dyton mupawaenda
Tariro Stacey Gatsi
WITH winter fast setting in, poultry experts have urged farmers to prioritise the well-being of broiler chicks by providing proper bedding, curtains and lighting to ensure they achieve optimal growth and market returns.
Zimbabwe Poultry Association (ZPA) chairman Solomon Zawe yesterday told this publication that farmers must prioritise the wellbeing of their chicks to avoid premature deaths in winter.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of prioritising the welfare of broiler chicks during the winter season. Implementing good bedding management, canvas curtains and appropriate lighting is crucial for their survival and thriving.
“By so doing, farmers can create a comfortable environment that promotes healthy growth and reduces mortality rates. It is not just a moral obligation but it is also a key factor in the economic success of poultry farming,” added Mr Zawe.
He also added that there are enough chicks and eggs to meet local demand although farmers cannot produce for export markets owing to the high costs of production that end up eroding profits.
Meanwhile, there is an increasing demand for white meat as consumers become more health conscious, which has seen the production of day-old chicks in Zimbabwe increasing by 24 percent from 91, 6 million in 2021 to 113, 9 million in 2022, the second round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA – 2) report for the 2022/23 summer season has revealed.
The report that was released by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development recently highlighted that broiler chickens were in high demand due to their favourable market prices compared to other meat products.
“Broiler meat production increased by 34 percent from 143 500 million tonnes in 2021 to 191 813 million tonnes in 2022, the highest in recent years,” read the report.
The increase in production is a positive sign for the country’s poultry industry, indicating growth and potential for further development.
“Zimbabwe’s per capita broiler chick production increased by 22 percent from 10, 36 kilogrammes in 2021 to 13 in 2022,” reads part of the report.
Livestock and Meat Advisory Council of Zimbabwe (LMAC) administrator Dr Chrispen Sukume said the increase in day-old chicks’ production was due to the rising demand for meat in the country.
“To meet the growing demand for poultry meat, farmers in Zimbabwe have increased their production of day-old chicks,” he said.
Dr Sukume further explained that the country’s poultry industry was currently doing well with farmers increasing production of poultry products to meet the growing demand.
Online Reporter