ABSTRACT

This study analyzed the efficiency of the various inputs used in broiler production in Umuahia North L. G. A of Abia State. A random sample of 51 respondents was obtained from the 10 autonomous communities that make up the study area. Well structured questionnaire was used in data collection from the chosen respondents. The data obtained were edited, sorted and tabulated for easy analysis. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, percentages, tables and regression. Furthermore net farm income and efficiency indices were derived. Results of the study revealed that broiler production is significantly determined by capital, feed, labor, medication, and size of the enterprise. An increase in labor and medication decreases output. None of the resources was optimally utilized. Feed, labor, medications, size of the enterprise were over utilized while capital was under utilized as revealed by the efficiency indices. Age of the farmer, household size, and mortality rate, naira of feed, capital and cost of day old chicks were found to be socioeconomic determinants of profit in broiler production where age, mortality rate and feed cost were inversely related to profit. The economic return shows that the enterprise is profitable at a profit margin of N3 15, 395.47k. Based on these results, appropriate policies and programmes were recommended which include; formulation of policies that will encourage the reallocation and if possible redistribution of inputs for increased production and efficiency, formation of farmer's cooperatives by broiler farmers to enhance the accessibility to credit, loans and subsidies from government, establishment of feed industries that use local materials to reduce the high cost of feed, funding of research and breeding centers, appropriate extension services and most importantly efficient utilization and allocation of inputs.