Productivity and profitability of commercial broiler chickens under various farming conditions

Abstract

Broiler farming plays a vital role in fulfilling global protein requirements. Although broiler farming is considered profitable, profitability might be affected by factors such as genetics, feed quality, and management practices. In the current study, the productivity and profitability of commercial broiler farming were studied under various farming conditions, such as farm size, location of the farm, and mortality of the broilers. Data were collected through farmers' interviews and farm record books and processed and analyzed to determine the productivity and profitability of broiler farming. Productivity and profitability did not differ significantly across farm sizes and locations. The results of the study reported mortality as a factor affecting productivity and profitability in broiler farming. It was manifest that mortality adversely affected the productivity and profitability of broiler farming. A significant positive relationship was recorded between mortality and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, mortality was negatively correlated with the gross margin of broiler farming, meaning that the low gross margin was due to the high mortality at broiler farms. The farms were more profitable when the mortality was <5%, compared to >10%. It is recommended to reduce the mortality percentage of broiler chickens as minimum as possible, preferably <5%. Good quality chicks, better management, and the prevention of diseases might play an important role in keeping the mortality rate at a minimum level in broiler farming.