The cost of feeding 100 layers can vary based on market price fluctuations. Chicken farming is a very important sector of agriculture that plays a very significant role in reducing poverty, and food insecurity in our country, particularly in rural areas. However, chicken farming faces several challenges that hinder farmer’s profitability and long-term investments.
One of these primary challenges constraining the farmers is the high cost of poultry feed. As a result of this ever-increasing cost of poultry feeds, many farmers who have ventured into this industry without proper knowledge, and training in poultry farming particularly feeding have encountered huge losses.
In rural areas, many farmers lack the necessary knowledge and experience to care for their chickens properly. As a result, they often resort to outdated feeding practices, such as overfeeding or underfeeding their chicken. Another challenge they face is the lack of understanding of feed transition for their chickens from one stage of development to the next.
Farmers can greatly benefit from adopting effective farming strategies that optimize feed efficiency and reduce production costs. By implementing these strategies, farmers not only maximize their profits but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming industry.
Cost of feeding 100-layers.
Here are estimated feed costs for raising 100 layers, subject to market fluctuations and location variations.
To begin with an old chick.
CHICK MASH (COST OF FEEDING 100-LAYERS)
From 1 to 8 weeks. Feed your layer chick with Fugo chick, and duckling mash.
During this period each chick consumes approximately 2Kgs of Fugo chicks and duckling mash. In that case, 100-layer chicks will consume 2Kgs*100chicks = 200Kgs of Fugo and duckling mash. In other words, they consume;
200 kg/50kg = 4 bags of 50 Kg of Fugo chicks and duckling mash within this period.
The current cost of 50 kg Fugo chick and duckling mash is Ksh 4,290, therefore, a farmer will spend 4*4290 = 17,160 ksh.
GROWERS MASH
Once the chicks are 8 weeks old, you should gradually change the change them Fugo chick and duckling mash to Fugo growers mash. Feed your chicks with growers from 8 to 18 weeks. During this period, each chick consumes 7 kg of Fugo grower’s mash. Therefore, 100 chicks will consume; 7 Kg*100 chicks = 700 Kg. In other words, 1oo chicks will consume;
700 Kg/50K = 14 bags of Fugo growers mash.
The current price of Fugo growers’ mash is 6,000 ksh per 50 Kg bag. Therefore, a farmer will spend 14*6000 = 84,000 KSH.
LAYERS MASH
Finally, from week 18 onward, chickens start laying eggs. As a rule of thumb, you should introduce layers of mash when 5% of your chicken starts laying eggs. In other words, you should see;
5/100*(100) = 5 eggs from your 100 chickens before introducing layers mash.
At this stage, each chicken consumes approximately 140 g per day. So 100 chickens will consume;
(140*100)/1000 = 14 kg of layers mash per day. At this stage, each chicken feeds about 40 Kg of Fugo layers mash. So 100 chickens will feed on 100*40 kg = 4,000KG. In other words, 100 chickens will consume;
4,000KG/50Kg = 80 bags layers mash. The current price of 50 kg of Fugo layers mash is 3,720 KSH. Therefore, a farmer will spend; 8obags*3720 = 297,600 KSH.
In total you will spend; 17,160 + 84,000 + 297,600 = 398,760.
References
https://agrolearner.com/cost-of-rearing-100-layers-in-kenya/
