Poultry meat and hatching egg production in Kuwait: a regional report

Abstract

Poultry meat consumption in Kuwait has increased rapidly over the past 15 years. The objective of this report is to examine and explain the development of the Kuwait poultry during this period with a special focus on the reasons for the recent rapid expansion of the broiler breeder industry.

In 2011, 39,396 tonnes of poultry meat were produced in Kuwait with a value of $56.1 million, but this accounted for only 20% of the total poultry meat consumption (97.5 kg/person). The Kuwait poultry industry is economically competitive with imported poultry meat, but expansion is limited because of the availability of suitable land and water resources. Poultry companies therefore increase revenue by producing a higher proportion of higher value products (fresh/chilled meat, further processed chicken products and live bird sales). The industry now provides almost all its requirements for broiler chicken hatching eggs, but production efficiency is reduced in the late summer months when combinations of high temperatures and humidity give extreme climatic conditions. There is a need for research to improve production efficiency and training and education of staff to ensure a continued skill base for the industry.

Keywords::

• poultry meat
• hatching eggs
• Kuwait