Agriculture Summer Interns Explore Poultry Production During Farm Visits
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Summer Internship Programme gave participants a closer look at poultry production this week as interns visited two local farms to gain hands-on experience in bird management and modern farming practices.
The educational tour formed part of Day 11 of the programme and took interns to Pelle Farm and the All Saints Secondary School Farm, where they learned about poultry breeds, production methods and the day-to-day management of a successful poultry enterprise.
The group’s first stop was Pelle Farm, owned by former Agricultural Science teacher Kelvin Pelle. There, a member of the farm’s staff introduced the interns to a variety of birds, including rheas, ducks and black chickens, while explaining the care and management required to raise the different species.
The interns later travelled to the All Saints Secondary School Farm, where members of the school’s agricultural team conducted an interactive session on poultry production and the importance of preserving pure poultry breeds.
Participants observed quails, pheasants, partridges, layer chickens and broilers while learning about the differences between birds raised for egg production and those bred for meat.
The session also covered breeding practices aimed at maintaining desirable genetic traits, as well as techniques used by poultry farmers to determine whether hens are actively laying eggs by examining the spacing between their pelvic bones.
Interns were also taught that chickens are photoperiodic birds, meaning the amount of daylight they receive has a direct impact on egg production, with laying rates generally increasing during periods of longer daylight.
Food safety and proper egg handling were also highlighted. The agricultural team explained that eggs should not be washed with water because doing so removes the shell’s natural protective coating, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate. Instead, eggs should be gently wiped clean when necessary.
A highlight of the day’s activities was the opportunity for many of the interns to safely handle several of the birds while learning about their behaviour and temperaments.
The Ministry of Agriculture said the Summer Internship Programme is designed to expose participants to the many facets of agriculture, providing practical experiences that help build technical knowledge and encourage greater interest in the sector.
The programme continues with additional field visits and training sessions aimed at giving interns a broader understanding of agriculture’s role in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and food security.
I really love to see young people so involved in different aspects of agriculture