PROFITABILITY OF TURKEY PRODUCTUION IN AHOADA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study was conducted to investigate the profitability of turkey production in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred turkey farmers were selected from ten autonomous communities that make up Ahoada East Local Government Area. This particular area was chosen for the study because about 70% of the entire population is involved in turkey and other poultry productions. Structured questionnaires were employed to elicit information from the respondents. Statistical analysis was accomplished by means of frequency, distribution, percentages, Likert rating scale and budget analysis. The study revealed the major sources of fund for turkey production among the keepers as personal savings, financial assistance from family members and loans from micro-finance banks with low interest rate of about 10%. It was also revealed that the keepers embarked on the project because of its profitability (Xs=4.2), minimal initial capital requirement (Xs=3.6) and because it can be practiced on part time basis (Xs=3.5). Analysis also indicated that an average turkey keeper with farm size of 300 turkeys makes a profit of about three hundred thousand naira (N350,000.00) a year. However, turkey production has some constraints like high cost and unavailability of poults (Xs =4.10). High cost of quality feed (Xs =3.21), disease mortality (Xs = 3.10). The turkey productions have offered reasonable income and employment opportunities to the keepers in the study area