Layer Male Chicken Farming: Characteristics and Net Income in west Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: Layer male chicken is considered as an important source of income for the rural livelihoods or household incomes. This study was conducted to assess the characteristics and current net income of layer male chicken farming in West Lombok, Indonesia during the period from June to August 2022. Material and Methods:A total of 40 layer male farmers were visited and interviewed using structured questioner. Data were collected from individual growers involved in three different sizes of farm operations. Information relating to socio-economic, rearing practices, credit availability, marketing and emerging problems was collected. Results:The farming practices were almost similar to the intensive system of broiler production and offered new employment opportunities for young people with less education. No antibiotic use was reported in commercial diet fed the chickens. The average live weight at marketing age (between 30 to 40 days) was approximately from 366 to 442 g. The average mortality of chicks was 5, 3 and 3% for small, medium and large farms respectively. The price of live chickens in the local market was relatively steady. The average rearing was 9.7 batch/year. Net income per bird was IDR 4,172 (USD 0.288); IDR 2,655 (USD 0.183) and IDR 2,286 (USD 0.158) in small, medium and large farm respectively whilst benefit cost ratios of 1.86; 1.43 and 1.35 were for small, medium and large farms. In the retails chain in the local market, women had the advantages of dressed meat and fresh visceral parts for increasing their income.Conclusions: Layer male chicken in poultry production system resembled the broiler production system. The market price was steadier than broilers.