In the community of San Gregorio, on the outskirts of the Las Tunas municipality, a former training center, with no use-value, has become a specialized facility in quail farming. The productive initiative is part of the actions to promote poultry development in this eastern territory.
Belonging to the agricultural base business unit of the Poultry Company, the enclave is undertaken a remodeling process to take advantage of all its facilities for the benefit of livestock development, given the urgency to increasing local alternatives to produce the greatest amount of food, because of the difficult economic context.
To find out more details, Melanio Cutiño Vargas, Brigade chief, told 26 that more than 1,140 quails are already located and are in the process of adaptation. "A still discreet figure, but as we finish the intervention, more animals will be incorporated," he explained.
“With the readiness of the drinking troughs and the spaces set up for food, the birds will gradually settle into the new home and thereby increase their egg production. When they stabilize, they should reach 70 or 80 percent of lying, which will be from 1,000 to 1,200 eggs per day, which is their regular production, "he added.
Deciding on this species was not a difficult matter. “The advantage - Melanio explains - is remarkable. They produce quite a few eggs with less food consumption, their reproduction is more constant than that of chickens, and they take up less space. With the current economic situation, marked by the deficit of feed, this breeding is very advantageous,” he reiterated.
As confirmed by the source, among the main projections of the facility, which has a similar one in the municipality of Manatí, is also increasing the production of other birds, such as turkeys, broilers, and laying hens. Its main destinations will be import substitution and electronic commerce, which will generate incomes in foreign currency that will allow the purchase of supplies, medicines, and other accessories that can only be obtained through that currency.
“Now, we have two maintenance workers, Ángel and Rióger, who carry out various tasks with quality and without pauses, so that this stage is soon completed and we comply with the designed plans regarding the incorporation of the animals. The entire infrastructure will be used, most of the sites for poultry production and others, to a lesser extent, will be used for training of our staff.
“The resource needed to remodel the unit is guaranteed. If the works continue progressing at a good pace, by the beginning of the next year the rest of the species will be here,” confirmed the chief.
Inside the warehouses, Noemí Salgado Labrada contributes to these efforts. Her role is essential for the achievement of what was planned and, therefore, she adds more interest to the task. “I had never had the experience; but before starting the job we received training for correct animal handling and, currently, I perform it with skill.
“We must be strict with their feeding schedules, they cannot lack water, and maintaining hygiene is essential. I enjoy working with a very hard-working group and I like what I do, especially for the benefits it will bring in terms of the economy and the production of food for the people,” Noemí said.
