Production parameters and profitability of the Egyptian household poultry sector: a survey

Abstract

Poultry production has experienced tremendous change in Egypt in the last three decades. Small-scale family poultry production, otherwise termed household poultry, was part of this transformation but to date no concise description has been made of Egyptian household poultry. In this report, this is described using surveys and reviews. Inputs and outputs of this production system were evaluated and the profitability of the household poultry was estimated. Household poultry contribute immensely to food security in Egypt; providing income for individual families. A mean flock size of 73 (mixed breeds) was determined and this yielded a net annual profit of 2287.67LE (US$397.34) per annum. The important household poultry diseases are principally viral and bacterial. While Egyptian household poultry are similar to others in Africa in terms of multi-species flocks, women-driven projects, labour and marketing structures, it differs in input systems, hatchery method, disease management, and other indices. Suggestions for improvement of this sector of the poultry industry are offered.

Keywords::

• Egypt
• household
• management
• production
• biosecurity
• diseases

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the whole hearted cooperation received from Chief Veterinary Officer, Prof. Dr Mohammed ElGarhy and Governorate Agricultural authorities in Menoufia, Qalyubia and Gharbia in conducting the study. We are also thankful to the districts/village veterinarians who considerably assisted in field data collections. This project was sponsored as part of the ECTAD, FAO, Egypt Strengthening Avian Influenza Detection and Response (SAIDR) project. The lead author (FASINA, Folorunso Oludayo) was sponsored by the IFAD/FAO/INFPD Associate Poultry Adviser (APA) 2010 program/international consultant (GCP/INT/197/IFA).

Notes

¹ At the time this analysis was carried out 1 USD = 5.7575 Egyptian pound (LE)