• DETERMINATION OF COMMERCIAL BROILER AGE OF SLAUGHTER BASED ON FEED CONVERSION EFFICIENCY AND RETURN PER DOLLAR INVESTED

Abstract

Broiler production is increasingly becoming popular among small and large producers in Zimbabwe. Costs of production are a hindrance to increased production which has caused production to stagger below a national market demand of 3000 tonnes per month. Poultry sector viability challenge calls for a need to establish the age at which production maximizes both return per dollar and feed conversion efficiency. The study aimed at establishing the age at which production maximizes both the return per dollar and feed conversion efficiency. The gross margin was used as an analytical tool. The observation found out that the return per dollar and feed conversion efficiency maximises at 35 days, and beyond that both parameters decrease with broiler age of slaughter. Carcasses of over one kilogram are achieved at a cost to the producer.