Problems and prospect of rearing poultry
Keywords:
Poultry farming, feed costs, biosecurity, disease management, waste management, technology adoption, profitability, rural development, sustainabilityAbstract
Poultry farming is a vital component of global agriculture, providing a significant source of protein and supporting rural economies. However, the industry faces multiple challenges, including high feed costs, disease risks, environmental impacts, and limited access to advanced technologies. This study surveys 25 poultry farms to understand these issues and explores how economic pressures, health risks, environmental concerns, and technology adoption affect farm operations and profitability. Feed costs emerged as the primary economic barrier, consistently impacting profitability, while diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease highlight the need for robust biosecurity measures. Waste management remains a pressing environmental issue, with most farms relying on composting and direct disposal methods. Technological adoption, though moderate, shows promising benefits, with farms using automated feeding and climate control systems reporting higher profitability. The findings suggest that targeted support for feed cost management, biosecurity, and access to affordable technology could enhance the resilience and sustainability of poultry farming, ultimately benefiting food security and rural development.