24/11/2021
16.âThis will provide an indication of the number of chickens to produce, the frequency of delivery, and the type of product (live birds, freshly slaughtered, frozen or pieces) that customers require.
âThe market will also determine if your product will be reared in a deep-litter or free-range system.â
Chickens are dependent on the inside environment of the chicken house, and this is one cost that a farmer should never skimp on.
âA broiler house must be built with steel, concrete, bricks or insulated material, and insulated according to the local climate. This will ensure that the environment, especially the temperature and airflow inside the chicken house, can be controlled,â says Grobbelaar.
âA biosecurity programme should be designed to prevent poultry disease-causing organisms from entering the farm, as well as prevent the spread of disease on the farm itself. It should include fencing, controlled entrances and proper hygiene measures, such as showering in and out.â
The bottom line
The start-up cost of a broiler operation is about R200 000, depending on the area. This figure includes an EIA and turnkey insulated brick and steel house with curtain, perimeter fence and gate, pressure washer, feed store and ablution.
The estimated budget for one 35-day rearing cycle, including chicks, feed and slaughtering, is R180 000. The cost of overheads, including electricity, cleaning material and transport, is about R8 500, with staff salaries adding another R15 000.
With an estimated income of about R225 000 per cycle, margins are tight, and return on investment could take a number of years.