Abstract
The aim of this study was the detailed characterization of the existing zootechnical and financial management applied in broiler poultry farms in the Region of Epirus, Greece. The current situation was captured through the formation of a typology on the structural characterization of broiler farming system. The variables were recorded based on data from a stratified random sample according to Neyman’s methodology of 110 poultry farms. In the typology, hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to identify differences between farms and to support most of this differentiation. Chebyshev distance was used to maximize the effect of the cluster elements distance, as well as Ward’s clustering method, which aims to achieve greater homogeneity within the clusters. Bonferroni multiple comparison tests were used to evaluate the differences. Four clusters of different farm types were identified from the hierarchical cluster analysis. In conclusion, the production system of broiler farms in Epirus is intensive, especially in large farms that have made significant investments in fixed capital and implement successful management. However, the poultry sector in Epirus has further margin for improvement in both its productivity and profitability.
Highlights
Over the past decades, the broiler industry in Greece has made tremendous progress to meet the growing demand for inexpensive and safe supply of high-quality meat
This region includes a total of 4 Regional Units (R.U.); the R.U. of Ioannina and Arta, which have a large number of broiler farms, the R.U. of Preveza that participated in the sampling with a small number of respective farms and the R.U. of Thesprotia, where there were no industrial-sized broiler farms
The result of classification by applying the cluster analysis in the final sample of 110 broiler farms in the Region Epirus was the creation of the dendrogram (Figure 1)
Summary
The broiler industry in Greece has made tremendous progress to meet the growing demand for inexpensive and safe supply of high-quality meat. This development was combined with structural changes in the sector, characterized by the modernization of farming facilities, the intensification of the farming system and the concentration of poultry farms. One such area with a high concentration of poultry activity and mainly broiler farming in Greece is the Region of Epirus (45% of the total national broiler production).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
