Broiler production is essentially a brooding business, Since most of today's broilers are marketed before they are 8 weeks of age. Broiler production as a business demands planning, continuous production and therefore strict adherence to principles of brooding. For profitable broiler production the following are needed:
- Ready market for the birds. If it is possible, a contractual agreement with end users should be signed. The market size should determine the number of birds to be raised.
- Housing design that allows for continuous production, yet avoiding disease outbreak.
- Quality Chicks from reputable hatcheries.
- Availability of high quality feed.
- Artificial lightning that allows the bird to be exposed to more than the natural day length.
PLANNING FOR BROILER PRODUCTION
The trend in world meat consumption shows that poultry meat consumption is growing faster than that of any other livestock species.
Broiler are responsible for More than 80% of poultry meat production. Today, broiler is becoming a regular part of daily food supply as opposed to the past when they are produced for festivals alone. In the past few decades, many fast foods outlets has emerged with majority of them specializing in chicken based menu. Many households also now have chicken as part of the regular menu. It is expected that poultry meat consumption with its main advantage relative to other sources of meat will continue to grow.
There Is a potential big business for broiler producers. The current trend expects continuous broiler production. There is need for a market survey to identity potential buyers of broiler production. Such survey should include information on the size (weight) and number of broilers required.