Lucas Delgado
Chicken farming is a common economic activity in Tanzania, with about 3.7 million households keeping poultry. While indigenous chicken rearing remains culturally important, commercial broiler chicken farming is becoming more common, especially in urban areas. The demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania already strongly exceeds domestic production and supply, and the demand for animal-sourced food, particularly chicken meat, is projected to increase by 148% from the mid-2000s to 2030. This raises the question of whether a chicken farm with 300 broilers can be profitable in Tanzania.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of broilers | 300 |
| Demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania | Exceeds domestic production and supply |
| Feed costs | Up to 70% of total costs of production |
| Vaccination costs | Ksh 1,000-Ksh 2,000 for 100 chicks |
| Labour costs | Ksh 300-Ksh 500 per day |
| Potential income | Ksh 47,500-Ksh 76,000 per batch of 100 birds |
| Broiler prices | Ksh 500-Ksh 800 per bird |
| Number of households in Tanzania that keep poultry | 3.7 million |
| Number of commercial broilers in Tanzania | 24 million |
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What You'll Learn
Broiler chicken housing, feeding, disease management, and chick heat supply
Broiler chicken housing is an important factor in determining the success of your chicken farm. Enclosed housing is standard for the broiler industry as it limits exposure to disease-carrying wild birds and animals. Broiler houses are typically constructed from metal, wood, or a combination of the two. Houses should provide a source of heat for brooding and ventilation to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, moisture, and ammonia. They should also protect chickens from predators and exclude rodents and other harmful pests, such as litter beetles. The footing of a chicken house forms a solid barrier around the base of the house and prevents wood rot, sagging roofs, and the entry of pests and other intruders. Insulation is placed under the roof and occasionally on side and end walls to help retain heat during winter and exclude radiant heat in summer. Houses with solid side walls have air inlets located down the sides that allow fresh air to enter houses when an exhaust fan pulls air from the house.
When it comes to feeding, it is important to provide your broiler chickens with a high-protein diet to sustain their rapid growth and keep them healthy. On average, each bird will consume around 10 pounds of feed during the first six weeks, and they will eat between 3 to 4 pounds of feed per week after that. It is recommended to use a crumble formula, like Purina® Meat Bird Feed, as it is easier for chickens to eat and digest. Feed pans should be placed so that the base of the pan is level with the birds' backs, and the height should be adjusted daily as the birds grow. The number of feed lines that are needed depends on house width. Each broiler chicken house typically has two 10-12 ton feed storage bins from which feed is augered into feed hoppers inside the house. Outside feed bins should have a capacity of 5 days of feed consumption and should be watertight to reduce mold and bacterial growth.
Disease management is crucial in ensuring the health and productivity of your broiler chickens. It is recommended to raise your meat birds separately from other backyard poultry to help reduce stress and the risk of disease transmission. Clean the brooder and coop daily to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of disease. Closed water systems are also recommended as they are less likely to be contaminated than open systems, and they help keep litter dry, which improves bird health.
Heat supply is critical during the first stage of broiler production, known as brooding, which lasts for approximately 8-14 days. During this time, chicks cannot maintain a stable core body temperature, so heaters are used to create suitable temperatures for their growth. Radiant heaters have become a preferred method of providing heat during brooding as they provide a range of thermal comfort options and are cost-effective to operate. Space heaters are typically installed on one sidewall of a broiler house, allowing for better heat distribution. In some cases, both space and radiant heat systems are used to maintain optimal temperatures.
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Demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania
The demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania is currently higher than the domestic production and supply. This is due to the low production and productivity of indigenous chicken breeds, which are preferred by consumers, and the limited availability of quality feed. The poultry industry in Tanzania has been growing steadily over the past decade, and it is expected that the demand for chicken meat and eggs will continue to increase.
Indigenous chickens are mainly raised by rural dwellers and contribute almost 100% of the poultry meat consumed in rural areas and 20% of eggs consumed in urban areas. They have low productivity due to their inherent low genetic potential, with 70% of poultry breeds in Tanzania being low yielders. The traditional indigenous poultry system is inexpensive and low input, with consistent production based on largely free feed sources from the surrounding environment. However, the output from this system is much lower than that of commercially raised poultry.
To address the constraints limiting the growth of the chicken industry in Tanzania, interventions have been made to improve the genetic potential of indigenous breeds and increase the capacity of local hatcheries to supply day-old chicks. Improved dual-purpose chicken breeds, such as Sasso and Kuroiler, have been introduced and have the potential to increase productivity due to their high genetic potential and adaptability.
The specialised chicken system, on the other hand, is an intensive layers and meat production system with high productivity, yielding 2 kg live weight at maturity and 270 eggs per hen per year. Most farmer marketing organisations for this system are small groups concentrated in urban areas. However, there is a lack of poultry slaughtering, meat processing facilities, and challenges in promoting poultry meat and egg marketing.
The major cost component in raising chickens is feed, which accounts for up to 70% of the total costs of production. The demand for commercial feed is expected to increase significantly by 2050. Most of the feed is produced locally, with maize as the major component, but feed mills depend on imported premixes and concentrates.
In summary, the demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania exceeds the current domestic supply, and interventions are being made to increase productivity and meet the growing demand. The poultry industry in Tanzania offers investment opportunities, particularly in improving the genetic potential of indigenous breeds, increasing local hatchery capacity, and addressing challenges in meat processing and marketing.
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Chicken feed costs
Chicken feed prices vary depending on the type and supplier. For example, in Kenya, chick mash for the first eight weeks costs approximately Ksh 3,000–3,500 per 50kg bag, while growers mash for weeks 8–20 costs Ksh 2,500–3,000 per 50kg bag.
To reduce chicken feed costs, some farmers in Tanzania have transitioned from keeping indigenous chickens under a small-scale free-range system to semi-intensive and intensive systems. This allows for the use of chicken feed pellets, which have improved feed efficiency and production. Small chicken feed mill plants in Tanzania can produce 600–800 kg of chicken feed pellets per hour, meeting the daily demand of chicken farms. These plants are designed to be compact and easy to maintain, with low operating costs.
Additionally, some farmers have started their own chicken feed production lines and local chicken feed pellet sales businesses. By purchasing land and essential equipment, such as feed pellet mills, they can produce chicken feed at a limited cost. However, it is important to consider the availability of raw materials and the distance to the market when setting up a chicken feed production business.
Overall, while chicken feed costs can be significant, there are opportunities for farmers in Tanzania to manage and reduce these costs through intensive farming systems, feed pellet production, and local sales.
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Chicken breeds for smallholder farming
Chicken farming is a lucrative business in many countries, including Tanzania, where it is a significant source of income and employment for smallholder farmers. Small-scale poultry production also plays a vital role in poverty reduction and household nutrition in developing countries.
When considering chicken breeds for smallholder farming, several factors come into play, such as the purpose of the farm (egg production or meat), the local climate, available space, and management capabilities.
For egg production, popular breeds include:
- Rhode Island Red: a dual-purpose breed known for its prolific brown egg production, resilience, and adaptability to various climates.
- Australorp, Sussex: these breeds are known for consistently laying large eggs and are adaptable to different climates.
- Leghorn: an active and efficient white egg layer, often producing up to 280-320 eggs annually with relatively low feed consumption, making them economical for small and large-scale producers.
- Wyandotte: a good choice for small family flocks kept under rugged conditions due to their attractive appearance and generally good disposition.
For meat production, or broiler farming, certain breeds are specifically chosen for their rapid growth and higher meat yield. These include:
- Sasso and Kuroiler: dual-purpose breeds with high genetic potential and adaptability, making them affordable for resource-poor farmers.
- Brahmas: this breed thrives in dry, well-drained soils and moist, cool climates. They have calm and docile personalities and withstand confinement well.
- Orpingtons: a loosely feathered English breed recognised for its gentle nature and dual-purpose qualities. They are ideal for both egg production and meat and can endure cold temperatures better than some other breeds.
Smallholder farmers should also consider factors beyond the breed, such as feed costs, disease control, housing, and access to markets, to ensure a profitable and sustainable business.
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Broiler chicken market availability and demand
Broiler chicken farming can be a profitable business in Tanzania, with a growing demand for chicken meat and eggs. The country's poultry sector is expanding, driven by increasing consumer demand and improving production techniques.
Firstly, the demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania already exceeds domestic production and supply. This is due to a combination of low production and productivity of indigenous chicken breeds and limited feed availability. The government has recognised the need to improve chicken breeds, and the introduction of dual-purpose chickens, such as Sasso and Kuroiler breeds, has improved productivity and efficiency. These breeds have high genetic potential and adaptability, making them suitable for small-scale farmers.
Secondly, rapid urbanisation, economic growth, and changing consumer preferences are driving an increase in the demand for animal-sourced food, particularly chicken meat. The demand for chicken meat in Tanzania is projected to increase by 148% from the mid-2000s to 2030, offering significant market opportunities for local and foreign investors.
Thirdly, effective management practices are crucial to the success of broiler chicken farming. This includes aspects such as nutritious feeds, disease control, optimal temperature, and adequate housing. Small-scale farmers play a significant role in poultry production in Tanzania, and understanding and implementing proper management practices can improve productivity and profitability.
Lastly, market availability is essential for the timely sale of chickens and reducing additional feeding costs. Leveraging technology, such as the internet and mobile phones, can facilitate access to market information and ensure the successful operation of a broiler chicken farm in Tanzania.
Overall, the growing demand for chicken meat and eggs, improving chicken breeds, increasing consumer demand, effective management practices, and market availability all contribute to the potential profitability of a 300-broiler chicken farm in Tanzania.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, chicken farming can be profitable in Tanzania. The demand for chicken meat and eggs already strongly exceeds domestic production and supply.
You should consider the costs of housing, feeding, disease management, and heat supply for the chicks. Feed costs can account for up to 70% of the total costs of chicken farming.
Assuming a conservative 5% mortality rate, you can expect to sell 95% of your chickens.
Mature broilers can fetch between Ksh 500 – Ksh 800 per bird. Therefore, selling 300 broilers can earn you between Ksh 150,000 – Ksh 240,000.
Some challenges include limited access to markets, lack of farmer associations, and lack of space and expertise, leading to poor infrastructure and limited ability to implement hygienic measures.
