In organic poultry farming, maintaining bird health without relying on synthetic antibiotics is a top priority. Thankfully, nature provides powerful alternatives that promote disease resistance, boost growth, and support overall well-being in birds.
This blog post shares three insightful factsheets that were derived from research papers that explore how natural herbs and plants can be used to improve poultry health sustainably. These fact sheets share the preparation procedure and application rates of different organic solutions for farmers who want to reduce costs, maintain productivity, and ensure proper agroecological practices.
🌿 1. Biological Control of Disease in Poultry Birds Using Petiveria alliacea (Guinea Hen Weed)
Diseases in poultry birds affect the health of the birds, which impacts economic and farm productivity. Petiveria alliacea are evergreen plant that contain pesticidal properties causing it to act as a natural disease control agent. Read and download this factsheet (link below) to learn more about the application rates of Petiveria alliacea on day-old broilers.
📄 Download the fact-sheet, click https://kcoa-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Biological-Control-of-Disease-in-poultry-birds-by-using-Petiveria-alliacea-Guniea-hen-weed.pdf
🍃 2. Use of Blood Bitter and Moringa Leaves as Antibiotics for Birds
Poultry birds are easily affected by diseases, which affects the birds by causing respiratory infections, digestive disorders, parasitic infestations, and viral diseases which leads to decreased growth rates, reduced egg production, poor feed conversion, and increased mortality rates. Justicia carnea leaves, bitter leaves (Vernonia amygdaina) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) can be used to naturally strengthen birds’ immunity and act as effective antibiotics. To learn valuable insights into dosage, preparation, and results from real farm trials.
📄 Download the fact-sheet, click https://kcoa-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Use-of-Blood-bitter-and-moringa-leaves-as-antibiotics-for-birds.pdf
🌶️ 3. Biological Treatment of Cough and Growth Promotion in Poultry Using Bitter Kola and Cayenne Pepper
Poultry coughing is a symptom of a bacteria infection known as Chicken Respiratory Disease (CRD). They are caused by environmental factors such as poor ventilation within poultry houses which create an ideal environment for certain pathogens to thrive, while overcrowding and poor sanitation practices can lead to increased contact between birds and increased chances for infection. Infections can occur at any age but are most common in young birds or those that have not been vaccinated against the specific pathogen. Learn how the procedure and application rate for using Bitter Kola and Cayenne Pepper to treat respiratory issues and promote growth in poultry.
📄 Download the fact-sheet, click https://kcoa-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Biological-treatment-of-cough-and-growth-promotion-in-poultry-using-Bitter-Kola-and-Cayenne-Pepper.pdf
Why This Matters
Each of these studies reinforces the power of local herbs and natural resources in organic farming. By adopting these practices, farmers can:
- Reduce dependency on synthetic antibiotics
- Improve flock health naturally
- Promote safer, more sustainable food systems
Whether you’re a smallholder or a commercial organic farmer, these fact sheets have been carefully curated to share tested and proven organic techniques. They are essential reads for anyone seeking to enhance poultry productivity through eco-friendly methods and are guaranteed to deliver excellent results when properly applied.
👉 Download all three papers above and start applying natural science to your poultry farm today!
Author: Hepzibah Ebe
Experienced and results-driven Communications expert with over nine (9) years of expertise in developing and executing effective communication strategies, including more than two (2) years of specialization in agroecology.
