December 20, 2012
Zambia''s high feed price affects poultry sector
The increase in stock feed price will give a negative impact on the overall performance of the poultry industry value chain as stated by the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ).
PAZ has also dismissed recent reports by some media houses that there is under-production of chicks from the poultry industry. PAZ executive manager Mathew Ngosa said the price of soy has been the biggest challenge causing an increase of stock feed.
Ngosa said the increase in stock feed prices may also severely affect small-scale producers resulting in a number of them dropping off. He said the country has excess hatching eggs but hatching space has become limited due to closure of most of the small hatcheries.
He added that the situation has forced major hatcheries to commit huge resources in expansion initiatives in order to fill the gap.
"Contrary to reports from various media houses on the shortage of chicks alleging that there is under-production of chicks, what is true is that the hatcheries were at capacity, hence cannot under-produce. There was no reduction in breeder flock size to necessitate an under-production because the breeders make money through the sale of day-old chicks," he said.
He said during the peak period, combined national production stood at 1,350,000 chicks per week from 1,035,000 early in the year, giving increased production of 30%.
He also said during the same period, production of day-old chicks on the Copperbelt was more than demand adding that excess was brought to Lusaka to mitigate the demand.