Authors : C.A. Okezie and M.J. Bime
Abstract: The study was carried out to of determine the extent to which total weigh of broiler birds is explained by feed intake, mortality rate and floor space during the first four weeks, second four weeks and the eight weeks of rearing. Twenty-nine farms were purposively selected for the study. Relevant information in feed intake, feed price, mortality rate, floor space and price of live broiler were obtained. Data were collected from market surveys, farm records and direct measurements of weight and floor space using weighing balance and measuring tapes. Data analysis involved the use if descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares method. The linear models provided the lead equations for the first four and second four weeks of rearing while the double-log model provided the lead equation for the entire eight weeks of rearing. The variation explained 97, 92 and 98% of total variation in broiler weight gain during the first and second weeks and eight weeks of rearing respectively. Findings show that feed intake and floor space affected weight gain positively while mortality rate affected it negatively. The results further showed that the farms were not efficient in their production with regards to the amount of feed given to the broilers. The study recommends that, farms should increase the amount of feed given to broiler to maximize weight gain.
C.A. Okezie and M.J. Bime , 2006. Empirical Analysis of Broiler Production Function in Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 1: 28-31.