Evaluation of the relative efficiency of broiler housing facilities using Data Envelopment Analysis

Abstract

This research aimed to observe the efficiency of productive units of broiler chickens using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with the CCR model. This technique aims to define an efficiency frontier from the process’s inputs and outputs, which can be used to evaluate the relative efficiency of the studied units and to define consistent goals to the units bellow the expected performance, comparing units of the same technology profile and scale. The study identified benchmark units as performance reference in order the improve the organization’s results level, increasing productivity and reducing costs. Twenty-five production units were examined in aviaries with automated technology, located in the Center-West region of Brazil, of which 23 presented global inefficiency, with potential to increase the volume of meat produced with the same amount of inputs. The units that contained only male birds presented the highest global efficiencies, followed by the mixed units and, at last, the units that contained only female birds. The units with the lowest efficiency rates were the ones with the highest mortality rates (3.3 and 4.05%). Several other factors can contribute to these results, such as, possible human errors ant the equipment’s adjustments and the employment of correct husbandry techniques. Investigating the low performance causes is necessary for the company to design a strategy of performance improvement.