We know that in order to expand profits, the chicken farming industry is now almost using battery chicken cages to raise chickens. Whether it is a broiler or a layer, using battery chicken cages can double the production and income. However, which type of chicken brings higher returns? I believe this is also the doubt of many new chicken farmers who want to enter the chicken industry. However, there are many influencing factors on this issue.If you are interested, the following articles may help you.
Marketing of layer and broiler farming
First of all, we need to understand the needs of the market. Eggs are rich in nutritional value, no matter men, women, old or young, they are a must have food on almost every table. Most people eat at least one egg for breakfast every day. Compared with pork, beef, and mutton, chicken has the lowest price, and both the poor and the rich can afford it. At the same time, chicken is not affected by religious beliefs, and the consumer group covers a wide range. In addition, chicken breast has a high protein content, which is the protein most often consumed by fitness groups and fat reducing groups. Therefore, from the market point of view, the market prospects of eggs and chicken are relatively good.
Income of layer and broiler farming
Next, we will introduce from the perspective of the income of layers and broilers. It mainly includes three angles of income source, income cycle period and price.
Income source. Layers raised in layer battery cages are mainly for laying eggs. The genes of these chickens cause them to lay eggs frequently. They don’t accumulate a lot of weight, so they aren’t used to produce chicken meat.Chickens will be culled when they no longer produce eggs or produce fewer eggs.The culled layers can be sold as chicken meat, even if their price is lower than that of broilers, but still can increase part of the income. Broilers are chickens raised purely for meat production.Broiler farming is usually the only source of income.
Income cycle period. It takes about 60 days for layers to start laying eggs, and then enter the laying period. The laying period can last about one year to one and a half years, and the egg production of a layers is about 280-300 eggs a year. Broiler chickens are raised in battery cage for broilers from one day old and their DNA makes them grow very quickly. They can reach their maximum commercial weight within 6 to 8 weeks, and each broiler weighs about 3kg. When this batch of broilers is sold, a new batch of broilers can be raised in these battery chicken cages. So the production cycle period of the same batch of layers is much longer than that of broilers.
Regarding the price of eggs and chicken, the price of chicken is usually higher than that of eggs. However, the price of eggs is also rising now. And the situation in each region is different,it should be determined according to the specific conditions of the market.
Cost of layer and broiler farming
First, the initial start up cost. Broiler farms require less start up capital than layer farms. This is because the chicken raising equipment for layers and broilers is different. The first is battery chicken cages. Layer battery cages need to add egg trays, so their prices will be higher than battery cage for broilers. The second is egg collection equipment. Layer battery cage need to be equipped with egg collection equipment, but broilers do not. But there is one thing broilers need more than environmental control equipment. Broilers generate more heat than layers and therefore require more ventilation.
Second, the cost during breeding. Broilers need light, clean water, a chicken house, some immunizations and food for the first eight weeks of growth. Layers also require all of the above, but require more vaccinations and beak trimming. And feed still needs to be consumed in the 60 days before the layers start laying eggs. However, broiler chickens usually eat more than layers, and the daily food intake of broilers is nearly twice that of layers.
Third, other risks. For layers farming , the harvested eggs can be stored for a long time and can be sold at the right time. Broilers need to be sold in time after they are mature, otherwise they will continue to consume feed without bringing in profits. Of course , if you have a stable sales channel, this problem will be nothing to worry about.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the income of layer farming and broiler farming will be affected by many factors. I think it is difficult to compare which one is more profitable. What is presented in the article can be some of the factors you can use to measure your benefits, but you also need to consider your local realities. For example, whether local chickens are more suitable for laying eggs or producing meat, your financial budget, Is it possible to buy cheap and sufficient feed,whether you can buy high quality battery cages with favorable prices, etc. Although their income cannot be compared accurately, it is worth noting that both raising layer chickens and broiler chickens can bring great benefits to your business.
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