Eminike Sunday Azubike
This study was conducted to estimate the determinants of flock size in broiler production in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data from 120 broiler producers randomly selected from 10 purposively selected villages from the study area based on large number of producers in the area. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that producers’ household income, years of broiler producing experience, cooperative membership and major occupation showed direct relationship with their flock size and were significant at 1% test level. The number of years spent in school by the producers directly influenced their flock size and was significant at 5% test level. The producers’ age, sex, marital status and family size showed an inverse relationship with their flock size but were not statistically significant. The results also revealed that the producers’ flock sizes were constrained by seasonal and irregular broiler demand which were mainly high during festivals (most especially at Easter, Sallah and Yuletide). High feed and chick cost, unavailability and untimely delivery of farm inputs and inadequate capital and poor extension services were other constraints. These constraints, if addressed, would lead to increase in broiler flock size in the study area and also increase the producers’ disposable income and well-being.
Share this article