Immunological control is recognised as the only major practical alternative to chemotherapy for the control of coccidiosis. Initial hopes that it would be possible to develop a genetically engineered vaccine against Eimeria species have not yet been realised, and there is therefore renewed interest in the development and application of vaccines based upon live parasites. Recognition that existing drugs are not as effective as in the past, that few new drugs are currently under investigation, and that the inclusion of drugs in the feed may be restricted in the future has focused attention on the need for new vaccines. Although considerable research has been undertaken on the basic mechanisms involved in the acquisition of immunity, very little attention has been given to the practical aspects of vaccination. In order for an anticoccidial drug to be successful, it is necessary to generate considerable information on efficacy and safety. With few exceptions, little information is available to support the use of coccidiosis vaccines. Hopefully, the introduction of new vaccines and improved application methods will encourage manufacturers to generate more information concerning their products. In future, coccidiosis should be controlled by adopting an integrated approach where drugs and vaccines are both used to prevent this disease. In addition to immunisation, a possible advantage to the application of certain vaccines is that their use could repopulate a poultry house with drug-sensitive organisms. Theoretical rotation programmes, in which the use of drugs is alternated with that of vaccines, are described.

In Switzerland eggs have not been produced in battery cages since January 1992. During the 10 year period from 1981 farmers replaced their battery cages with deep litter, aviary and grid-floor systems and modified cages. However, the cages used to replace the conventional battery cages and most of the grid– floor systems did not fulfil the requirements of the Swiss Welfare Act and they were not permitted to be advertised or sold thereafter. Sixteen years after the ban on battery cages, the Federal Veterinary Office has undertaken a survey to determine how laying hens are kept in Switzerland and how the alternative systems have fared. The survey was carried out on 96 randomly chosen farms with at least 500 hen places to find out more about the housing conditions, management processes, status and performance of hens. The results show that aviaries are very common in Switzerland (65% of the laying hens) and that the laying performance in these systems is significantly higher than that in grid– floor systems and similar to that in battery cages. Provision of a protected outdoor area is a valuable benefit. To be successful with aviary systems it is necessary for pullets to spend the rearing period under similar housing conditions.

Ostrich chick production is highly management intensive. An artificial production system should be able to provide adequate protection to ostrich chicks up to four weeks of age. Factors influencing the successful growth of chicks include the provision of proper housing, adequate ventilation, exemplary hygiene and correct dietary requirements. Inadequate nutrition is commonly the cause of microbial infections. It is important for the producer to do an accurate on-farm cost management appraisal, the greatest variable production cost being feed. There is need to generate more finance for further research on ostrich chicks, and the development of an integrated system between producers, ostrich producer associations and industry in order to maximise productivity and economies of scale.

This paper describes the rural poultry production system and the role of scavenging chickens in the rural household economy of Ethiopia. Past attempts that have been made to improve the production and productivity of local birds through upgrading (distribution of exotic birds) and cross breeding in Ethiopia are assessed. The merits and demerits of the different ecotypes of indigenous chicken and their crosses are discussed. The current significance and future role of indigenous birds in the face of extensive importation of exotic birds are appraised. Finally, future areas for research on indigenous chickens are identified in terms of the development of a sensible conservation programme and the utilisation of local chickens as genetic resources.

The Iranian poultry industry which, with nearly 1.2 million tonnes of output, is the largest in the Middle East, is ranked fourth in Asia and 17th in the world. It has moved a long way from the setting of the backyard to become a multibillion dollar business. Its output has increased threefold over the last decade alone, and its products have changed from being a one-time luxury food to something that is found on everyone's table. Although the systems for producing poultry in Iran have undergone drastic changes, had many ups and downs and experienced great difficulties, the industry has never been under greater pressure than it finds itself at present. This paper is intended to provide an overall picture of poultry production in Iran. The historical development, the current aspects of production that typically influence yields and the outlook for the future will all be reviewed. The way that the poultry industry has developed and is now functioning has its own unique characteristics in Iran and deserves special mention.