The present study assesses the constraints to poultry
production among poultry farmers in delta state, Nigeria. The poultry industry
as a profitable factor to boosting food security and nutrition, has become the
leading supplier of efficient, high-quality animal proteins to the world.
Poultry meat and eggs which is high in protein, provides several advantages
relative to other sources of animal-based foods. Data were collected using
structured questionnaire from 109 poultry farmers selected from the twenty-five
(25) Local Government Areas of Delta State using simple sampling technique.
Percentage and mean were used in data analysis. The poultry farmers reared
predominantly the domestic fowls with greater emphasis on layers managed mainly
in deep litter system of intensive production. The findings of this study
revealed that the farmers reared mixed poultry species comprising in order the
domestic fowls, turkeys, ducks and guinea fowl. The result is an indication
that the domestic fowl was the poultry species predominantly reared in the
state. The major constraints to poultry production were high cost of feeds and
ingredients (M = 4. 66), high interest on loan (M = 4.57), inadequate finance
(M = 4.47, unsteady power supply (M = 3.32), scarcity of farm credit (M = 4.19),
absence of grandparent stock for quality day-old chicks (M = 4.11), inadequate
livestock extension agents contact (M = 4.11). Other constraints were short
term loan re-payment period (M = 3. 80), poor quality of commercial feeds (M =
3. 71), absence of requisite training (M = 3. 68), absence of collateral (M =
3.61), absence of processing and storage facilities (M = 3.61), high cost of
vaccines and medication (M = 3.53), influence of climate (M = 352), losses due
to predators, thieves and management hazards (M = 3,50), mortality due to poor
management (M = 3.48), incidence of diseases and parasites (M = 3.46) and poor
and inaccessible' public veterinary service delivery system (M = 3.33). It is
well known that poultry may be utilized to alleviate poverty, and each endeavor
and the choice to increase poultry production has a direct influence on the
status of women. Recommendations for sustainable poultry production in Delta
State and elsewhere were made. Keywords: Constraints, poultry production, Delta
State, Nigeria, Africa.
Author(s) Details:
Momah, Lilian Nkemdilim,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational
Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State,
Nigeria.
Eze,
Maryann Ogochukwu,
Department
of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Federal College of
Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
Okechukwu, Frances Obianuju,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational
Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State,
Nigeria.
Uzoka Iwalewa Omokhekpe,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational
Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State,
Nigeria.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13916
