Effects of modern technology on broiler chicken performance and economic indicators – a Hungarian case study

Abstract

The aim of the study is to present the effects of modern broiler production technology on performance and economic indicators. Production and economic data of two broiler farms (new and refurbished farm) of a Hungarian enterprise, both with different standards of technology, were presented on a case study basis and the differences between them were examined. There was no difference in, for example, day-old chickens, feed, litter, animal health, and expertise only in the technical background of the farms. Mortality was 23% lower, total sold live body weight (BW) per m2 was 10% higher, adjusted feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 2.6 kg BW was 6.5% higher and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was 11% more favourable on the new farm than on the refurbished farm (p < .05). Moreover, the new farm is characterised by much more balanced production indicators than its counterpart. While the refurbished farm provided an average net income of €5.1 per 100 kg live BW, it was €9.3 on the new farm (p < .05). The unit cost was 6% lower (p < .05) on the new farm compared to the other one. Although the new farm had almost twice the depreciation per unit live BW as the refurbished farm, animal health costs were 34% lower, labour costs were 27% lower and other costs were 38% lower (p < .05). Moreover, feeding cost and that for day-old chickens were also 5–6% more favourable on the new farm (p < .05). The results show the economic benefits of the modern technical background in broiler chicken production by means of a case study. HIGHLIGHTS The effects of modern broiler chicken production technology on performance and economic indicators were evaluated based on two existing Hungarian broiler chicken farms. A significant difference can be observed between the examined broiler chicken farms in most production and economic indicators. The use of modern technology is one of the fundamental factors and conditions of productivity and profitability.