The production of poultry in integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems: Part II : The integration of laying hens with fish and vegetables in integrated aquaculture-agriculture food production systems

The incorporation of laying hens in an integrated aquaculture-agriculture family-based food production unit, was investigated. The Hyline-silver laying hen hybrid was found to be extremely suitable with an exceptionally high egg production as well as a 100% survival rate over more than 200 d. Fish used included the sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus and the three-spot barb Barbus trimaculatus, both stocked at a relatively low density. Fish yields were satisfactory without any supplementary diet. Water quality conditions were generally good with no signs of oxygen depletion. Problems were encountered with fungal diseases amongst some of the vegetable crops during the wet season of the summer-autumn cycle. Recommendations are made to remedy the problems encountered and to improve fish yields.