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Profitability of Small Scale Broiler Farming to Support Rural Livelihood in Bangladesh.

S. D. Chowdhury
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202.

M. N. Islam
Poultry Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka 1341.

S. K. Raha
Department of Agricultural and Marketing, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202.

M. A. Haque
Support Service Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka 1341.

M. H. Kawsar
Department of Poultry Science, Patuakhali University of Science and Technology, Patuakhali.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study was undertaken to assess the socioeconomic condition of small scale broiler farmers, productive performance, cost and returns of small flocks of broilers and to determine minimum flock size to ensure profitability and reduce poverty. Field level primary data were collected from a total of 52 broiler farmers by direct interviewing of which 30 in Mymensingh, 15 in Sherpur and 7 in Kishorgonj districts of Bangladesh. Small-scale broiler farms of three flock sizes (100, 200 and 300 birds) were maintained at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm. Farms of similar flock size also were maintained in rural households of farmers with scientific intervention. Data collection for productive performance, cost and returns were used to determine cost-benefit rations. Data were statistically analyzed and comparisons were made between farms with or without scientific intervention. The survey results showed that most of the small scale broiler farmers were young, aged between 20 and 25 years and more than half of farmers had primary level of education. The major income of the farmers comes from the production of field crops and therefore broiler farming appeared to be an attempt for additional source of income. Productive performance indicated no significant difference among flock sizes with regard to body weight, feed consumption and survivability but FCR improved as the flock size increased. When similar flock size was maintained in the farm, FCR was lowest with 300 birds flock that differed significantly (p<0.05) from other flock sizes (100 and 200 birds). This difference disappeared with an overall improvement in FCR when similar flock size was maintained in rural condition because of comparatively lower duration of fattening (29 days). Analysis of cost and returns showed that cost of farming per bird decreases and return increases as the flock size increases. In general, cost benefit ratios were widened as the flock size increased. Raising broiler flocks of small sizes (100, 200 and 300 birds) was a loosing concern but profitability of such farms may be ensured if scientific intervention is made at the rural households. It was therefore, concluded that most of the small scale broiler farmers are resources poor who raise broilers for an additional sources of income. Satisfactory productive performance is achievable in rural areas if scientific intervention is made. Minimum flock size for broiler flock size should be more than 300 birds but studies with further increase in flock size of birds should be undertaken to establish this result on sound scientific footing.

Keywords: Profitability, Small scale, Broiler farming, Livelihood.

Location: Mymensingh, Sherpur and Kishoregonj district of Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-07-2009

End Date: 30-06-2010

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Non-commodity: Income generation

Objectives:

1. To assess the socioeconomic condition of small scale broiler farmers. 2. To determine the productive performance, cost and returns of small scale of broiler farming under farm and field condition. 3. To determine minimum flock size to ensure profitability and reduce poverty.

Methodology:

For this study, field level primary data were collected from a total of 52 broiler farmers of which 30 in Mymensingh, 15 in Sherpur and 7 in Kishorgonj by direct interviewing using a semi-structured questionnaire. Before the collection of data, the researcher clearly explained the objectives of the study to each farmer. All farms did not keep records of various transactions of their farms. But the researchers took all possible care so that accurate and reliable data could be obtained. All collected data were then edited and categorized into different farm sizes (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 farms). Results of productive performance and profitability of small scale of broiler farms in three flock size were summarized. Data of 400 and 500 capacity as obtained from field survey will be dealt with in phase II of the project. Small scale broiler farms of three flock sizes (100, 200, and 300) were also maintained at poultry farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Each flock was replicated to three production units. One thousand eight hundred day old chicks were produced from a commercial hatchery. Intensive care and management have been taken from day old to target weight of the broiler (31 days). Growth rate and feed consumption was monitored closely in each and every small production units. Total inputs provided to each unit in terms of chicks, feeds, vaccines, disinfectants etc. were recorded from day old to the end of rearing period. On the basis of the results of the survey and availability of farming inputs of the farmers such as housing facilities, feeder, waterer, chick guard etc. nine interested farmers were randomly selected for village experiment. Before commencement of the experiment , the farmers were trained on the basic principles of broiler farm operation and procedure of record keeping. Only chicks and record registers were supplied to the selected farmers. Record was maintained by the farmers from day old to marketing of broiler. During the experimental period, technical advice was provided to the farmers about brooding and management of the flocks, feeding techniques, vaccination programme, bio-security and record keeping. Broiler performance and cost benefit ratio were determined for different flock sizes and statistical analyses have been done by SPSS 11.5.

Source of Information: BLRI. Proceeding of the Annual Research Review Workshop 2009-2010 Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka 1341.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The present study also showed that, as the flock size increased, the cost benefit ratio also widened indicating the possibility of more return if flock size is further increased. It was therefore, concluded that the profitability of broiler flock containing 300 birds is more than those of 100 and 200 flock sizes at farm level. Data from field survey as well as from field trial with scientific intervention with similar flock sizes showed similar trends. It seems reasonable to advice the farmers to increase their flock more than 300 capacity and the farmers are to be trained or provided technical support to earn profits. However, studies of similar nature with flock sizes of more than 300 birds would be helpful to establish this result on sound scientific footing.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings