Profitability of semi-intensive and intensive egg production in South-West and South-South zones of Nigeria.

Abstract

The paper examines the profitability of two improved poultry systems (semi-intensive and intensive egg production system)i in the South-West and South-South zones of Nigeria using descriptive statistics, farm budget analysis approach and the benefit-cost analysis. The data for the study were ob­tained through a multi-stage sapling approach from 70 poultry farmers selected from four states (Edo and Delta in South-South; Lagos and Oyo in the South -West) in the study area. Empirical evidence from the analysis shows that the poultry farmers are predominantly male and mostly single. A greater proportion (80%) of them fell between the ages of 31-50 years and had a least secondary school education. Majority of the farmers (86%) used black nera breed because of its high productiv­ity, resistance to diseases and environmental stress and good quality carcass when disposed as spent layer The study further reveals that differences exist in profitability between the two groups of poultry farmers as the net income of farmers using the battery cage system was about 1.8 times the net income of farmers using deep litter system. However; the benefit-cost ratio indicates that both group of farmers are making profit since the benefit-cast ratio of their poultry business exceed one.