Production performance and profitability analysis of small scale layer projects supported through CASP in Germiston Region, Gauteng Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive survey to study production performance, profitability and constraints of small scale layer projects funded through CASP in Germiston Region, Gauteng Province. Data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire from 26 small scale layer producers using purposive sampling technique. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as extent of mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and correlation analysis. Gross margin analysis was used to determine the profitability. The constraints were analysed using the Likert scale technique. The result of the study reveals that the average flock size kept by farmers was 587 layers and mortality rate was 4%. Hen-day egg production on average was 80%. High cost of feed, access to funding and cost of pullets were amongst constraints associated with egg production in the study area. The total revenue, total variable cost and gross margin were R265.37, R342.98 and R77.61, respectively per bird. In conclusion it was found that egg production was profitable in the study area. The study recommended that farmers should be assisted with economic unit structures and supporting structure should be in place for technical advices through agricultural extension.

Comparative Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Fertility and Hatchability of Guinea Fowl with Tilili, Horro and Potchefstroom Koekoek Chicken Breeds

“…Fisseha et al [18] reported that the average age of local pullets at first laying kept under scavenging system was 5.74 and 7.07 months for Bure and Dale districts of Ethiopia, respectively, values obviously much higher than the current study. According to Maoba [19], a hen normally starts egg production at around 20 -21 weeks of age and continues to lay for 52 weeks on average, which appears to be consistent with the current result. Sexual maturity of birds is apparently impacted by feed quality, daylight hours, management practices, and genotypes, which might be the reason for differences in point of lay observed among studies.…”

Growth, survival and egg production of exotic chicken breeds under small scale production system in Bahir Dar City Administration, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

“…The present study indicated that egg production was a profitable business in spite of some constraints facing their production. Maoba (2016) reported similar results on small-scale chicken farms in Germiston Region, Gauteng Province.…”

A Stepwise Analysis of Production Returns and Cost Distribution for Chinese Cabbage Produced Under Irrigation in South Africa

“…In that case, fixed costs are overlooked to avoid repetition, while focus is placed on the variable costs, as they have a direct influence on the outcome (Kirway et al, 2003). Gross margin analysis is suitable for this study as it has been successfully utilised by several authors in determining profitability of enterprises (e.g., Kibirige et al, 2014;Maoba, 2016;Olujide & Oladele, 2007).…”