Are Termites Good For Chickens?
WouterIn West Africa, termites are used as a feed for poultry. However, the use of termites as a poultry feed is in decline. It is important to document this practice, as it is crucial for improving availability of protein feed among smallholder farmers.
Although termites are not toxic, they are not the ideal feed for chickens. Some species are poisonous to chicks and can be a problem for older birds. Also, there is an increased risk of developing parasites from termites.
Several studies have examined the use of termites as a poultry feeding material. For example, Farina et al. (2007) described various trapping methods with bait pots. Similarly, Sogbesan and Ugwumba (2008) conducted a trial with M. suhyalinus and M. odontotermes as feed for catfish.
Traditionally, termites have been used as poultry feed in Ghana. According to a survey, 78 percent of poultry farmers in Burkina Faso use termites occasionally.
In Ghana, Macrotermes and Odontotermes are collected using elaborate trapping techniques. Another type of termite, Trinervitermes, is collected by removing a mound.
It is also interesting to note that a large percentage of the population of termites in a region is a good source of protein for chickens. The abundance of different termite genera varies from season to season. It is thus imperative to employ sustainable collection methods.
The benefits of insects like termites include high concentrations of calcium and iron. They also decompose organic matter, which releases minerals for plant growth. As such, they provide a unique set of benefits.
