Economics of Production of Freshly Hatched and Transported Broiler Chicks to Six Weeks after Delayed Feed and Water Startment Periods

Abstract

One hundred and twenty (120) broiler chicks were used in a field experiment to determine the economics of production of freshly hatched and transported broiler chicks to six weeks after delayed feed and water startment periods. Sixty (60) of chicks were sourced from local hatchery in Owerri on the morning of their hatch (Group 1), while another 60 chicks also were sourced from Ibadan, about 600 Km from Owerri (Group 2). Each group was divided into 4 sub-groups of 15 chicks each and replicated thrice, with 5 chicks per replicate, in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were given to the control A1 (Group 1) on the day of hatch, while the control A2 (Group 2) were fed 36 hours post hatch on arrival. Other sub groups B, C and D of the two groups were started on feed and water at 48, 72 and 96 hours post-hatch respectively. The total cost of production for the freshly hatched chicks was N30907.00, while that of transported was N32584.00.Thirty four birds were harvested from the freshly hatched group, while 31 birds were harvested from the transported group. Transportation stress and early feed and water denial to the broiler chicks result in huge economic losses from poor productivity and high mortality, especially when coupled with prolonged starvation.