Chick Cost Research Articles

Production Elasticity of Layer Farming During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Blitar District

The livestock sub-sector, an integral part of the agricultural sector, is the animal protein producing sub-sector which plays an important role in meeting people's nutritional needs. The development of the laying hen farming business has enormous potential, this is because purebred chicken eggs contribute quite a lot to animal protein self-sufficiency. The research aims to analyze the input factors of the production that affect the production of layer farming businesses and to assess the production elasticity of these businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Blitar District. Data collection took place between July and August 2020 in the Blitar Distrcit. Utilizing a sample random sampling method. The study involved 64 farmers as representative. The research variables used in this study were the population of laying hens, the price of chicken eggs, feed costs, vaccines and medicines expenses, seed prices, mortality, electricity costs, the price of culled chickens, Hen Day Production (HDP) and the number of workers. Quantitative analysis was employed to analyze production costs, revenues, and income, while qualitative analysis was used to analyze production elasticity through Cobb-Douglas regression analysis. The research data were processed using SPSS version 24. The results of the study indicate that 1) the population of laying hens and HDP significantly affected the production of layer farming businesses, along with the cost of vaccines and medications in the Blitar District. 2) The population of layers, mortality rates, electricity costs, HDP, and total labor demonstrated elasticity with respect to the production of layer farms. Conversely, egg prices, feed costs, vaccination and medication expenses, day-old chick (DOC) costs, and final chicken prices exhibited inelasticity concerning the production of layer farms in Blitar district.

Utilisasi Probiotik Cair Asal Fermentasi Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) terhadap Performa Ayam Broiler

This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of liquid probiotics from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) fermentation on broiler chickens' performance. A total of 250 male broilers strain Cobb CP 707 were given 5 treatments of probiotics in drinking water with 5 replications using a completely randomized design. The treatments in this study were P0=commercial broiler feed+drinking water without probiotics, P1=commercial broiler chicken feed+ drinking water with 1 mL L-1 commercial probiotic, P2=commercial broiler chicken feed+water with 1 mL L-1 probiotics from BSFL fermentation, P3=commercial boiler chicken feed+water with 3 mL L-1 probiotics from BSFL fermentation, and P4=commercial broiler chicken feed+water with 5 mL L-1 probiotics from BSFL fermentation. The results showed that BSFL fermentation probiotics were not significantly different on broiler chicken performance. Income over feed and chick cost (IOFCC) in addition to 5 mL L-1 in drinking water was more efficient in saving feed cost and the highest performance index during the broiler rearing. In conclusion, the utilization of BSFL fermentation probiotics in drinking water gave the same effect on broiler chicken performance as the other treatments yet the IOFCC and broiler chicken performance index were more advantageous.
 Key words: black soldier fly larvae, broiler, performance, probiotics

An Analysis of the Challenges Faced by Small Scale Backyard Chicken Farmers of Dhemaji District of Assam

Aims: The present study was conducted to know the challenges faced by the small scale backyard chicken farmers of Dhemaji district of Assam.
 Study Design: The data obtained on various challenges faced by the farmers under the study were tabulated and analyzed statistically by using Garrett’s Ranking Technique.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji, Assam Agricultural University, Simen Chapori, Dhemaji, Assam during the year, 2020-21.
 Methodology: For the purpose, a questionnaire was prepared for surveying and data were collected about various challenges in backyard chicken rearing faced by the farmers of the district. The farmers were asked to identify the challenges he or she and the fellow farmers of their villages faced with respect to rearing of local chickens in their locality and to rank the challenges from 1 to 20 according to the seriousness of the challenges faced by them.
 Results: Lack of suitable germplasm was found to be the major challenge of poultry farmers with mean score of 74.89 and ranked first among the constraints in backyard chicken rearing. Higher incidence of diseases (68.95), unavailability of feed and feed ingredients (66.55) and mortality of young chicks (63.00) were ranked second, third and fourth major challenges, respectively. On the other hand, non availability of vaccine, higher cost of feeds and feed ingredients, lack of extension training or service, high cost of farm equipments were ranked fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, as challenges in backyard chicken rearing. Lack of organized marketing facilities, lack of knowledge on scientific poultry farming, high cost of chicks, presence of middle man, higher mortality during brooding period, inability to diagnose sick birds, inadequate veterinary facilities, seasonal price fluctuations, high cost of medicaments, lack of credit facilities, social problems like damaging of the standing crops by the birds and complaint by neighbours, loss of birds due to predators or thieves were some other constraints of lower importance as indicated by the respondents for the backyard chicken farmers surveyed during the study.
 Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the small scale backyard poultry farmers of Dhemaji district of Assam have a lot many challenges in chicken rearing in village conditions, the major being the lack of suitable germplasm and higher incidence of diseases. To address such problems there should be proper initiatives from government level as well as in farmers’ collaborative approach to introduce some newly developed improved chicken breeds and awareness about proper disease prevention and bio-security measures and creation of other facilities.

Is relaxing broiler breeder growth restriction cost-effective?

Broiler breeders are subjected to feed restriction programs to control excessive growth. However, current levels of feed restriction and concomitant growth restriction are becoming severe, raising welfare and suboptimal reproductive performance concerns in underfed breeders. To circumvent the issue, our previous studies investigated the effects of new strategic growth curves, with various degrees of relaxed growth restrictions, on broiler breeders and their progeny's performance. The broiler breeder study was conducted with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories using a precision feeding (PF) system. The growth trajectories were designed with 2 levels of the amount of prepubertal BW gain and 5 levels of pubertal growth timing. The prepubertal BW gain (g1) was estimated from the breeder-recommended standard BW gain (Standard g1) target, or 10% higher (High g1). The pubertal growth timing (I2) was advanced such that it happened at I2-0%=22.29 wk, I2-5%=21.16 wk, I2-10%=20.05 wk, I2-15%=18.94 wk, I2-20%=17.82 wk of age. Two broiler experiments with different maternal ages (35 and 42 wk) were conducted as the extension of the breeder experiment to evaluate the intergenerational effects of a reduced degree of maternal prepubertal phase growth restriction and earlier maternal pubertal phase growth on offspring growth and development. The current paper investigated the economic aspects of implementing the growth curves using the partial budget analysis. Increasing prepubertal BW gain by 10% and advancing the pubertal growth phase by 20% (scenario 10) could increase margin over feed and chick cost for the hatching egg producers by CDN$1.97/hen. For broiler chicken supply chain as a whole, the highest differential margin over feed and chick cost was for maternal growth scenario 10 from 42-wk-old hens. The latter margin over feed and chick cost was greater than that of breeder-recommended maternal growth (from 35-wk-old hens) by $0.1053/kg live chicken under the current economic situation.

Effects Of Locally-Made Probiotics on Drinking Water on the Performance of Chickens

This study investigated the effects of locally-made probiotics on the performance of Kabir and Starbro broilers. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatments, and their body weight, weight development, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, dressing percentage, livability rates, and income over feed and chick cost were measured. The results showed a significant interaction between the breed of chicken and the type of probiotics after 21 days of feeding in terms of body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion efficiency. However, no significant interaction was observed at 35 days of feeding. The use of locally produced probiotics in drinking water improved the dressing percentage of both breeds of chicken, overall body weight gain, and overall feed consumption compared to the control group. Livability rates were not significantly affected by the inclusion of different locally-made probiotics in drinking water. Net income per chicken was marginally higher for the chickens fed with locally produced probiotics. Further studies are recommended to assess the benefits of locally-produced probiotics in laying chicken and other types of livestock and poultry. These findings provide insights into the potential application of locally-made probiotics as an alternative to commercial products for improving chicken performance.

Effect of different probiotics on the growth performance of broiler chicken

The study was conducted from December 15, 2019 to January 26, 2020 at College of Agriculture and Forestry, Apayao State College, Cubet-Malama, Conner, Apayao, Philippines aimed to evaluate the effect of different probiotics on the growth performance of broiler chicken, specifically on the initial and weekly body weight, gain in weight, percentage rate of growth, feed consumption, dressing percentage and feed conversion ratio and efficiency, using T1- pure Water, T2 – commercial probiotics, T3 – effective microorganism, and T4 – fermented fruit juice as water additive. The experiment was laid out using the Completely Randomized Design. The probiotics and the fermented fruit juice did not show any significant effect on the growth performance of broiler chicken on body weight, gain in weight, percentage rate of growth, feed consumption, water consumption and feed conversion ratio and efficiency. The percentage livability of Treatments 1, 3, and 4 was still impressive since the standard of 5% mortality rate was not reached, which implies that the used of commercial probiotics and fermented fruit Juice or organic acids affects immunity. On the income over feed, additive and chick cost, the use of fermented fruit juice had the potential to improve the growth performance of broiler chicken in the sense that it was comparable with the effective microorganism and commercial probiotics as exhibited in the body weights, feed and water consumption, gain in weight, percentage rate of growth and feed conversion ratio and efficiency. Therefore, the use of probiotics and fermented fruit juice from banana are safe in raising broiler chicken for table meat, and it is recommended to use in the chicken production as it increases the income over feed, additive and chick cost. Further study is recommended using other ingredients of fermented fruit juice to validate the concept of probiotics as a viable modality in poultry production.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL-SCALE BROILER PRODUCTION TO FARMERS’ FOOD SECURITY IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The challenges of food insecurity and hunger in Nigeria have continued to receive attention from experts and the government. To increase both protein intake and food security, the government called for urgent need to increase broiler production at both household and commercial holdings. Primary data obtained in year 2020, from 205 randomly selected broiler farmers was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model. This study assessed small-scale broiler production’s contribution to farmers’ food security in Kaduna state, Nigeria. The result showed that mean age was 40 years and majority of the farmers (89.4%) had household size ranged from 1 – 10 persons. In addition, about 73.8% were members of a cooperative society, about 40.5% of the farmers did not have access to extension service while about 78 % of the farmers have access to credit. About 75.10 percent of broiler farming households were found to be food secure. Of the food insecure households, 6.70 % were marginally food insecure, 4.20 % moderately food insecure and 14.00 % severely food insecure. The regression results showed that coefficients of level of education (0.872), access to credit (0.113), membership of association (0.068), cost of day-old chicks (0.363), cost of feed (0812), cost of labour (-2.211), cost of drugs (-0.263) and income from broiler (0.161) were found to be significant contributing to the food security status of the broiler farming households. Finally, broiler farmers attested to the fact that; lack of constant market (95.8%), high cost of feed (92.7%), high cost of input (88%), and price fluctuations (86.9%) are most severe constrains militating the chances of increasing broiler production. Built on the findings of the study it can be concluded that the proportion of food secure broiler farmers are more than the food insecure broiler farmers in the study area. Education, cost of feed and income from broiler production are variables that significantly influences broiler farmers’ food security status. Therefore, farmers should adopt self-feed formulation using locally available resources that will reduce the cost of feeding and increase their profit margin and thereby their food security status.

MEASURING EFFICIENCY OF BROILER BREEDING PROJECTS USING STOCHASTIC COST LIMIT IN IRAQ (BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE)

The study aimed to estimate the cost efficiency and to know the most important social and economic factors affecting the production of broiler chickens in the Baghdad governorate. Using the random parametric analysis (SFA) based on the greatest possibility (ML) method. To determine the factors affecting the cost inefficiency function. The study relied on primary data from its field sources according to a questionnaire prepared for this purpose in Baghdad Governorate for one production year (2022). Data were collected randomly from (64) projects out of a total of (546) projects, with a rate of (11.72%). The results indicated that all the explanatory variables confirmed a prior prediction of the economic theory, as all the coefficients estimated for the cost of fodder, chicks, medicines, vaccines, and chicken meat production gave positive parameters indicating agreement with the assumption that the cost function increases directly with the input prices. The average cost of broiler breeding projects in the sample area was estimated at 1.04, which is about 4% more than the minimum cost set by the limits. Breeders can achieve an additional profit of up to 12.2% if the optimum efficiency is reached, so breeders must develop their agricultural skills in managing the use of inputs to achieve the lowest possible cost efficiency.

Economic and Environmental Impact of Poultry Production in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study investigated the economic and environmental impact of poultry production in Ilorin, Kwara State. Primary data were used and a sample of 120 poultry farmers through a multistage sampling technique was drawn from the study. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, OLS regression model and Likert-type scale. The results show that the enterprise incurred an average total variable cost of N135,450.0 and total revenue within the period was estimated to be N192,323.80 which was mainly generated from the sales of poultry birds. The gross margin was found to be N56,873.8 with N0.4199 can be obtained with a unit increase in the poultry production capacity. Thus, the broiler production is a profitable venture in the study area. The empirical finding based on the regression result indicate that, cost of labour, cost of chicks and marital status had positive coefficient and statistically significant in influencing the total revenue level. It means that any increase in their value will increase the revenue level. The result of vaccine/medication administered against diseases revealed that most of the poultry farmers uses Lasota vaccine (88%) against Newcastle disease, a combination of amprolium and coccimapro (27%) each for Coccidiosis, pox off (88%) for fowl pox disease, Gumboro vaccine (65%) for IBD gumboro and their sources of getting the medication/vaccines are majorly from Aromokeye agro vet and One step pharmacy. The analysis shows that among the various ways of waste management, the farmers uses the waste more for fertilizer (28%) followed by selling them (23%) while only (21%) of the farmers burn the waste (especially the dead birds) so as to prevent further spread of diseases on the farm. The empirical findings based on the environmental impact of poultry production reveals that waste generation is the major negative environmental impact of poultry production in the study area. Offensive odour also associated with poor waste management is ranked 2nd, diseases transmission, air pollution and water pollution are among the environmental impact of poultry production in the study area. Poor management system is perceived to be the major constraint, lack of security and government support ranked 2nd is seen as a problem.

An analysis of the broiler value chain and economics of broiler production in Senegal: status quo after two decades of import restrictions

PurposeThis study analyzed the state of broiler production in Senegal after nearly two decades of poultry import restrictions. It provides a synopsis of the Senegalese broiler value chain and evaluates the performance and economics of different broiler farm types.Design/methodology/approachA multi-stakeholder workshop and interviews were conducted with key informants to investigate the structure and activities of the Senegalese broiler value chain. The typical farm approach (TFA) was used to construct and analyze “typical” farms that represent the most common broiler production systems in Senegal.FindingsThe current situation in the Senegalese broiler value chain is favorable for hatcheries, feed mills, producers and poultry traders. However, the slaughterhouses are not faring well. The farm economic analysis demonstrates that typical medium-scale broiler farms are performing well, due to the use of high-quality feed, chicks and good husbandry. Additionally, the analysis revealed that feed and day-old chick (DOC) costs are the most significant in conventional broiler production in Senegal. Despite the high costs of feed and DOCs, broiler production is profitable for typical farms.Research limitations/implicationsAthough this study provides detailed insights into broiler farm economics in Senegal, it does not include typical integrated large-scale broiler farm-types. Based on our findings, we can predict that such farm types may be more efficient and have lower production costs due to the use of high-quality inputs (chicks and feed), and economies of scale. However, future studies will need to verify this prediction.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, only a few unpublished studies on broiler farm economics in Senegal exist. These studies only provide a basic analysis of the cost of production and profitability, with little consideration of various production systems. Contrastingly, this study provides a detailed economic analysis of different types of conventional broiler farms in key production regions.

KOMBINASI MINYAK IKAN LEMURU DAN MINYAK KELAPA SAWIT DALAM RANSUM TERHADAP PERFORMA DAN ORGAN DALAM AYAM BROILER

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of lemuru fish oil as palm oil substitution in ration on broiler performance. This research used 200 Ross broilers day old chick (DOC) is divided into 4 treatments and 5 replications. This research used a completely randomized design (CRD), where the treatments level of palm oil and lemuru fish oil were respectively P0 = rations containing 3% palm oil and 0% lemuru fish oil, P1 = rations containing 2% palm oil and 1% lemuru fish oil, P2 = rations containing 1% palm oil and 2% lemuru fish oil, P3 = rations containing 0% palm oil and 3% lemuru fish oil. The variables observed were feed intake, final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, and income over feed and chick cost (IOFCC). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significant result (P<0,05) were followed by Duncan test. The results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) in decreasing FCR in the starter period with a higher level of use of lemuru fish oil, increasing body weight gain and decreasing FCR in the finisher period with a lower level of use of lemuru fish oil, but the treatments did not significantly effect on performance broiler during the age of 35 days. Weight and percentage of internal organs and digestive tract under normal conditions, except liver weight.
 The conclusion of this study was the use of 3% lemuru fish oil can improve FCR in the starter phase, but the different level of palm oil and lemuru fish oil until 3 % in broiler rations does not affect on broiler performance during the age of 35 days.

Empirical Analysis of Productivity among Broiler Farmers

Broiler production supplements income of smallholder farm households. Profitability and productivity and analysis are important considerations in measuring efficiency or performance of a farm business; hence, improved output and income are not only a function of increase in the scale of production, but also how efficiently the resources are being utilized. This study therefore estimates the profitability and level of productivity among broiler farmers in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select respondents for this study. Primary data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting model and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) analysis. The study revealed that the net farm income of broiler production was ₦96,900/flock size; suggesting a relatively profitable venture with prospects for improved economic potentials. The estimated percentage profit margin was 45.6%; indicative of the percentage net margin accruable to the farmer from the estimated gross margin and benefit-cost ratio was 0.84. Furthermore, most (54.3%) of broiler farmers were sub-optimally productive as their TFP indices were below the optimal scale; attributable to sub-efficient input mix and cost of production inputs. In addition, constraints of broiler production in the study area included the following; high cost of feeds (92.9); high cost of chicks (85.7%); financial constraints (80%); high cost of poultry equipment (55.7%); high cost of medication (35.7); disease outbreak (28.6%) and inefficient market system (21.4%). Improving access to and subsidy of poultry feeds, chicks, production inputs and credit, extension, medical services and cooperative formation for market linkages are strongly recommended.

Broiler production systems in Ghana: economics and the impact of frozen chicken imports

Chicken meat consumption in Ghana has significantly increased in the last two decades. However, production has stagnated, and domestic producers are struggling to satisfy the local market. Consequently, Ghana is dependent on chicken imports. The imports have attracted criticism as they are believed to be negatively affecting producers. This paper uses typical farms to analyze broiler production systems in Ghana and the impact of chicken imports. The typical farms represent the most common broiler production systems in the most important producing regions (Accra, Kumasi, and Dormaa). Large-scale integrated, medium-scale, and small-scale production systems were identified as the most common broiler production systems. The study demonstrates that feed and day-old chick costs are the most significant production cost items. The study also shows that broiler production is profitable for all systems when only considering cash-costs. Medium-scale farms located in Dormaa are unprofitable in the medium and long-term, when depreciation and opportunity costs are reflected, respectively. Cost comparisons show that imports make it difficult for broiler producers to market their chickens in the local market throughout the whole year. Therefore, broiler production in Ghana is seasonal. Furthermore, small-scale producers are the most negatively affected by the competition from the imports.

Analysis of Small Scale Broiler Poultry Production in South East Nigeria, West Africa

The study analyzed the small scale broiler poultry production in South East Nigeria, West Africa. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, the cost and returns of the enterprise, influence of socio-economic characteristics on Net income and challenges to production in the study area. Primary data used for the study was collected using well-structured questionnaire which was administered to 405 sampled broiler poultry farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistical tools (frequencies, percentages and means), enterprise budgeting techniques (Gross margin, Net return on investment, Gross Ratio) and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to analyze the data. Profitability Index (PI) was N0.26 which means that for every naira earned as revenue, 0.26kobo was returned to the farmer as net income. An R2 of .7770 explains 77.7% of the variability of the dependent variable. Four out of the ten parameters included in the model exerted statistic and significant influences on the amount of income realized. Major constraints to Broiler poultry production in the study area were high cost of feed, high cost of vaccines and high cost of day old chicks. Based on the study, the following recommendations are made; since broiler production is profitable, attention should be paid to the broiler farmers to ensure that best practices are adopted for sustainability in the agribusiness.

Evaluation of the Performances and IOFCC of Broilers Fed the Whole, the Skinless, and the Skin of Leubim Fish Waste Meals Based Partial Replacement Feed of Commercial Diets

This study aimed to evaluate the performances of broilers fed the commercial diet CP511 (CCP) partially substituted with leubim fish waste meal (LFW) processed into different parts i.e. whole leubim fish waste meal (LFWW), skinless leubim fish meal (LFM‒S), and leubim fish waste skin meal (LFWS), each mixed with yellow corn (YC) and top mix (TM). This research was conducted at the Field Laboratory of Animal Husbandry (LLP), Syiah Kuala University from March 17 to April 21, 2021. This study used 100 DOC broiler chickens strain CP 707 and commercial local fish meal (CFM). The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment was CCP= 100% CP511 (control+) and the CCP replaced with: CFM (control-), LFWW, LFM‒S, and LFWS with the equal amount of 8% each and the addition of 8% YC + 0.5% TM each. The results showed that although statistically no significant differences (P>0.05), the inclusion of LFW meals in the form of LFWW, LFM‒S, or LFWS plus YC + TM each to substitute partially CCP tended to have higher body weight gain (BWG), final body weight (FBW), feed intake, and better feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER), while protein intake (PI) significantly increased (P<0.05). The inclusion of LFW-based diets reduced feed cost and increased income over feed & chick cost (IOFCC). The LFW‒S diet did not result in better broiler performances than the LFWW diet. In conclusion, LFW meals processed as a whole, without the skin, and the only skin added with yellow corn and top mix as a partial replacement for the commercial diet increased BWG, FBW, PI, FI, and improved FCR, reduced feed cost, and generated better profit. It was suggested not to dispose of the skin out of the waste since the whole leubim fish waste meal carried out more advantages.

Economic Analysis of Kamrupa Compared to Local Chicken Production in Assam under Backyard System of Rearing

Aims: The programme was undertaken to study the economic analysis of Kamrupa and local chicken in Dhemaji district of Assam under backyard system of rearing.
 Study Design: The data on various expenses and returns thus collected were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis as per the methods described by [1]. 
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sissiborgaon, Dhemaji and Jonai development blocks of Dhemaji district during the period January, 2018 to July, 2019 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji.
 Methodology: For the purpose thirty numbers of farmwomen from three different development blocks, thus a total of ninety numbers of farmwomen, of Dhemaji district were selected on the basis of their early experience in keeping local poultry along with Kamrupa chicken at backyard system. Items of cost included fixed cost e.g. land and building, equipments and variable costs e.g. cost of day-old chick, cost of feed, vaccine, medicine, labour, depreciation in poultry shed and miscellaneous cost. Return items included eggs, cocks and spent hens.
 Results: The cost of labour accounted for 72.44 percent of the total cost of production of Kamrupa chicken followed by feed cost (9.79%), chick cost (7.21%) and depreciation of poultry house (6.44%) up to 18 months of age. The total cost of production up to 72 weeks of age was found to be higher in Kamrupa (Rs. 3,882.48) than its local counterpart (Rs. 3,512.48). The maximum amount of income was contributed by selling of eggs (46.60%) followed by sale of cocks (26.76%) and sale of spent hens (26.64) in case of local chicken. The benefit-cost (B:C) ratio in Kamrupa and local chicken were recorded as 2.64 and 2.14, respectively, in the present study.
 Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the small scale Kamrupa rearing is a profitable venture for farmwomen in the state of Assam.

Profitability of Broiler Contract Growers in Chegutu District of Zimbabwe

Following the land reform programme, the Zimbabwean commercial broiler sub-sector has undergone structural transformation from predominantly being dominated by large scale producers to being a small scale producer led sub-sector. Despite this structural transformation, there are limited empirical studies on small scale poultry production performance and in particular commercial broiler contract production. The purpose of this study was to determine the profitability of broiler contract growers in Chegutu District of Zimbabwe. Cross sectional data was collected using a structured questionnaire from a population of 54 broiler contract growers. The study employed the gross margin analysis technique to establish the profitability of broiler contract production and the Ordinary Least Squares regression approach to analyse its determinants. The study found that broiler contract production was profitable with the mean gross margin per grower per batch being $4834,20. The return per dollar invested was $0,12 while the gross margin per bird sold was $0,44. Feed and chick costs were established to be the major production costs constituting 62.06% and 26.36% of total variable costs respectively. Significant factors that positively contributed to profitability of broiler contract farming were selling price, gender of grower, age of grower, education level of grower, grower experience in broiler production and feed costs. On the other hand, grower years with key employee, daily management of broiler production activities by grower, batch size, vaccines and medication costs, transport costs and the food conversion ratio negatively and significantly affected profitability. The study recommends that measures should be put in place to encourage more smallholder growers to join broiler contract farming schemes as it is a profitable venture. Female growers must also be encouraged to venture into broiler contract farming as the results have shown that they are more profitable when ....

Measuring the Profitability of Small Scale Poultry Producers through Contractual System in Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to assess the system of broiler production under contractual agreement of feed mill with the small scale broiler producer in different locations of Netrokona district in Bangladesh. The study also explored the causes why broiler farmers entering in this contractual system. The study evaluates the profitability of small scale broiler producers as well as the feed mills who were engaged in contract with the farmer. The present study was based on the primary data which were collected from five feed mills who are utilizing contacts and 60 contract broiler producers using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to estimate cost and returns of broiler farming. The study revealed that on an average, total cost of raising broiler per farm per year and per bird per batch were Tk. 10,90,389 and Tk. 175 respectively. The gross return from broiler production per farm per year and per bird per batch was Tk. 13,44,737 and Tk. 208 respectively. Net returns of broiler production per farm per year and per bird per batch were estimated at Tk. 2,54,348 and Tk. 33 respectively. Moreover, it is evident from the study that the benefit cost ratio of broiler farms was 1.23. So, it is clear from the study that production of broiler under contractual system was profitable and the contract farmers were getting benefit. On the other side, feed mill sales center who are engaged in contracts were also benefitted by keeping extra profit in all credited inputs of broiler production by practicing the system. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis was used to determine the major factors namely age, education, family size, feed cost, day old chick cost, labor cost, medicare and additives cost and training of the producer affecting the gross return of broiler production. But the main influencing factors for broiler production were feed cost, day old chick cost, medicine and vaccine cost, education and training of the broiler farmer. The study also identified some problems related to contractual system and, production and marketing system of broiler production. Finally on the basis of the findings, some recommendations were made for the development of poultry production in Bangladesh. It may concluded that with effective management, contract farming system of feed mill’s can be a means to develop production of broiler farming and marketing the output in a way that is profitable for the both farmer and the feed mill.

The production risk of broiler farm management at plasma breeders: Evidence from Indonesia

The broiler chicken business is essential to providing national meat consumption in Indonesia. However, the business also faces a very significant management risk. The purpose of this research is to study broiler farm management and the effect of its business management on the production and production risk. This research was conducted in Lamongan regency of East Java by interviewing broiler chicken farmers and using descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the research show that the implementation of broiler farm management reached 73.48% of ideal situation, with planning reaching 67.64% ideal situation, 65.58% for ideal organizing, 84.18% for optimal direction, 74.43% for ideal coordination, and 77.58% for ideal control. Also, the management had a positive influence on the production of the broiler livestock business, with an elasticity of 0.700. The management had a negative effect on the risk of production of broiler livestock business with the elasticity of 0.237. Production risk was negatively affected by the number of chicks and the amount of feed. To provide support for breeders in their business, it is necessary to have a policy of low cost of broiler cultivation, especially the cost of chicks and feed, by setting DOC prices and cheap or cheaper feed. Besides, it is required to develop cooperation with companies using broiler primary products, as well as certain policies so that there will be businesses that use broiler primary products as their main ingredient.JEL Classification D13; Q02; Q12

Pemberian Tepung Singkong yang Ditambahkan Isoamilase dalam Pakan terhadap Performa Ayam Broiler

Cassava has the potential use to replace corn as an energy source in poultry feed.However, the level of substitution is not optimal because of the difference ratio ofamylose and amylopectin in maize and cassava. This study aimed to examine the effectof cassava flour with addition of isoamylase as a corn substitute in the ration on theperformance of broilers. The material used in this study was 150 male day-old chickenbroiler which were randomly divided into 3 treatments and 5 replications. Thetreatments were P0: 50% corn in the ration (control); P1: Substitution of 50% of cornby cassava flour; P2: Substitution of 50% of corn by cassava flour which contained0.14% isoamylase. The variables measured were feed intake, body weight, weight gain,feed conversion ratio, income over feed and chick cost and mortality rate. Data from thecomplete randomized design were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, the significantresults between the treatments were obtained by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Theresults showed that the substitution of corn by cassava flour without and with 0.14%isoamylase was not significantly affect final body weight, body weight gain, feed intakeand feed conversion ratio. The most profitable Income over feed cost obtained was thetreatment of P2 that is Rp 6,543.50. It can be concluded that the corn substitution bycassava flour without and with addition of 0.14% isoamylase was able to produce thesame performance as broiler chickens fed with corn in the ration for five weeks of thestudy.
 Key words: broiler, isoamylase, cassava flour, performance