Profitability and Cost Analysis for Contract Broiler Production in Turkey

This study uses the data obtained from 63 broiler farms engaged in contract farming in Akhisar, Turkey. The average feed conversion ratio in the broiler farms is 1.75, the average live weight 2.25 kg, and the mean market age 38.9 days. The feed conversion rate and the income generated are highly correlated (r = -0.76). The production index is 313.4. According to this production index value, 47.6% of the enterprises are below the average production index. It is highest when the marketing age is greater than 38 days, less than and equal to 40. In other words, it is the optimum market age range where carcass yield is at maximum. The average mortality rate is 4.68%. In 52.4% of the enterprises, the mortality rate is above 5%. There is a low level of correlation between the mortality rate and income (r = -0.26). In broiler farming, mortality rate, and feed conversion ratio are factors that directly affect the success and income of the breeder. In broiler farming, the heating cost has the largest share of the total cost, followed by the litter cost. They are followed by labor, electricity, and pesticide costs. Variable costs account for three-quarters of the total operating costs. The farms have a mean gross value of production of $23.797 per m² and $1.400 per broiler in a breeding period. The profit margin is 0.572 $/kg per broiler. The mean enterprise net income in the breeding period is $9.197 per m² and $0.541 per broiler. These findings suggest that broiler farming is a profitable venture.