Advancing Efficiency Sustainability in Poultry Farms through Data Envelopment Analysis in a Brazilian Production...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Economics
• Animal Science
• Operations Research

Background:

• Production efficiency in broiler farming is traditionally measured by zootechnical performance.
• Integrating unit cost of production offers a more comprehensive evaluation of financial sustainability.
• Maximizing return on investment is crucial for the economic viability of poultry agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate broiler production efficiency, incorporating unit cost, to maximize return on investment.
• To identify key factors influencing production efficiency and financial sustainability in integrated poultry operations.
• To establish benchmarks for efficient management practices in the poultry sector.

Main Methods:

• Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed to assess efficiency.
• The Integrated Decision Support System (SIAD) software was used for computational processing.
• Variables included poultry housing, age at slaughter, feed consumed, mortality, and unit cost, with total available weight as the output.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 31 decision-making units (DMUs) revealed an efficiency frontier.
• Only two DMUs (DMU 4 and DMU 23) approached maximum relative efficiency.
• Unit cost was identified as a critical factor in assessing production efficiency and financial sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Unit cost significantly enhances the evaluation of production efficiency and financial sustainability in poultry farming.
• The study provides benchmarks for improving practices among less efficient broiler producers.
• Findings contribute to agricultural efficiency literature and offer practical insights for the poultry sector.