Abstract

A study was conducted to analyze market age and profitability among broiler farmers in Imo state. The market age under study was 8, 1 0, and 12 week. The study was aimed at finding the significant effect of market age and profitability of broiler farming. The data used were mainly primary data obtained from the field through a well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered in the tree zone of' the state- Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe. The data were analyzed using the following tools — descriptive statistics like table, chart, frequencies and percentages. This was used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of farmers. Gross margin analysis was used to examine the cost and returns of the farmers. Lastly, regression analysis was used to estimate linear, double log, exponential and semi log function. The double log model provided the lead equation. In the equation, R2 value was 0.934 meaning that 93.4% of the variability in the dependent variable were explained by the explanatory variable in the model. It also shows that there is evidence of good fit in the equation. The Fraction was 12.814 indicating that the model specification was appropriate at 1% level of significance. From the analysis, the following findings were made, diminishing positive relationship existed between cost and market age. On the side of revenue, it was discovered a positive relationship existed between revenue and market age. Also, it was significant relationships exist between market age and profitability. Again, it was discovered that a positive relationship between farmer size and profitability that is the higher the farmer size, the higher the profit made. This study concludes that it is more profitable to rear broiler at 12 week than 8 and 1 0 week after considering the cost and return at the various market age. Based on the findings, this study recommends that government should assist farmers financially so as to help them increase their farm size, in order to maximize profit. Government should also organize seminar and workshops to help educate farmers on the best ways to manage their farms.