Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Robert S. Dotson

Committee Members

Cecil E. Carter Jr., Robert W. Bastien

Abstract

The purposes of the study were: (1) to characterize Tennessee broiler producers and their farming operations; (2) to identify practices they were using; (3) to study factors influencing practice adoption and (4) to characterize Tennessee broiler contracts in terms of type and content. Extension agents interviewed 123 randomly selected broiler growers in the Fall of 1982, in a state-wide survey. Analysis of variance and Chi-square statistics were used to determine relations between six dependent variables and 30 independent variables. Dependent variables included: mean house capacity; mean years having grown broilers; main source of income; future plans; mean total Extension contacts; and mean percent of total practices used. Independent variables included: 15 recommended management practices and 15 characteristics, including six used as dependent variables plus nine others. Regarding characteristics of broiler growers and their operations, it was found that: (1) mean broiler house capacity was 31,500 birds; (2) growers had produced broilers a mean of nearly 11 years; (3) one-half of the growers gave poultry as a major source of income; (4) almost all growers planned to continue at the same or increased size of operation; (5) most had one or more Extension contacts in 1981; (6) nearly all used conventional type of housing and most used a combination of ventilation types; and (7) most used shavings and/or sawdust for litter, and put used litter on land. Highly significant and significant relations included the following: 1. For mean house capacity: poultry as a major source of income; type of ventilation; use of fogger for cooling; type of feeder; water medicator; and three recommended management practices (i.e. check thermostat, add feed to trays, and use milk solution with viral vaccine). 2. For mean years having grown broilers: main source of income; total house capacity; type of feeders; type of waterers; type of litter; and four recommended management practices (i.e. clean waterers daily and between growouts, check house three times daily, mow grass around houses). 3. For main source of income: total house capacity; years grown broilers; total Extension contacts; used foggers for cooling; type of waterers and had water medicators; dead bird disposal; types of litter; use of litter; and use of six recommended management practices (i.e. clean waterers between growouts; check thermostat for accuracy; clean waterers daily; add feed to trays three times daily; check each house three times daily; and use milk solution with viral vaccine. 4. For future plans: type of housing; type of waterers; and keep mortality records. 5. For total Extension contacts: main income source; house capacity; type feeders; growouts on same litter; use of litter; and one recommended practice (i.e. check each house three times daily). 6. For mean percent of total practices used: total house capacity; type housing; use of foggers for cooling; and feeder type. Regarding broiler contracts, it was seen that contractors tended to make most decisions, giving growers improved economic security in return. The economic reward built into the broiler contracts and resulting constant supervision seemed to be the major factor influencing producers to use recommended practices, since growers' payments were based on feed conversion adjusted for mortality and condemnation. Implications and recommendations also were included.

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