It is obvious that when considering starting up a poultry farm, you may have to ask yourself the question, “Which is better...a layer farm or a broiler farm?”

Well, the answer is: it depends.

On what exactly?

Let’s say:

·         experience

·         demand

·         supplies

…and much more.

But if I were to put my last pesewas on it,

I’d consider layer farming to have some very distinct advantages over broiler farming.

Wait a minute, before you start to argue on this;

Hear me out…with layer farming, there are:

·         Consistent cash flow

·         No processing

·         Less cost in house cleaning

·         Income from spent or old birds

·         Easy delivery mode

1.      CONSISTENT CASH FLOW

What exactly do you want me to understand here?

Listen, what I want you to get is that;

Layer birds lay once per day, on average. So, by nature, you have an advantage in that your layer farm will produce a marketable product - EVERY day. You get it, now.

 

2.      NO PROCESSING

Meat needs processing.

Eggs at most require cleaning, grading and packaging

This is nowhere near as intensive as broiler meat processing. Very time tedious and time-consuming.

If you want to go the advanced way, then you will have to purchase processing lines – that’s not small money.

As a beginner, if your pockets are deep, go for it; but if not, abeg, stay low and do what una help you oooo…

3.      EASY DELIVERY MODE

Eggs require nothing more than trays/boxes for transporting to customers.

Broiler meat requires refrigeration on the way to delivery.

And if you are using a 3rd party (i.e. someone else) processor/slaughterhouse,

Then getting live birds to their lairage also requires cost: And this cost will include:

·         Catching

·         Transporting

·         Slaughtering

·         Evisceration etc.

I can see you shaking your head.

You want to tell me you and your boys will just kill them and defeather and supply, so no cost. I get it.

That’s okay Chairman, but how many can you do a day if 2000 or more order is placed?

You don’t want to go national or international, abi?

If your mind is within your area, then ayeekooo to you!!!

 But then if you want to catch the bigger market, then go for lines.

Of course, that is capital intensive, but it is efficient and hygienic.

Eggs on the other hand don’t require anything so complex other than packaging and labelling.

No vehicle modification.

No slaughter/ evisceration.

Very easy to deliver.

But you must also be careful not to make them crack or break before you reach your customer. That can damage your brand. 

4.      HOUSE CLEANING COST IS LOW

With layer farming, you’d accommodate the same flock for 70 or 72 weeks.

Deep cleaning only once, in between batches.

In the same period of time, an equivalent broiler farmer would have done more than 10x deep cleaning and the costs are uphill.

Here in Ghana, you may be thinking, Oh what cost?

You are using water and detergents as well as disinfectants. Are they for FREE?

You will buy and pay water bills.

Cost the time spent as well.

5.      INCOME FROM SPENT LAYERS

At the end of their egg-laying period, layer hens become unprofitable.

At such a time they can be culled and sold out.

Let’s say you have 2000 spent layers to be sold at Ghs50 minimum.

That is about Ghs100,000, right? This is besides all the revenues you raked in through egg sales.

This sounds good…. Isn’t it?

 

THE BOTTOM LINE…

Layer and broiler farming are twinned towns in the Agri-sector. They share similarities, but their differences cannot be overlooked either.

Layer farming has distinct business model advantages that might better suit your expectations as compared to broiler farming.

Consider the business profile of each model of poultry farming and settle on what works best toward achieving your goals.

Don’t be moved by impulses.

Don’t be swayed by the outer looks of other farmers, delve deeper into what makes them successful.

You can go on an attachment for a week or two, or better still a month; just understand what works and doesn’t work.

Take your time and research everything concerning the niche you want to engage in.

And now, I’d like to hear from you:

Are you a former broiler farmer who is looking to switch codes?

Are you new to poultry and want to tread carefully in decision-making?

In conclusion, both layer and broiler farming have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Layer farming is more consistent in terms of income and has a longer production cycle, while broiler farming has a shorter production cycle and generally yields a higher profit margin. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, resources, and market demand. It's important to thoroughly research and consider all factors before making a decision. With the right planning and management, either one can be a profitable venture.