2014 E.C. (2021-22 G.C.) has been a rather rough year for those engaged in poultry farming, a newsletter by Precise Consult shows. The main culprit was identified to be the shooting price of poultry feed, of which maize is a primary component and is perhaps key to overcoming the problem.
Poultry feed is made up of 65-70% maize, 25-30% soybean, 3% premix (vitamins and minerals), and other ingredients such as limestone, wheat bran, and other protein cakes. Feed costs account for 70% of poultry production, and these prices are determined by the cost of the necessary raw materials.
The newsletter reveals that 100 kg of poultry feed has gone from around Br.1100 in April 2021 to about Br. 5000 in April 2022, an astounding fourfold rise. This among other minor reasons has resulted in over 15 poultry farms halting their operations, according to the Ethiopian Poultry Producer and Processors Association (EPPPA). Furthermore, the rise in feed prices has pushed up the cost of eggs and chickens. During Easter 2022, the price of chicken increased by 82% over the previous year, while egg prices increased by 50%.
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