Econometric analysis of the determinants of broiler carcass weight

Abstract

This study was done to evaluate rationale behind the choice of feeding method in broiler management; identifying the variables that influence carcass weights of broilers as well as comparing the mean carcass weights of broilers raised under feed restriction and ad libitum in FUTO Farm, Owerri, Nigeria. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire and a sample of thirty (30) respondents comprising staff and students of FUTO Farm, between August and October 2005. The ordinary least square multiple regression analysis were used in identifying the factors that affect carcass weights of broilers while the Z-statistics was employed to compare the mean carcass weights of broilers under ad libitum feeding and those under restricted feeding. The results show that feed intake, drug intake and water intake are the variables that influence carcass weights of broilers. However, only the parameter estimate of feed intake was positively related to carcass weight at 1% level of significance implying that carcass weight increases most significantly with increase in total feed intake. Conversely, the coefficients of drug and water intakes were negatively related to carcass weight at 1% level of significance. In addition, the mean carcass weight of broilers raised under restricted feeding showed a significant difference when compared to the mean carcass weights of broilers fed ad libitum. Moreover, the determination of total feed intake, the cost of production, quest for overall performance and estimation of feed conversion ratio and the prevention of feed wastage, were the major reasons guiding the choice of feeding method in broiler production. It is recommended that careful adjustment be made in the management practices of broiler producers especially on the mode of feeding in order to improve the profit margin.

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2(1) 2006: 28-33