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Comparative Analysis of Egg Production in Deep Litter and Battery Cage Technologies in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study analysed and compared table eggs production in battery cage and deep litter systems in Akwa Ibom State. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. Primary data was obtained through the administration of a structured questionnaire to 100 respondents. The specific objectives were to determine and compare the socio-economic characteristics of battery cage and deep litter farmers, obtain and compare the number of eggs produced in both systems, estimate and compare gross margin and profitability in both systems and identify the factors that determine egg output in the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, and the ordinary least squares multiple regression models. The result showed that the average stock size in the study area in battery cage and deep litter systems were 2176 and 2091 respectively. For one production cycle of about 18 months, the total variable cost (TVC) was N33, 458, 889.00, the gross margin was N7,275268.00 and the gross margin per bird was N3,387.00 for the battery cage system. Also, the TVC and gross margin were N33, 398, 709.00, and N6,198185.00 respectively and the gross margin per bird was N2,964.00 for the deep litter system. The Total costs of production were N34, 287, 884.00 and N34, 076, 858.00 for battery cage and deep litter technologies respectively. The profits were N6,446,274.00 and N5,186,698.00 for the battery cage and deep litter systems respectively. The rate of return on investment was found to be 17.49% and 13.93% for battery cage and deep litter technologies respectively. The regression result for poultry production in deep litter and battery cage technologies showed that education (α ), age of birds (α ), Experience (α ), and stock size (α ) were significant variables affecting the number eggs produced. The study, therefore, concludes that egg production under battery cage was more profitable in the study area than deep litter technology. Due to the huge cost outlay associated with layer production, it is recommended that grants and loans should be provided to poultry egg farmers at low-interest rates, the farmers should be trained and encouraged to produce their feed to offset the high cost of feed incurred in the production.
