Abstract
The socio-economic profile of small-scale broiler farmers was studied, the factors influencing profitability were analysed and constraints to broiler farming under rural conditions were identified in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected from November 2009 to February 2010 from a total of 77 broiler farmers by direct interviewing using a semi-structured questionnaire, of which 40 were located in the Mymensingh, 22 in the Sherpur and 15 in the Kishorgonj districts of Bangladesh. Data were edited and categorised into different farm sizes (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 & 600 flock sizes). Among the 77 farms, three had 100 birds, 12 had 200 birds, four had 300 birds, 17 had 400 birds, 30 had 500 birds and 11 had 600 birds each. Data for productive performance and cost and returns were used to determine benefit cost ratios (BCR) and correlated between the selected factors. The most important factor affecting profit in this study appeared to be feed conversion ratio which resulted from quality of feed and chicks and the management techniques of the farm. It was also found that the farm size, training, education, farming experience and extension contact were significant factors affecting profitability of small-scale broiler farms. Lack of quality chicks appeared as a major complaint of the farmers and this constraint ranked highest. Price instability of both chicks and live broilers was a problem for the farmers, and ranked second among the constraints. Low price of finishing broilers, high feed cost and interruption in feed supply ranked in third, fourth and fifth places respectively. Other constraints reported by the farmers included lack of technical knowledge, biosecurity, variation in feed quality, lack of access to credit, influence of middlemen, power failure and lack of technical support or extension for farming. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are made in order to promote small-scale broiler farming in Bangladesh.
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