Evaluation of broiler performance under small-scale and semi-commercial farming conditions in the Northern Province

Introduction: In the Northern region of the Northern Province, there is an increase in the number of small-scale and semi-commercial farms in all sectors of agriculture. This includes the production of grains, vegetables, fruits and livestock. Broiler production seemed to be a much-preferred alternative of development in community based projects and emerging farmers have shown keen interest. This is because broiler production requires less space than ruminants and is ready for human consumption within a very short period of time. Poultry production provides a constant source of income and protein with a big customer demand. By the year 2000, broiler production is expected to reach 4000 million and 7.5 million tons of poultry feeds in the world. Many countries have initiated programs aimed at improving small-scale poultry as a means of helping to bring socio- economic benefits to rural communities (Panda, 1989). In order to feed the ever rising population of 4.9 million in the Northern Province (1996 Census), there must be an increase in the production of broilers as a primary source of top quality animal protein. With the high unemployment rate (46%) in the Northern Province, self- employment projects are needed which comply with agro- processing. More than 90 community projects based on poultry production in the Northern region of the Northern Province had been established in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment. Today more people have engaged themselves in community projects especially in poultry production than ever before. Some of the constrains of broiler production at both small-scale and semi-commercial farming condition includes inadequate ventilation system. Lack of suitable health care facilities and frequently the absence of efficient marketing structures form part of the obstacles to the rapid development of poultry production. Feed costs which remain the highest input cost in the production of broilers represent between 60 to 70% or more of the total costs of broiler productions (Benyi and Habi, 1998). Lack of management skills and training for small and semi-commercial farmers makes it difficult to obtain optimum performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of broilers as influenced by environmental factors under small