Project – The Influence of Poultry Feed Quality on Broiler Growth Performance: A Case Study of Selected Poultry Farms in Ogun State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Research Topic: The Influence of Poultry Feed Quality on Broiler Growth Performance: A Case Study of Selected Poultry Farms in Ogun State

1.1 Background to the Study

Poultry production is an important component of the livestock subsector of agriculture and contributes significantly to food security, employment generation, income improvement and economic development in Nigeria. Among the different categories of poultry birds, broiler chickens are particularly important because they are raised primarily for meat production and have the capacity to attain market weight within a relatively short production period. Broiler farming provides an important source of animal protein through the production of chicken meat, which is widely consumed by households, restaurants, hotels and other food service establishments. The expansion of poultry production has also created economic opportunities for farmers, feed manufacturers, veterinary service providers, marketers and other participants in the poultry value chain. However, the productivity and profitability of broiler farming depend on several factors, including the quality of day-old chicks, housing conditions, disease prevention, environmental management, feeding practices and the quality of feed supplied to the birds. Among these factors, poultry feed quality is particularly important because feed provides the nutrients required for body maintenance, muscle development, weight gain and overall health. The Cobb Broiler Management Guide (2022) explains that adequate nutrition is fundamental to achieving proper skeletal development, muscle deposition and efficient broiler production. Similarly, the National Research Council (1994) identifies energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals as essential nutritional components required to support poultry growth and production. These considerations establish feed quality as a major determinant of broiler growth performance and the overall success of commercial poultry farming.

Poultry feed quality refers to the nutritional composition, physical characteristics, digestibility, safety and overall suitability of feed for meeting the nutritional requirements of poultry birds at different stages of growth. Quality broiler feed must contain appropriate levels of metabolizable energy, crude protein, essential amino acids, fats, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients required for healthy development. These nutrients perform different but complementary functions in the body of broiler chickens. Protein and amino acids are essential for muscle formation, tissue repair and feather development, while energy supplies the fuel required for metabolic activities and body weight gain. Vitamins and minerals support bone development, immune function, enzyme activities and other physiological processes. An imbalance or deficiency in any of these nutritional components can affect feed utilisation, growth rate and the general performance of broiler chickens. The National Research Council (1994) explains that broiler nutrient requirements vary according to age and physiological development, making it necessary to provide appropriately formulated diets at different production stages. The Merck Veterinary Manual (2024) also provides different nutritional specifications for broilers at the starter, grower and finisher stages, demonstrating that nutrient requirements change as birds mature. Consequently, poultry feed quality should be assessed not merely by its physical appearance or market price but by its ability to supply balanced and adequate nutrients for the specific growth requirements of broiler chickens.

The nutritional requirements of broiler chickens are commonly addressed through different feeding phases, particularly starter and finisher feeding programmes. Starter feed is supplied during the early stage of production when chicks require concentrated nutrients to support rapid development of their skeletal structure, digestive system, muscles and other body tissues. During this period, inadequate nutrient intake can negatively affect early growth and subsequently influence the final market weight of the birds. Finisher feed, on the other hand, is designed to support continued weight gain, muscle development and efficient conversion of feed into body mass as the birds approach market age. The transition between these feeding stages must be properly managed to ensure that the birds receive the nutrients required at each stage of development. The Cobb Broiler Management Guide (2022) emphasises that broiler diets should be formulated according to the birds’ age, production objectives, expected market weight and nutritional requirements. Furthermore, the National Research Council (1994) establishes different nutrient requirements for broilers according to their stages of development. This indicates that the quality and appropriateness of feed supplied throughout the production cycle are important considerations in achieving desirable growth performance. Therefore, poultry farmers must ensure that the feed used during the starter and finisher phases is nutritionally balanced and suitable for the age and production requirements of their birds.

The quality of poultry feed also influences important growth performance indicators such as feed intake, average daily weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratio. Feed intake measures the quantity of feed consumed by the birds, while weight gain reflects the increase in body mass over a specified period. Feed conversion ratio measures the quantity of feed required to produce a unit of body weight gain and is commonly used to evaluate the efficiency of broiler production. A lower feed conversion ratio generally indicates better feed utilisation, provided that the birds achieve satisfactory growth and health outcomes. When broiler feed contains adequate energy, protein and essential amino acids, birds are more likely to utilise the nutrients effectively for muscle development and weight gain. However, nutritionally deficient or poorly balanced feed may increase feed consumption without producing corresponding improvements in body weight. Onibi, Owoyemi and Akinyemi (1999), in their study on diets and dietary ingredient selection by broiler chickens, demonstrated that reductions in feed quality were associated with poorer growth performance and highlighted the importance of balanced diets in broiler production. Similarly, Uchegbu, Igbokwe, Omede, Ekwuagana, Okoli and Esonu (2009), in their evaluation of commercial broiler finisher rations sold in Nigeria, found differences in the performance of broilers fed different commercial feed brands, with some diets producing better daily weight gain than others. These findings demonstrate that feed quality is closely associated with the efficiency of feed utilisation and the growth performance of broiler chickens.

Another important consideration in poultry feed quality is the quality of raw materials used in feed formulation and manufacturing. Common ingredients used in broiler feed production include maize, soybean meal, groundnut cake, fish meal, wheat offal, vegetable oil, bone meal, limestone, vitamins and mineral premixes. The nutritional value of the finished feed depends largely on the quality, freshness, digestibility and appropriate combination of these ingredients. Poor-quality raw materials, contamination, adulteration, improper storage and inadequate processing may reduce the nutritional value and safety of poultry feed. In addition, inappropriate ingredient substitution or the use of insufficient quantities of protein-rich materials may result in diets that fail to meet the nutritional requirements of broiler chickens. Ndams, Dare and Jantiku (2023), in their laboratory evaluation of four commercial broiler starter diets sold in Kaduna metropolis, reported significant differences in crude protein and metabolizable energy among the feed samples examined. Their findings demonstrated that commercially available feeds may differ considerably in nutritional composition despite being marketed for the same production purpose. Similarly, Bello, Jemiseye, Adebiyi, Adeleke, Olanrewaju and Ogunwole (2022), in their assessment of commercial broiler finisher feeds in Ibadan, Nigeria, found substantial variations in crude protein, crude fibre and amino acid composition, with some samples failing to meet the stipulated nutritional requirements. These studies establish the importance of proper raw material selection, feed formulation and quality control in ensuring that broiler chickens receive nutritionally adequate feed.

In Nigeria, the issue of poultry feed quality is particularly important because feed constitutes a major component of the total cost of broiler production. Poultry farmers frequently face increasing prices of maize, soybean meal, fish meal and other essential feed ingredients, which may affect their ability to purchase quality commercial feed or formulate balanced diets independently. The high cost of production inputs may encourage some farmers to purchase cheaper feed products without adequately considering their nutritional composition and suitability for broiler growth. In some situations, feed manufacturers may also modify ingredient proportions to reduce production costs, potentially affecting the nutrient balance of the finished products. Such practices can have implications for feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and the profitability of broiler farming. Fakoya, Banmeke, Sodiya and Fapojuwo, in their study of constraints to increased poultry production in Ogun State, identified high feed costs as one of the serious challenges confronting poultry farmers. Furthermore, Onibi et al. (1999) established that cheaper feed does not necessarily guarantee better production performance or higher economic returns. The relationship between feed cost and nutritional quality therefore presents an important concern for poultry farmers, who must balance the need to reduce production expenses with the requirement to provide adequate nutrition for their birds. This makes the evaluation of poultry feed quality particularly relevant to the sustainability and profitability of broiler farming in Nigeria.

Ogun State is one of the important agricultural and livestock-producing states in southwestern Nigeria, with poultry farming serving as an economic activity for both small-scale and commercial farmers. The state’s proximity to major urban markets, particularly Lagos, provides opportunities for the marketing and distribution of poultry products, including broiler chickens and eggs. Poultry farming in the state contributes to employment, household income, food supply and the development of related agricultural businesses. However, broiler farmers in Ogun State operate within an environment where feed prices, access to quality ingredients, commercial feed availability and production costs can influence their farming decisions. The study by Fakoya et al. on poultry production constraints in Ogun State identified high feed costs, limited access to credit and expensive production equipment among the major challenges experienced by poultry farmers. In addition, the Babcock University research record on the impact of commercial feeds on broiler performance in Ogun State reported variations in crude protein, metabolizable energy, fat and fibre levels among different commercial feed brands, with corresponding differences in broiler live weight. These findings indicate that feed quality is a relevant concern within the state’s poultry production environment. Consequently, investigating the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance in selected poultry farms in Ogun State is important for understanding how feed composition, nutritional adequacy and feeding practices contribute to the performance of broiler chickens.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Broiler production in Nigeria continues to face challenges associated with the high cost and inconsistent quality of poultry feed. Feed is one of the most important inputs in broiler farming because it supplies the nutrients required for body maintenance, muscle development, weight gain and general health. However, many poultry farmers experience difficulties in obtaining commercially available feed that consistently meets the nutritional requirements of their birds. Variations in the quality of feed ingredients, inadequate nutrient formulation, poor processing and the use of substandard raw materials may result in feed products with insufficient levels of essential nutrients. When broiler chickens consume nutritionally inadequate feed, their growth may be affected through reduced weight gain, poor feed utilisation, delayed attainment of market weight and increased production costs. Ndams et al. (2023) identified significant differences in the crude protein and metabolizable energy contents of commercial broiler starter feeds sold in Kaduna metropolis. Similarly, Bello et al. (2022) found substantial variations in the proximate and amino acid composition of commercial broiler finisher feeds sampled in Ibadan, with some products failing to satisfy established nutritional standards. These findings raise concerns about the consistency of commercial poultry feed quality and its implications for broiler growth performance.

Another problem confronting broiler farmers is the increasing cost of quality poultry feed and the possibility of compromising nutritional standards in an attempt to reduce production expenses. The prices of major feed ingredients, including maize, soybean meal, groundnut cake and fish meal, influence the cost of manufacturing commercial poultry feed. As production costs increase, some farmers may resort to cheaper feed brands or alternative feeding arrangements without adequately considering their nutritional suitability. Similarly, feed manufacturers may be under pressure to reduce production expenses, potentially affecting the nutritional composition of their products. Such situations may result in poor feed conversion, inadequate weight gain and reduced profitability. Fakoya et al. identified high feed costs as one of the major constraints confronting poultry farmers in Ogun State, alongside limited access to credit and expensive production equipment. Onibi et al. (1999) also demonstrated that differences in feed quality influenced broiler growth performance and that cheaper feed did not necessarily produce better economic outcomes. This situation creates a serious challenge for poultry farmers who must maintain affordable production costs while ensuring that their birds receive nutritionally balanced feed.

Furthermore, the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance is not limited to the cost or brand of feed purchased but also involves its nutritional composition, digestibility, physical form and suitability for the birds’ stage of development. Broiler chickens require appropriate quantities of energy, protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals for efficient growth. Inadequate levels of these nutrients may affect feed intake, body weight gain, skeletal development and feed conversion efficiency. In addition, the use of unsuitable feed during the starter or finisher stage may prevent birds from achieving their expected production potential. Uchegbu et al. (2009) found differences in the growth performance of broilers fed different commercial finisher rations in Nigeria, demonstrating that the nutritional quality of feed brands can influence daily weight gain. Bello et al. (2022) also identified substantial variations in the nutritional composition of commercial finisher feeds in Ibadan. These findings indicate that the nutritional adequacy of poultry feed remains an important issue requiring investigation, particularly regarding its relationship with the growth performance of broiler chickens under practical farm conditions.

In Ogun State, although poultry farming contributes to employment, income generation and meat supply, there is a need for further investigation into how the quality of poultry feed influences the growth performance of broiler chickens across selected poultry farms. Existing studies have identified high feed costs and variations in commercial feed composition as important concerns, but farmers may experience different production outcomes depending on the feed brands used, nutritional composition, feeding schedules, storage practices and management conditions. The Babcock University research record on commercial feeds in Ogun State reported differences in nutrient composition and broiler live-weight performance across the feed brands investigated. Similarly, Fakoya et al. identified feed costs as a significant constraint to poultry production in the state. However, there remains a need to establish the relationship between feed quality and specific broiler growth indicators, including feed intake, average daily weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratio in selected poultry farms. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance in selected poultry farms in Ogun State, with particular attention to nutritional composition, feed utilisation, growth outcomes and the challenges associated with obtaining and using quality poultry feed.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance in selected poultry farms in Ogun State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the nutritional composition and quality of poultry feed used in selected broiler farms in Ogun State.

2. Assess the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance in terms of feed intake, average daily weight gain and final body weight.

3. Determine the relationship between poultry feed quality and feed conversion ratio among broiler chickens in the selected farms.

4. Identify the challenges affecting poultry farmers’ access to and utilisation of quality poultry feed and suggest measures for improving broiler feeding practices.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions are formulated to guide the study:

1. What are the nutritional composition and quality characteristics of poultry feed used in selected broiler farms in Ogun State?

2. How does poultry feed quality influence broiler growth performance in terms of feed intake, average daily weight gain and final body weight?

3. What is the relationship between poultry feed quality and feed conversion ratio among broiler chickens in the selected farms?

4. What are the challenges affecting poultry farmers’ access to and utilisation of quality poultry feed, and what measures can improve broiler feeding practices?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis is formulated for the study:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between poultry feed quality and broiler growth performance in selected poultry farms in Ogun State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it will provide useful information on the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance. The findings will be beneficial to the following groups:

Poultry Farmers: The study will help poultry farmers understand the importance of feed quality in achieving improved broiler growth and production efficiency. It will provide information on the nutritional characteristics of poultry feed and how feed composition influences feed intake, weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratio. The findings may also assist farmers in making informed decisions when purchasing commercial feed or formulating their own feed.

Feed Manufacturers: The study will provide useful information to poultry feed manufacturers regarding the importance of maintaining appropriate nutritional standards in commercial feed production. It may encourage manufacturers to improve the selection of raw materials, feed formulation, processing methods and quality control measures to ensure that their products meet the nutritional requirements of broiler chickens.

Agricultural Extension Officers: The findings will assist agricultural extension officers in educating poultry farmers on appropriate feeding practices, nutritional requirements and the importance of using quality feed during different stages of broiler production. It may also help them promote better feed management practices among poultry farmers.

Government and Agricultural Policymakers: The study will provide relevant information to the Ogun State Government, Federal Government and agricultural regulatory institutions on the challenges associated with poultry feed quality. It may assist policymakers in strengthening feed quality regulations, encouraging local production of quality feed ingredients and developing interventions that support affordable poultry feed production.

Veterinary and Animal Production Professionals: The study will provide useful information to veterinarians, animal scientists and poultry production specialists regarding the relationship between nutritional quality and broiler growth performance. It may support professional recommendations on appropriate feeding programmes, nutrient requirements and improved poultry management practices.

Researchers and Students: The study will serve as reference material for students, researchers and scholars interested in animal science, poultry production, animal nutrition and livestock management. It will also contribute to existing academic literature on the relationship between poultry feed quality and broiler growth performance in Nigeria.

Consumers and the General Public: The study may indirectly benefit consumers through improved broiler production, increased availability of chicken meat and potentially more efficient poultry production systems. Improved feeding practices may also support the production of healthy birds and contribute to food security.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the influence of poultry feed quality on broiler growth performance, using selected poultry farms in Ogun State as a case study.

Geographically, the study will be restricted to selected poultry farms in Ogun State, Nigeria. The specific farms will be determined based on the researcher’s selected study locations and accessibility to respondents.

In terms of content, the study will examine the nutritional composition and quality of poultry feed, the influence of feed quality on broiler growth performance, the relationship between feed quality and feed conversion ratio, and the challenges affecting farmers’ access to and utilisation of quality poultry feed.

The study will consider important nutritional components of poultry feed, including crude protein, metabolizable energy, crude fibre, fat, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Broiler growth performance will be assessed using indicators such as feed intake, average daily weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratio.

The study will also consider feeding practices during the starter and finisher stages, as well as factors affecting feed quality, including raw material selection, feed formulation, processing, storage and handling.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Poultry: Poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for agricultural and commercial purposes, particularly for meat and egg production. Examples include chickens, turkeys, ducks and guinea fowls.

Broiler: A broiler is a type of chicken raised primarily for meat production because of its ability to grow rapidly and attain market weight within a relatively short period.

Poultry Feed: Poultry feed refers to the formulated food provided to domesticated birds to supply the nutrients required for growth, development, maintenance and production.

Feed Quality: Feed quality refers to the nutritional composition, digestibility, physical characteristics, safety and overall suitability of feed in meeting the nutritional requirements of poultry birds.

Broiler Growth Performance: Broiler growth performance refers to the rate and efficiency at which broiler chickens develop, measured through indicators such as feed intake, body weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratio.

Feed Intake: Feed intake refers to the quantity of feed consumed by broiler chickens over a specified period.

Weight Gain: Weight gain refers to the increase in the body weight of broiler chickens over a given period as a result of growth and nutrient utilisation.

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Feed conversion ratio refers to the quantity of feed consumed by broiler chickens relative to the weight gained during a specified production period. It is commonly used to measure feed utilisation efficiency.

Crude Protein: Crude protein refers to the estimated protein content of poultry feed, determined from its nitrogen content. It provides amino acids required for muscle development, tissue formation and other physiological functions.

Metabolizable Energy: Metabolizable energy refers to the portion of energy in poultry feed available to the bird after accounting for energy losses through faeces, urine and other excretory processes.

Starter Feed: Starter feed refers to the specially formulated diet provided to young broiler chicks during the early stage of growth to support rapid development.

Finisher Feed: Finisher feed refers to the diet provided to broiler chickens during the later stage of production to support continued weight gain and preparation for marketing.

Feed Formulation: Feed formulation refers to the process of combining different feed ingredients in appropriate proportions to produce a nutritionally balanced diet that meets the requirements of poultry birds.

Project – The Influence of Poultry Feed Quality on Broiler Growth Performance: A Case Study of Selected Poultry Farms in Ogun State.