Which type of poultry farming is most profitable?

To establish itself internationally, the poultry sector must comply with various regulations and include a sustainable and respectful value chain. However, African production relies mainly on small enterprises, which are still insufficient to fully supply urban markets.

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Socio-economic aspect of poultry farming

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly released a report on the global agricultural outlook. According to the report, global poultry production for consumption reached 137 million tons in and is expected to reach 156 million tons by . Poultry provides 41 % of the world&#;s animal proteins, with an annual growth rate of 1.3 %.

Poultry market in Africa

Chicken meat consumption has doubled in the past two decades and is expected to continue growing. This surge is drivenby the increasing demand for animal proteins and the rise of the middle class that favors this food.

In Africa, broiler chicken remains affordable due to the availability of raw materials for its feed. Meat from indigenous chickens often sells for 50 to 100% more than that of broilers. In Africa, the primary product from indigenous chickens sold in markets is chicken meat. In contrast, broiler farming generates diversified revenues :

• Sale of live chicken in local markets or for export to other African countries
• Processed products: smoked meat, sausages, rotisserie, and poultry charcuterie
• Sale of organic fertilizer from chicken manure, used as a natural fertilizer for crops

Broiler chicken consumption : Key element in the diet

Global per capita meat demand is expected to increase by an average of 2 % per year by , compared to the - reference period. This increase is mainly attributed to rising consumption in middle-income countries. This is also true in Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 1.45 billion people reside, representing 17 % of the global population, and demand is particularly high. According to an African Union report, poultry meat production in Africa should increase by 50 % by to meet this growing demand.

Profitability : Layer hens or broilers

Raising broilers and layer hens is similar during the first 5 to 6 weeks, except for the beak trimming in layers. After this period, their feeding and management differ. Broilers are fed ad libitum, while layers require rationed feeding.

Both types of poultry farming are profitable, but broilers require less capital than layers. Broilers, fed ad libitum, are sold after 35 to 40 days. In contrast, layers require more investment in infrastructure, equipment, and feed, and begin laying eggs after about 20 weeks.

Which broiler breed is best

The choice of broiler breed mainly depends on breeding goals and environmental conditions. The Bresse-Gauloise is often cited for its fine and tasty meat but grows relatively slowly. The Faverolles breed, known for its tender and flavorful meat, is also sociable and easy to raise.

The Cornish Cross is an excellent option for breeders seeking fast-growing chickens. This hybrid breed reaches an optimal weight in just 6 to 8 weeks, ideal for intensive farming. Rustic breeds such as New Hampshire or Cou-nu du Forez are suited to various climates and offer high-quality meat. These are perfect for free-range farming where animal welfare is a priority.

Conquering the international market : Challenges

Poultry production primarily targets domestic consumption, but international trade is continually expanding. The global broiler chicken market is currently dominated by large European commercial producers with structured poultry value chains. Developing countries import mainly chicken breasts and thighs, with less preference for drumsticks.

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Red label and strict quality standards

Industrial broiler farming for the international market presents several challenges. Competitiveness requires constant optimization of production costs, especially in countries where labor and raw materials are cheaper. Improving animal welfare is crucial to meet consumer expectations and international regulations. For example, the European Union imposes strict standards regarding stocking density and access to natural light.

Additionally, genetic selection allows for the production of fast-growing breeds, reducing the time to reach slaughter weight. This is also crucial for maintaining high-profit margins while adhering to quality standards. Logistical aspects, such as the transportation of chicks and finished products, must also be considered. An efficient supply chain is essential to avoid losses and ensure product freshness in international markets.

Epidemics and trade policies

Global poultry markets are not immune to animal disease outbreaks and trade policies. For example, avian influenza and Newcastle disease have disrupted the poultry meat trade and affected trade agreements. Sanitary requirements significantly influence international poultry trade standards.

Chicken farming is one of the most successful industries today, thanks to the rising demand for poultry products. It is regarded as the agriculture sector's fastest-growing section. Even when the entire country was affected by Covid 19, the impact on this industry was minimal. As a result, beginning a chicken farm might be a wise move. If you're not sure whether to start with profitable for farmer layers or broilers, read this article to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of raising each type of chicken.

Poultry Farming for Layers:

It is the domestication of chickens for the production of eggs. These birds have genes that cause them to produce eggs often. Layers do not seem to accumulate a lot of weight.

Farming Broiler Poultry:

Broilers are birds that are raised purely to produce meat. Their DNA causes them to develop more quickly than native chickens and layers. Broilers can reach their maximum commercial weight in 6-8 weeks.

What type of poultry farm should you start?

Your choice of Poultry Farm will be heavily influenced by your abilities, beginning capital, and marketing plans.

Marketing:

If you want to start a broiler farm, you need to know who will buy it, how much they will pay, what will affect the market, and how you will leverage the market. Broilers are difficult to market since the hens continue to devour the feed. This implies you'll have to continue paying money on their feed even after they reach market weight. As a result, the longer the broilers remain unsold, the more money you will lose. Layers, on the other hand, are simple to market since the hens' eggs can be kept without spoiling. It indicates you'll only sell the eggs when you're ready.

Vaccination Against Infections and Diseases:

Layers will stay with you longer, and the money you will spend on their treatment and immunization will be more than with broilers. Some medications used to treat or prevent chicken illnesses, particularly coccidiosis, affect egg production. Before you begin, you will need to learn a lot about illnesses and treatment choices for layers.

The initial startup cost is:

A broiler farm requires less capital than a layer farm. Broilers require light, clean water, room, a few immunizations, and food within eight weeks. Layers, on the other hand, require all of the above, plus additional immunizations, debeaking, and increased feeding costs for months before the birds begin laying.

In conclusion:

In the long term, layer farming on a big scale will be more profitable and generate more money than broiler farming since the birds may be sold as meat after producing eggs, albeit at a lower price than broilers. The sale of aged layers will create additional cash in addition to the revenue provided by the sale of the eggs they had been generating. Broilers can only bring in additional money if there is currently a high market demand for them.

As a result, your selection should be based on careful planning and knowledge of marketing methods. Both broiler and layer poultry farms are good, and which one to choose relies on the considerations listed above.

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