change it’s form, it is the only naturally occurring factor
of production. The enterprise operates on a total surface area of 3 hectares. The farm at Mile 6
occupies 2.5 hectare consisting of two poultry buildings, a brooding room, quarantine and vast
land for maize cultivation while that in Meta quarter occupies just half a hectare consisting of
the feed formulation unit, a family house and two Poultry buildings. The land is gently sloping
which facilitates the construction of the infrastructures without incurring additional cost. The
nearness of land closer to a stream provides water for the irrigation of off season crops cultivated
by the enterprise.
1.1.2) Labour.
Labour constitutes all human efforts whether manual, physical, mental, skilled or unskilled
directed towards the production of goods an services. Labour in Taka farm Mile 6 is supplied by
four Permanent workers who are been paid a given wage. The demand for labour in the
enterprise is low as it is only able to employ four permanent workers although at times additional
labour is hired and students on internship also give assistance. The supply for labour is high as
the workers are willing to offer more working hours (8hours) at a given wage rate and the work
runs from Monday to Saturday.. Also productivity of workers is high as they have the required
educational training for Schools like RCA Bambili. In the feed mill division of labour is
implemented to reduce time wastage, there is less fatigue on the part of workers. Labour is
perishable so only its services can be offered it cannot be bought and owned. Regular availability
of labour in the enterprise has led to rapid production and quality output
1.1.3) Capital.
These are assets used for the production of other goods and services. The capital of Taka farm
was acquired by borrowing from banks. There are two forms of capital which are fixed and
circulating capital. Fixed is capital used to acquire fixed assets like buildings, feeders, drinkers,
machines and vehicles while circulating capital is capital available foe the day to day running of
the enterprise such as feed ingredients, transportation cost, and cost of labour. Also working

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capital is also used to generate more funds and the success of the enterprise depends on the
maximum use of this capital assets.
1.1.4) Entrepreneur.
This is the factor of production that organises, controls and coordinates the other three factors of
production i.e. land, labour and capital to produce a given quantity of output. In Taka farm the
manager is the one who takes decisions on what to produce, how to produce and for whom to
produce. He also bears all the risks involved in the business. He coordinates the various day to
day activities of the enterprise. He also takes the decision of innovation that is bringing in new
products to the farm. He manages the personnel of the enterprise.
1.2.1) Description of infrastructures
The system of keeping layer birds in Taka farm is the deep litter system of poultry production.
Taka farm Mile 6 Nkwen has two poultry buildings with each building partitioned into 5 rooms
and each room accommodating 1000 birds. These buildings are constructed using the East -West
direction in other to prevent the direct entering of sun rays. Also the roof is extended one meter
away from the building to prevent sun rays. Each room measures 10m x 12m. The houses are
constructed with local blocks and the floors cemented. The walls are cemented 45cm from the
floor level. From this level the walls are completed with timber materials like planks and
bamboos up to a height or 190cm. The bamboos are spaced a part about 5cm for ventilation. The
roofs are made with corrugated materials like zinc and nails. An open is left at the top which is
like a cap for the outflow of hot air since bot air is lighter than cool air. There is also a brooding
room and a small building which serve as an office. There is also a small toilet at the back of the
poultry house. The poultry buildings are characterized by;
 A smooth concrete floor for easy washing.
 Blocks build at a height of 45cm later gauze or bamboos from the blocks to a height of
1.45cm.
 Roof has a cap for easily circulation of air in and out the poultry house.

1.2.2) Description of materials.

Materials are the inputs which are been used up in the production process such as feed,
water, litter, vaccines, electricity, gas, disinfectants. In this enterprise wood shavings is used as
litter and it is disinfected and spread on the floor at a depth of 5cm to absorb the water from the
fowl droppings. The litter also prevent the birds from coming directly in contact with the floor.
Electricity is used as a source od light in the farm at night especially during brooding. Gas
brooders and charcoal brooders are used as a main source of heat in the enterprise during
brooding. Disinfectant such as Belgokill is used to disinfect some Equipment like drinkers,
laying boxes and the litter. The flick is also vaccinated with various vaccines to prevent the birds
from diseases such as new castle, Gomboro, infectious bronchitis, cough and diarrhea. Water
used here is from the well and it’s not often chlorinated. This water is distributed to the birds
through the automated system. Feed is compounded by the enterprise in other reduce cost of

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producing and also to meet up with the requirements of the birds at their different stages of
growth. The stock is fed with four different types of feed which are starter, grower pre-layer and
layer feed.
1.2.3) Description of equipment.
Equipment are the tools which are being used up for more than one batch of fowls and which
loses it value gradually due to wear and tear. Examples of equipment used in Taka farm are
 Spades which are used to remove waste from the poultry house.
 Thermometer which is used to measure the temperature of the brooding room and
chicks.
 Charcoal brooders are used in heating the brooding room and provide the chicks with
warmth.
 Laying boxes are used by the birds for laying of eggs.
 Drinkers are used to supply the chicks water.
 Feeders are used to supply feed to the fowls, sheep and cattle.
 The debeaker is used to debeak pullets.
 A hand sprayer is used t o administer some vaccines to fowls by spraying.
 A water system is available which provides accessories like the tank, pipes and water
pump which are used in providing water to the fowls.
 Hoes and Cutlasses are used to clean the surrounding and plastic buckets are used in
distributing feed and measuring of manure in the farm. Moreover there is a hammer mill,
mixer and a scale in the feed formulation unit which are used in crushing, mixing and
weighing of feed respectively.

1.3) Elaboration of planning of activities.

Taka farm carries out mixed farming i.e. they cultivate maize, rear sheep and cattle and also
keeps layer birds for egg production. All of these activities have different calendar of activities.
 Rearing of layer birds (Lohman brown)
Egg production is the major activity of the enterprise. Day old chicks are usually ordered in
the month of January and November from SPC and not in the month of April and May
because during this period maize which is one of the most important ingredient of feed is
scarce. After three weeks the chicks are then transferred to the grower room where they grow
into pullets and to mature fowls. The enterprise doesn’t buy feed but formulate its feed
according to the needs of the fowls, cattle and sheep. This activity is carried out throughout
the year.
 Cattle rearing.
Cattle belong to the group or animal known as Bovidae. They are ruminants having horns
and hoofs with an even number of toes. Ruminants are farm animals with a four
chambered stomach and hence they can chew their cud or ruminate. The cattle breed here

9
 is the red and white Fulani. System of rearing is the semi intensive system of rearing in a
confine area. Theses cattle are reared purposefully for meat production and reproduction.
They are kept in their pen from 3pm to 9: 00 am. Bull calf(a younger bull) and a heifer
calf(a younger female)are usually bought in the month of February and are reared up to
the month of December where some are sold to butchers but if any heifer gets mature in
the course of the year, she will be serviced(mated) immediately. The cattle are allow to
graze within a confine area within the enterprise after which they are given water but
during the dry season, they. are given silage and grower feed after which they are given
water. This feed is only for body maintenance during the dry season.
 Sheep rearing
Sheep are ruminants with even number or toes. Lamb (female sheep) doesn’t have horns
meanwhile the ram (male) has horns. The sheep are reared purposefully foe meat
production and so for reproduction. The system of rearing here is the intensive system of
rearing. The sheep are allow to graze with a confined area within the farm after which
they are supplied with water but during the dry season, they are also giver silage and
grower feed as the cattle. The farm had no skills on cattle and sheep rearing.
 Maize cultivation.
Cultivation of maize here involves activities like clearing, tilling, planting, application of
manure, hilling up, weeding, harvesting, and marketing.
 Land preparation for maize.
Land preparation involves activities clearing, stumping, tilling and harrowing. The land is
cleared in the month of December with the use cutlasses. This is followed by ploughing
in the same month or December. The land is ploughed to the depth of about 30cm. This is
to ease the penetration of plant roots into the sub soil so that it can be able to absorb
nutrients found in the sub soil.
 Planting.
After the land is cleared, the seeds are been planted manually in the field. This activity is
carried out in the month of January. Planting distance is 80cm by 40cm. The variety of
maize planted here is the panar. Supplying (replanting of seeds that has not germinated)
is done about two weeks after planting date in other to give the desired plant population.
 Maintenance.
This involves all the activities that are carried out after planting to produce a desired
output. These activities include irrigation, manure application, fertilizer application, hilling
up and weeding. The type of irrigation carried out here is the pipeline irrigation system and is
carried out at least three times a week through out the life cycle of the crop. Manure
application and hilling up is done in February. The manure is to add nutrients to the soil for
the growth of the crops. The fertilizer often used here is NPK (20 10 10) and is applied at the
level of fruiting.
Hilling up is done to add anchorage by holding the plant firm against winds. After two
weeks from the hilling up the plants are weeded of the unwanted grasses that grow alongside
the maize.

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  Harvesting.
Harvesting is done in April and on a chronological order as planted. Harvesting is done by
the buyers themselves under the supervision of the workers to avoid complains so customers are
allowed to select for themselves. During this period, buyers come from all over Bamenda to buy
and sell to consumers by roasting along the road.
1.4) DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL ITINERARIES.
This involves all the steps involved in the rearing of layer birds i.e. from day old chicks till the
day they are evacuated from the farm.
1.4.1) Classification of layer birds.
Classification of layer birds (Lohman brown) is as follows
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Calliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Gallus
Specie: Gallus gallus
Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus
1.4.2) Basic rules of a poultry farm.
Below are some basic rules of farm enterprise taking into consideration the land governing
regulations and environmental norms.
 The farm should be located farm from other poultry farms.
 The poultry farm should be fenced in order to secure it from thieves and stray animals
which may carry alongside diseases.
 Trees should not be allowed around the poultry building as it may accommodate disease
carry birds.
 Visitors should not be allowed to visit the farm without disinfecting their feet and hands.
 Each phase of production should be treated as a separate batch i.e. according to the
principle of “ALL IN”,”ALL OUT”.
 All the birds in the farm should be of the same age only.
 Day old chicks should be gotten from a reliable source i.e. an approved agro company.
 The breed type should be known before going for.

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1.4.3) Characteristics of good birds.
 They should have dry, clean and smooth feathers.
 The umbilical cord after one day should be dry.
 First day body weight should be between 36-40g.
1.4.4) Preparation for the reception of day old chicks.
In order to receive day old chicks, there are some necessary preparations that need to be done
before the arrival of the chicks. They are as follows.
 The surrounding of the brooding room has to be clean and neat to scare away predators
like snakes and rats.
 The brooding room itself has to be properly cleaned by partitioning.
 To clean each part, we begin from the roof, walls and end with the floor.
 After cleaning the room is netted in order to prevent flies from entering the brooding
room.
 Also the holes on the walls are filled to prevent rats from entering since the brooding
room is made of local blocks because they can absorb heat and keep the room warm
which is going to reduce the cost of brooding hence reduce cost of production.
 After these protective measures, the room is disinfected against viruses, bacteria, poultry
diseases, foot and mouth diseases and general farm diseases with the use of a strong
disinfectant called Belgokill. The dosage is 1litre diluted in 500litres of water.
 After disinfecting electricity is then administered in the room.
 Feeders and drinkers are properly washed with soap and water and rinsed in other to
eliminate all the traces of soap after which it is sun.
 The litter is spread on the floor at a depth of 5xm and disinfected. This is to absorb
moisture (water) from the droppings.
 The charcoal pot is put in place to keep the chicks warm.
 Finally the brooding room is heated up to 36oC 24 or 48 hours prior to the chick’s arrival
depending on the season.
1.4.5) Reception and installation of day old chicks.
The breed of fowls reared in the enterprise is the Lohman brown. The enterprise chooses to
rea this breed because of the advantages it has over other breeds such as:
 Adaptability to temperate climate.
 Quality and high yield above all
 Disease resistance.
These day old chicks should have the following characteristics
 They should be dry and clean with clear and bright eyes.
 They should be homogenous according to: size, quiet, alertness and exploratory
behaviour.

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  They should have no deformities i.e. their toes, feet, and legs must be straight, without
lesion or swelling.
 Free from adhering dry yolk, shell and membranes.
These day old chicks are packaged in cartons and upon reception of these chicks, some cartons
are selected at random and counted from which the average number of chicks in each carton is
gotten. After that, the chicks are distributed in the brooding room which was already heated 24 or
48 hours ago and hydrolysed. After they are all hydrolysed, starter feed is then introduced into
their feeders. After about ¾ of the chicks have eaten, they are then given amine total to relief the
chicks from the stress that the feed might cause to their system since it is their first time of
eating. It is worth mentioning that the are some key factors considered in the brooding room such
as temperature, lighting, vaccination, stocking density, water and feed. The picture below shows
how day old chicks are being delivered in cartons.

Figure 1: Reception of day old chicks in cartons.

Figure 1

Figure 2: Installation of day old chicks

Figure 2

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.
1.4.6) Stocking density.
This is the number of chicks, pullets or fowls per square meter of an area. The stocking
density is not is not constant but reduces as they increase in size. This is because as the birds
grow they increase in size and so they need more space to be able to move freely and carry out
their daily activities like eating, drinking, playing. Stocking density of chickens from day one to
two weeks of age is 30chicks/m2 while from the 15th day to three weeks; the stocking density is
20birds/m2 the stocking density of mature fowls is 8fowls/m2. The stocking density can be
affected by factors like climate and type of building. The stocking density reduced in hot climate
and increase in cold climate. Also, in the case of an open building, the stocking density is
increase as compared to that of closed buildings.
1.4.7) Temperature
Temperature is the degree of coldness or hotness of a place at a particular period. This is one
of the most important factors taken into consideration in the brooding house. Before the
chicks arrival the brooding room has to be heated 24hours in summer and 48hours in winter
up to a temperature of 35 to 36oC and this temperature is maintained for a about two to
three days after their arrival. The heat needed in the brooding house is provided by the gas
brooder and the Charcoal brooder. The main reason for providing this heat is to keep the fay
old chicks warm for and for the development of their feathers. The behaviour of the chicks
in the brooding room is the best determinant of room temperature. Besides house
temperature other factors that may affect chick’s temperature are:
 Insufficient air distribution in the house
 Low humidity level (heat transfer capacity of the air)
 Missing to pre-warm the house at the right time
After a few hours, check whether the Chicks have settled down well. The chick’s behaviour is
the best indicator of their well-being:
 If the chicks are evenly spread out and moving freely, temperature and ventilation are all
right.
 If the chicks are crowding together or avoiding certain areas within the house,
Temperature is too low or there is a draught.
 If the chicks are lying about on the floor with outspread wings and gasping for Air,
temperature is too high. Below is a table showing temperature variation in the brooding
room.

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Table 1

Table 1: Temperature variation in the brooding room.

Age of birds Temperature ranges(0 C)
Day 1-2 35-36
Day 3-4 33-34
Day 5-7 31-32
Week 2 28-29
Week 3 26-27
Week 4 22-24
Week 5 18-20
Source: Past report from Taka farm.

1.4.8) Lighting program

Lighting is also a very important factor to consider in the brooding room. When the day old
chicks arrive on the Farm, they have already been intensively handled in the hatchery and often
have a long transport to their final destination. Common practice is to give them 24 hours of light
to help them recover in the first 2 or 3 days after arrival and to provide them enough time to eat
and drink. In practice, it can be observed that after arrival and housing, some chicks continue to
sleep whereas others start to look for feed and water. The activity of the flock will always be
irregular. After these three days the light intensity is reduced to twenty two hours from fourth
day to the ninth day; the lighting duration is reduced to twenty hours. From the tenth day to the
fifteenth; the light duration is reduced to sixteen hours/day. From the sixteenth day to 3 weeks,
the birds now depend on natural light during the day. Also light is provided at night to increase
feed intake so as to boost the production of eggs.
1.4.9) Transfer of chicks.
After the clutch (a group of young chicks) has spent three weeks in the brooding room
undergoing the development of their hair, they are transferred to the poultry house where they
stay until they are sold. Chicks are transferred very early in the morning of late in the evening to
avoid stress by heat from the sun. They are transferred using creaks and after which they are fed
and watered. The chicks are given amin total as anti stress and vitamin.
1.4 .10) Water supply.
Water is an essential factor in the production of egg and about 70% of egg is made of water. It is
important and plays the following functions;
 It is used in the digestion of food in the fowl's gilt.
 It is used for the maintenance od body temperature.
 Helps in the elimination of toxic waste from the fowl’s system.
 It is a major constituent of the fowl’s blood.
 It also helps in the transportation of nutrients in the fowl’s system.

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 The water given to the fowls should be from a natural source such as spring, rivers, ponds,
rain or well and not contain any bleaching agent like chlorine especially when vaccines or
drugs are to be administered because it can kill the vaccine or drug rendering it ineffective.
This water should be given at ease.
1.4.11) Feeding.
Feed refer to food given to farm animals (layer birds) to maintain body weight and produce
eggs. The feed given to layer birds is known as compound feed as it consists of different
components or ingredients. There are four different categories of feed given to layer births at
diff6 stages of growth i.e. starter, grower, pre layer and layer feed. All this feed has different
compositions based on the needs of the fowl. Generally, in compounding feed for layers, the
needs taken into consideration are energetic needs, protein needs, vitamins, minerals and
water. All this needs perform different functions in the fowl’s system. They are supplied by
different feed ingredients. The feed compounded consist of all the nutrients required for the
development of the fowl’s reproductive system for egg production. Also, the feed contains
proteins which provide essential amino acid like phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine, thrionine,
methionin, histidine, arginine, lysine and leucine. Below is a table which shows the various
nutrients, their sources and quantities used in formulating 100kg of feed.

Table 2

Table 2: Grower feed formulation for layer chicks (3-16weeks)

Ingredients Quantity Nutrients supplied
Maize 35kg Carbohydrates
Rice bran 44.5 Fibre, carbohydrates
Soya beans meal 5kg Protein
Groundnut seed cake 6kg Proteins, fat and oil
Fish meal 1kg Phosphorus,
sodium,chlorine,iodine
Bone meal 2.5kg Calcium, phosphorus
Sea shell 5kg Calcium
Concentrate 1kg Vitamins A, B1, B2,
B3, B6, B12, D, Folic
acid
Elitox 0.25kg
Salt 0.25kg Sodium chloride,
magnesium, sulphur,
iodine, iron, cobalt,
copper, fluorine
Palm oil 0.5litre Fats and oils
Source: Taka records.

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Table 3

Table 3: Pre-layer feed formulation for layer birds (17-18weeks)

Ingredients Quantity Nutrients supplied
Maize 40kg Carbohydrates
Rice bran 35kg Fibre and carbohydrates
Soya beans meal 3kg Protein
Groundnut seed cake 6kg Protein, fats and oils
Fish meal 1kg Phosphorus,
sodium,chlorine,iodine
Bone meal 4kg Calcium and phosphorus
Sea shell 9kg Calcium
Concentrate 1kg Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6,
B12, D, Folic acid
Elitox 0.25kg
Salt 0.25kg Sodium chloride, magnesium,
sulphur, iodine, iron, cobalt,
copper, fluorine
Source: Taka records.

From the table 3, the following conclusions can be drawn;

 The quantity of maize has increased because the fowls now need energy for laying.
 The quantity of rice bran has decreased because it contains fibre which is necessary for
the development of the digestive and reproductive system and not highly needed again
though it contains energy in small quantity.
 Also, the quantity of soya beans meal has also decreased because less protein is needed
mostly for the eggs and not development of the body again since the body has already
developed.
 Finally, the quantity of bone meal and sea shell has increased because since the fowls are
about to start laying, more calcium is needed for shell formation..

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Table 4

Table 4: Feed formulation for layers (20weeks and above).

Ingredients Quantity Nutrients supplied
Maize 40kg Carbohydrates
Rice bran 21.5kg Fibre, carbohydrates
Soya beans meal 10kg Protein
Groundnut seed cake 11kg Protein, fats and oils
Fish meal 2kg Phosphorus,
sodium,chlorine,iodine
Bone meal 4kg Calcium and phosphorus
Sea shell 9kg Calcium
Concentrate 1kg Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6,
B12, D, Folic acid
Elitox 0.25kg
Salt 0.25kg Sodium chloride, magnesium,
sulphur, iodine, iron, cobalt,
copper, flourine
Palm oil 1litre Fats and oils
Source: Taka records.
From table 4, the following changes have been noticed:
 A reduction in quantity of rice bran
 An increase in soya beans and bone meal.
1.4.12) Health.
This includes all the hygiene, drugs or vaccines given to the chicks, pullet or mature fowls in
preventing bacteria and viral diseases that may affect the birds at any age. Belie are some viral
and bacterial that may affect layer productivity.

 New Castle disease.

This is a rapid spreading nervous and respiratory disease of all ages caused by a virus. It has
the following symptoms.
 Breathing difficulties
 Coughing
 Discharge from the nose
 Whitish and greenish diarrhea
 Twisting of the neck as a result of brain infection.

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 This disease has no treatment but can be prevented with the use of vaccines like CIVAC,
BIL, PESTOS, SOTASEC, IMOPEST or SUPER LAYER. These vaccines are
administered in drinking water. The water here should not be chlorinated because the
chlorine may cancel out the effectiveness of the vaccines rendering it inactive. The
dosage is one vaccine for 1000 chicks.

 Coccidiosis.
It is a disease caused by an intestinal parasite. This illness provokes total watery diarrhoea,
blood dripping and ruffled feathers. There are no vaccines for this but preventive measures
can be taken such as:
 Provision of dry litter
 Avoiding entry of stray birds into the farm.
This disease can be prevented by vaccinating healthy flicks with vaccines such as
Diaziprim/diclacox, Amprolium, Emericide, Amprocox and Fluroxone. These vaccines are
administered in drinking water.

 Gomboro or infectious bursal disease.

This is a disease caused by a virus that mostly affects chicks. The disease affects mostly the
antibodies of the fowl thus rendering the fowl vulnerable to other disease. It has the
following manifestations:
 Less water intake
 Loss of appetite
 Red spots observed in the muscle, skin, legs wings or breast
 Birds show lack of energy.
There are treatments for this disease bit it can be prevented by vaccinating healthy flocks
with vaccines such as BUR 706, GOMBOPEST and GOMBORAL CT. Some of these
vaccines are injected (gombopest) whole some are given through drinking water (gomboral
ct)

 Pullorium disease or white diarrhea.

This is a disease caused by a microbe called bacterial salmonella. This disease attacks
mostly young chicks. It can be treated with vaccines such as flumesol or fluroxone. They
are given through drinking water.
 Infectious bronchitis.
This disease affects mostly chicks and has the following manifestations;
 Breathing difficulties and sneezing
 Slow growth
 Appetite loss

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There is not treatment but can be prevented by vaccinating healthy flocks with
vaccines like colisiltrix, bioral h 120, trisulmix, binewaxidrop. This is done through
drinking water. After each vaccination a flusher is administered in other to flush out
the remains of the vaccine from the fowls system. In Taka farm Amin total is used as
a flusher.

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 CHAPTER TWO
POST PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES OF THE ENTERPRISE
This chapter is based on the activities carried out after the products are produced so that it
reaches the consumer in good state. The main product of Taka farm is egg with by-products like
dropping (manure) and old layers and they are all marketed in different forms.
2.1) Conditioning and Conservation of products.
This refers to all the activities that are done to products in other to change its form for better
storage or to another form that will create more satisfaction to the customer or consumer. The
main product of Taka farm is eggs and it is sold fresh without any change if form. Apart from
selling it fresh, they can also be transformed into powder eggs or liquid eggs.
2.1.1) Storage.
In Taka farm, products are usually stored for a long period of time because of the high demand
of these products. With eggs being the main product in Taka farm, it is stored only for a few days
or about a week when the demand for eggs falls. Manure is not stored especially during farming
season because of its high demand during this period by farmers. Also, old layers are usually not
stored as they are sold to buyers immediately after their reproductive period.
2.1.2) Grading.
Eggs in Taka farm are graded into four qualities which are the big eggs (61+ grams), medium size
eggs (40-59g), and the small size (less that 40g) and finally the broken ones are considered to be
the least grade of eggs. Each of this grades has it’s own price depending on the grade. The prices
are as follows:
Large eggs=2000FCFA
Medium size eggs= 1800FCFA
Small size eggs=1700FCFA
Cracked eggs= 1200FCFA
2.1.3) Packaging.
After the eggs are graded into their different grades, they are usually packaged in trays with each
tray having the capacity to accommodate 30 eggs. These eggs are packaged with the small
pointed end downward. This is because of the following reasons. Looking at an egg, one end is
pointed and the other wider and rounder than the other. Inside the egg, the yolk is sitting closer to
the pointed end. The white that makes up most of the egg content sits closer to the wider end.
There is a tiny locket of air that is always present in the blunt end of an egg between the inner
and outer shell membranes and this pocket becomes larger as the egg ages because the white,
which is mostly water, begins to thin and evaporate and gradually enlarges as the egg loses

21
moisture during storage. To protect the yolk, which is the most perishable part of the egg from
prematurely going bad, the egg is place with small pointed (or yolk) end down in the carton or
trays. This is to keep the yolk always covered by the white, even as it begins to evaporate.
Keeping the air pocket at the top helps to keep the yolk centred within the egg and prevents the
air pocket from rupturing and hence reduces risk of egg spoilage. Placing an egg with the air
pocket down would be forcing the egg to form a new space in the pointy end for the air to
collect.
Also, there is bacteria that enters through the tiny pores found on the egg shell and in other to
prevent it from attacking the egg yolk, the egg is placed with the small pointed head downward
so that the yolk is completely covered by the egg white thus preventing the virus from affecting
it and also increase its lifespan. The eggs are also packed that way because the tray has been
designed to accommodate eggs that way.

Figure 3: How to package eggs.

Figure 3

Figure 4: Eggs packaged in trays.

Figure 4

As seen from the figure above, eggs in Taka farm are usually packaged with the use of egg trays
and cartoons. When packaging eggs, the smaller pointed end of the egg is placed facing
downward to increase its lifespan because the egg yolk which is the main part of the egg is
completely covered by the egg white. It is also packaged that way to reduce risk of getting
damaged while on transit. Each tray of egg has the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 30
eggs. After packing it in egg trays, it is then packaged in cartoons. Depending on the size of the
cartoons, some cartoons accommodate 12 trays.

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 Manure which is one the by-products in the enterprise is packaged in bags of 50kgs each
before it is been sold to costumers. Before packaging, they make sure that the manure is dry in
other to increase its lifespan because when fresh manure is stored in bags, the bags get destroyed.
2.2) Marketing or Commercialization
Marketing is a process by which a product or service originates and is then priced, promoted and
distributed to consumers. In other words, marketing is the management process responsible for
identifying, anticipating and satisfying consumer's needs profitably.
Agriculturally, marketing are the activities involved in the flow of goods and services from
producers (farmers) to final consumers. It also includes the selling of farm inputs to farmers or
purchasing of farm inputs like seeds, fertilizers and disposal of agricultural produce to the final
consumers or user.
2.2.1) Describing the different forms under which products of the enterprise are marketed.
This refers to the different forms or states under which products are marketed i.e. fresh,
skimmed, frozen, roasted etc. In Taka farm, products are marketed in different forms as analysed
below;
 Marketing eggs.
Eggs being the main product of Taka farm is marketed fresh i.e. its form hasn’t been changed.
These eggs are packaged in trays of 30eggs each or in cartoons of various sizes. The prices of the
eggs vary according to their grades and cost of production incurred to produce the eggs.
 Marketing of old layers on hoof(alive)
Marketing of d layers alive is fastest and normal form as far as selling of old layer birds is
concern in Taka farm. These old layers are supplied to their customers after attaining their
reproductive age of 80 weeks.
By Slaughtering
This is to kill the old layers and supply just the carcass content. With this form, the carcass is
supplied to the customers. In Taka farm, this form of commercialization is not carried out
because it is labour intensive and time consuming since the are thousands of birds at once.
 Marketing of manure.
Manure which is one of the by- products of Taka farm is also marketed. The manure is either
marketed 8n powdered form of solid (compacted) form. At times some of the manure is used to
cultivate maize in the enterprise.
2.2.2) Describe the different circuits (outlets)
In Taka farm, there ate many market outlets where they do sell their products. A greater
quantity of products like the off season maize is sold at the farm gate. There is a store in the farm
where products are stored waiting for customers to purchase. The eggs are carried to the Mile 2

23
and Mankon where they are sold. At times some of the products are marketed in far distant
markets like in Mamfe and Mbengwi. This is do e mainly when the demand for its products is
placed by a buyer from any of this areas.
2.2.3) Different Market Strategies.
This is the plan through which value is created in a sustain manner. In doing this, there are two
ways involved:
 Selecting the target market and determining the position of the product in the target
customer mind
 Specifying the plan for the marketing activities to realize the positioning so desired.
Now, Taka farm strategy is by selecting a market which is to supply eggs, old layers and manure
and also determining their positioning of these products in the target customer’s mind. This
means that eggs which is the main product of the enterprise is to supply customers throughout
the year and are of high quality. Manure is also supplied to the customers through out the year
but most especially in the months of January and February so that they are going to use during
the farming season.
Taka farm does marketing with the following objectives;
 Quality assurance: Aims at reassuring the customers about the quality of the products so
as to guarantee a longer lifespan of these products. Taka farm assures their customers
with high quality eggs as they provide customers after sale services such as advise on
how to store eggs so that it can last for longer periods of time. They also ensure the
quality of the old layers by following their vaccination program properly. The quality of
manure is assured by making sure it is dry.
 Increase in sales: in order for Taka farm to stay in business, it increases sales by selling
many products such as eggs, manure, old layers, fresh maize and rear cattle and sheep.
 Increase market share: Taka farm increases its market shares in order to remain
competitive in the market. They do this by providing high quality products at a least cost
possible.
 Promotes corporate image or products. They use this strategy to put across positive
impression about the enterprise and it products in the mi ds of it customers and the
public. Before using any market strategy, the enterprise first of all analysis the market
using the 5Cs. The 5Cs are customer needs, company skills, competition, collaboration
and context.
 Customer needs: Taka farm always ask “what need to produce to satisfy?” He answers
the question by identifying the customer’s need and also tries to satisfy them and on time.
They identify the customer’s needs by observing, listening and questioning the consumer.
This helps them in determining the customer’s needs. In questioning the customer,
simple, well understood and straight to the point questions are used for the benefits of
both the consumer and the enterprise. The enterprise also identifies the customer’s needs
depending on the season for instance the enterprise supplies more manure in the month of

24
 January to February because by this time, the enterprise knows that the consumers will
need them to use during the farming season.
 Company skills: Taka farm possesses some skills which they use to satisfy the needs of
it customers. An example of these skills is that in this enterprise, they do supply their
products to their customers at all times that is needed by the customers.
 Competition: Taka farm knows its competitors and thus always try as much as possible
to limit their competitors by creating a chain market that means the y ensure a continuous
supply of their products on time and are of high quality. Also, another method use to face
competition in the market is by selling their products at an affordable price depending on
its cost of production.
 Collaboration: These are those who are short listed to see the enterprise succeed in it
activities. Taka farm had once received subsidy from MINEPIA as the received an award
in 2006 as the best poultry farmer in the North West Region of Cameroon. The enterprise
also receives advice from other business mates on how to improve on the management of
the farm.
 Context: Taka farm also looks at some legal, cultural and technological factors that may
prevent it from realizing its target like respecting the custom and tradition on Mankon.
They also adapt new technologies as they use automated watering system.
After analysing the 5Cs the following are engaged by the enterprise;
 Target market: Those to buy the products.
 Desired positioning: The place to which the enterprise wants to occupy in the minds of
its customers.
 Marketing mix: They set of activities that make up the centre’s marketing program.
 Customer acquisition: Having to bring in as many customers as possible who will buy the
product.
 Customer retention: Taking steps to ensure that the customer has already been acquired
stay local to the product, strategies which guarantee profitability.
Talking on the marketing mix which is the set of activities that make up a firm’s marketing
program. The marketing mix is explaining the 4Ps which are product, place, promotion and
pricing. These basic marketing decisions are;
 Product (which include decisions on quality, colour, size, packaging and guarantee).
Taka farm lays emphasis on its quality, size and guarantee when supplying its products
like eggs, manure and old layers. By obtaining a good quality in their eggs for example,
they usually feed the fowls two times a day and with rich compounded feed to get the
quality products that their customers desire.
 Place (channels of distribution and transport).
 Marketing channels or channel of distribution: This is to make the products
available to the consumer and in time. The channel of distribution goes from the
producer to the retailer and finally the consumer but in Taka farm, they don’t
respect the channel of distribution. The enterprise has its own channel of
distribution as presented by the diagram below.
25
 Producer

Wholesaler Retailers

Consumers

Figure 5: Channel of distribution in Taka farm.

Figure 5

As seen on the figure above, the goods can be channelled from the producer to the wholesaler,
from producer to retailer of from producer to the consumer directly. It may also follow the
normal channel of distribution which is from the producer to wholesaler to retailer and finally
consumer. At times the middle men in the channel of distribution are usually eliminated.
 Transport: Concerning the transportation of inputs and outputs in the farm, it is
done with the use of the farm ‘service van but in cases where the van is not
available, the transport vehicle is used.
 Promotion (communication strategy, publicity, sales promotion and direct
marketing).
 Promotion involves the set of ways through which the firm can communicate with
the consumers to create awareness in the product so that they can effectively be
purchased.

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  Publicity and advertisement has so many that it can be done, we have broadcast,
print media, internet. Taka farm creates awareness to it customers through
telephone calls.
 Sales promotion: This is a short term marketing incentive aimed at boosting
customer’s purchase of the product. Taka farm does its promotion depending on
the level of buying like at certain times; a wholesaler who is buying in large
quantity may have a price discount. Apart from that, the enterprise at times offers
free transportation of the products to the buyer’s destination.
 Direct marketing: Taka farm also carries out direct marketing by supplying their
products directly to consumers who buy the products and this is the most
effective.
 Pricing (price level, discount, range and credit terms).
This is the cost of producing and competition in selling. Taka farm uses the full cost
pricing in setting its price level. Actually, this approach is suitable because the enterprise
has high variable cost compared to its fixed cost. Here, prices are set on total cost plus a
profit margin. Taka farm doesn’t sell on credit.
2.2.4) Mechanism of determining the selling price.
Taka farm is operating on a free market and in a free market situation, prices (equilibrium price)
are attained through the free operation of demand and supply which is described as the price
mechanism. In a free market, the mechanism functions as follows;
 In rations scares economic resources to their most rewarding use.
 It encourages efficiency.
 It determines what goods to produce
Another pricing policy used by Taka farm is the tactical pricing policy which means a set of
range of prices is set for different products and is followed. They also use discount pricing policy
by offering free transportation in the case of bulk buying.
Conclusively in this chapter, we have seen how the products in Taka farm are being treated, how
they are stored, graded, packaged. This chapter also describes the different market circuits and
strategies and how the prices of these products are determined. This chapter also focuses in
describing the different forms under which these products are marketed which are as follows;
Eggs are marketed fresh
Manure is marketed dry and
Old layers are marketed on hoof.

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 CHAPTER THREE
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE INTERNSHIP
3.1) Describing in detailed and coherent manner all the activities carried out by the trainee
during the internship (production, organisational activities and management of personnel
and materials activities, etc.)
3.1.1) Management of production activities.
This includes all the activities that lead to the creation of a good to satisfy human wants. In Taka
farm, production activities carried out during my internship were, feed formulation, Silage
making, installation of a biogas digester, cleaning of the poultry house and feeding of the birds.
3.1.3) Organisational activities.
This is refers to the way, where and when each and every activity is carried out in the farm. In
Taka farm, activities are organized yearly, monthly, weekly and daily.
 Yearly organisation of activities. In Taka farm, activities are carried out throughout the
year. The activities of the enterprise are organized in such a way that they are carried out
in different sectors of the enterprise. This mostly deals with the innovations such as when
to add a poultry house in the farm, when to, when to construct an automated water
system. I took part in the relationship of the poultry buildings.
 Monthly organisation of activities. Monthly activities in the farm are organized to
match with the various seasons. In the animal sector precisely the poultry sector,
brooding is done in the month od December because by then maize is cheaper.
Concerning the cattle sector, the calves and heifers are usually bought in the month of
February and are fattened till the month of December where they are sold. In the crop
sector, different activities are organized to be carried out in different months of the year
like land preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting and commercialization are
carried out in different months.
 Weekly organization of activities. Weekly activities in Taka farm are done by the
assignment of the manager to the workers and supervise the work to ensure its
completion on time. Some weekly activities that I took part in were cleaning of the
surrounding, removing manure from the cow and sheep pen.
 Daily organization of activities. Daily activities carried out in Taka farm are all
assigned by the manager. The daily activities vary from day to day but generally, there
are some activities that are repeating. The first activity carried out in the farm is feeding
of the fowls. This is done at 7am and it is done manually. The feed is measured in plastic
buckets and distributed to the various feeders. Before then water is always made
available to drinkers since it’s and automated water system. After feeding, we proceed to
the feed mill. In this feed mill, different tasks are assigned to different workers. The
activities in the feed mill include weighing of ingredients using the scale balance,
crushing of ingredients by the hammer mill, and mixing by the mixer after which it is
being poured into bags of 50kg. At 8:30 am in Taka farm Mile 6, picking of eggs begins,

29
 sorting, grading and packaging. Egg picking is done manually by the use of plastic
buckets. Sorting is done immediately and the cracks are removed and packed separately.
The good eggs are then graded before being packaged. Egg picking is done twice and on
daily bases.
3.1.3) Management of personnel.
In Taka farm, personnel are well managed as each worker is assigned to carry out a given task
and the manager ensures that the task is completed and well done. The manager also makes sure
that the workers are at work on time. Also a first aid box is available in case of any injury. This
is to ensure proper management of personnel.
3.1.4) Management of Materials.
Materials are inputs which are completely used up in the production process such as feed,
water, litter, vaccines, electricity, gas, disinfectants etc. In the farm, wood shaving is used as
litter and disinfected using a disinfectant (belgokill) and spread on the floor of the poultry house
at a distance of at least 5cm from the cemented floor so as to absorb the moisture from the
dropping. When the litter is wet, it is removed and replaced immediately. Electricity acts as a
source of light in the farm especially during brooding. Gas brooders and charcoal brooders are
used as a source of heat during brooding. These heat sources are cleaned at regular intervals. The
flick is so being vaccinated with different vaccine through injection drinking water to prevent
attack from attacks from disease like Gumboro, bronchitis, new Castle etc. The water used in the
farm is from the well and is not often chlorinated. The well is well constructed to prevent entry
of waste. The water is distributed through an automated system. The feed is formulated by the
farm itself to meet up with the needs of the bird s at different stages of growth. The fowls are fed
with four different types of feed according to their age and weight.
3.2) Identify and analyse the risks undergone by the personnel of the enterprise
(environmental norms, labour code, social Security etc.) and propose measures to
alleviation
 Environmental norms. These are those things that make the atmosphere unfit for the
personnel to interact at ease. It is some kind of pollution as it can be release of some toxic
substances by man or other animals to the extent of causing biological damage to the
personnel. Risk is the possibility that something unpleasant may occur such as injury or
losses. Over grazing is the measure problem that leads to erosion by runoff.
 Ammonia gas. This is the pungent gas that comes from the fowl droppings and has a
negative effect on the personnel. The gas has a pungent small and causes health
challenges when inhaled by the workers in the poultry house. It causes eye irritation,
lungs and other respiratory of man and even other animals. To solve this problem, face or
nose masks should be provided to the workers to use when working in the poultry so as to
limit the inhalation of the ammonia gas. Efforts should be made to evacuate the animals
waste from the farm to a far environment.
 Dust particles. This is actually generated from the feed mill when crushing the feed
ingredients. This has an effect on the workers as it causes damage to the lungs and

30
 discomfort. It also initiates respiratory diseases like cough and catarrh. To mitigate this,
helmets and face masks should be made available for workers to combat the dust
particles.
 Noise pollution. Noise pollution us also a major environmental problem in this
enterprise. The noise comes from the machines which are used in the feed mill. This
noise can cause health problems such as deafness to the workers of the enterprise. To
solve this, the machine parts should be greased every time the machines are to be
operated.
 Contract employment. This is an agreement made by the employee and the employer
which the employee accepts to render his/her service under the authority and
management of the employer for wages. In Taka farm the type of employment is that of
an unspecified duration implying that termination is not fix in future so if a party wishes
to terminate the contract, a prior notice should be given to the other party. This contract
of employment carries every detail about the job such as number of working hours,
working conditions, wages, etc.
 Labour code and working hours.
Labour code is an object code that takes into account both the interest of the employer
and the employee, ideal for conducive business climate. Labour code also explains the
number of hours that workers are to spend at work. In all agricultural and non agricultural
institutions, working hours may not exceed 48 hours per week. In all agricultural and
allied undertakings, the hours of work doesn’t exceed a total of 2400hours per year
giving a maximum limit 48 hours per week. This applies to all workers of the enterprise
irrespective of their age and sex. In this enterprise, work usually starts at 7:30am and
ends at 2:30 pm that is about 7hours per day but usually exceed during brooding.
 Rest and Leave periods. The workers rest only on Sundays but during brooding, the
workers work in shifts i.e. morning and evening shifts. During this period, it is mostly the
male workers who work at night. Workers in this farm are entitled to a leave after a
certain number or working hours. During this leave period, the workers are entitled to
their normal salary.
 Transportation. Here if a worker is sent out on a mission by the enterprise, the worker’s
journey is financed by the enterprise. Also, workers who usually leave town to work at
Mile 6 are often transported back home by the farm vehicle.
 Wages.
These are the rewards that workers receive for the work they do or for the services they
rendered at a particular period of time. In Taka farm there’s no bias in worker
remuneration. Workers are remunerated accordingly irrespective if their age, sex and
origin but workers who do over time are usually paid extra money for that. The workers
in Taka farm are usually remunerated financially. At times, they are encouraged in
financial terms by the manager.
 Social Security
The workers in Taka farm are registered with the national social insurance fund. When
workers are registered with the national social insurance fund, the enterprise pays a fixed
amount of money for the benefit of each worker when he or she goes on retirement. Also,

31
 if a duly registered worker of the enterprise has an industrial accident, he or she will be
duly covered by the national social insurance fund.
3.3) Difficulties faced by the enterprise and proposed solutions.
Despite the progression of Taka farm, it has some difficulties which are outlined below.
 Inadequate finances
 Poor state of machines in the feed mill
 Difficulties in purchasing feed materials
 No laboratory to diagnose the exact cause of the dead of flocks
 Absence of a foot bath at the entrance of the farm
 Farmer grazer conflicts
 Frequent power failure.
Proposed solutions
With the difficulties encountered by Taka farm, the intern proposes solutions like;
 A disinfectant should be made available at the farm entrance.
 The state of machines should be improved by greasing the machines before use.
 An alternative source of power supply should be made available like a generator.
 A solid gate should be constructed round the farm to prevent the exit of flocks and illegal
entry of invaders.

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 General Conclusion.
This internship was carried out at Taka farm Mile 6 Nkwen from the 22 of July to the 20 of
September 2019. The aim of the internship was for the trainee to acquire techniques on the
production and management of an agro pastoral enterprise. My personal objective was to put
theories into practical. The internship was a success as I was able to acquire techniques on
production and management of agro pastoral enterprises. Though the success there were
difficulties like insecurity, transportation cost. This internship is in partial fulfilment of the
Higher National Diploma which shall be awarded at the end of the training of agro pastoral
entrepreneurs.

33
 REFERENCES
 Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (3rd edition)
 Lohman management guide

34
APPENDIX

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