Characterization and constrains of semi-intensive broiler production system in rural sector of al-sharkia and el-qaliobia governorates, egypt

This study was carried out to assess the current status of broiler production under semi-intensive system in Egyptian rural sector. Forty three of semi-intensive broiler production system producers were chosen using random sampling method. The study revealed that the flock size in the semi-intensive broiler production system ranged from 2000-3000 with average 2393 chicks. Interestingly, males were the only owner of flocks for the whole system. However, the majority of the producers (65.12%) had free jobs and 58.14% had attained high education level. For both producers were used commercial strains. Clearly, the producers used commercial rations represent 72.09%, while the other 27.91% used homemade (manual) rations. In general, the results indicated that there were insignificant differences detected in total feed intake/chick between the two governorates. The major constrains found in the studied areas, in order of their importance, were lack of access to formal credit, unavailability of feed, high cost of chick price, lack of quality feeds, high feeding cost, lack of training labours, diseases, lack of marketing information, high production elements cost and lack of veterinary services. Therefore, to improve semi-intensive broiler production system in Egypt, the experts from the government, research institutes, universities, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other relevant sectors need to work in a collaborative manner in order to allow sustainable production and fight challenges jointly whenever they arise.