Broiler Production
Chicken farming is the only type of animal production that can provide an income in the short as well as the long term. It can also be carried out nearly anywhere in South Africa, whether in a backyard, on a small to medium-size farm, or as a multimillion-rand enterprise. So says Jan Grobbelaar, the training director at Dumela Poultry Solutions.
Notwithstanding this flexibility, he advises that the prospective farmer start with at least 5 000 chickens for a broiler business. This would require a farm of around 3ha in size.
“The location of the farm is paramount, as it will greatly reduce or increase costs in terms of transport to the abattoir, market and input suppliers. The farm should also preferably be far enough from any other chicken farm to prevent the spread of disease.
“A clean water supply is important. If you’re using borehole water, it should be tested first to ensure it’s not harmful to the chickens.”
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required before embarking on commercial broiler production. The cost of this varies from R80 000 to R250 000, depending on the tests and water licence needed.
Grobbelaar stresses the importance of carrying out a thorough market assessment beforehand.
“This will provide an indication of the number of chickens to produce, the frequency of delivery, and the type of product (live birds, freshly slaughtered, frozen or pieces) that customers require.
“The market will also determine if your product will be reared in a deep-litter or free-range system.”
Chickens are dependent on the inside environment of the chicken house, and this is one cost that a farmer should never skimp on.
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の October 25, 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Farmer's Weekly の October 25, 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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