Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks: Why It’s Not Worth the Effort

Discover why raising broilers longer than 6 weeks is not profitable. Learn about the impacts on growth rates, feed costs, and market saturation.

Raising broilers for more than 6 weeks, or 42 days, might seem like a good idea to boost their weight and profitability. However, in reality, this approach can be a significant waste of resources. In this post, we’ll delve into why extending the broiler rearing period beyond 6 weeks is not a profitable strategy and how it impacts your poultry farming business.

Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks: Why It's Not Worth the Effort
Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks: Why It’s Not Worth the Effort

The Costs of Raising Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks

Understanding Broiler Growth and Maintenance

When broilers are raised for longer than 6 weeks, the growth pattern shifts from rapid growth to maintenance. Initially, broilers experience a period of impressive growth, where they gain weight quickly and efficiently. However, after the first 6 weeks, their growth rate slows down, and they enter a maintenance phase. During this time, the broilers require more feed but gain minimal additional weight.

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In our recent experience, we brought in 600 broilers from Saeed Hatchery with the intent of raising them for the Christmas and New Year markets. By December 22nd, these broilers had reached the 42-day mark, but we were only able to sell about half of them. The remaining broilers, which had been kept beyond 6 weeks, showed little additional weight gain and became a financial burden.

The Costs of Raising Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks
The Costs of Raising Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks

Why Extending the Rearing Period is Ineffective

Raising broilers beyond 6 weeks is often pursued with the hope of increasing their weight, but this strategy proves ineffective for several reasons:

  1. Diminished Growth Rate: After 6 weeks, the average daily gain of broilers decreases significantly. For instance, broilers that were expected to reach an average weight of 3.2 kg by the 42nd day showed minimal additional weight gain when kept longer.
  2. Increased Feed Costs: As broilers enter the maintenance phase, they consume more feed without corresponding growth. This results in higher feed costs with little to no increase in weight, thereby reducing profitability.
  3. Market Saturation: During peak seasons like Christmas, the market is flooded with broilers. For example, in our case, the market had more broilers than buyers, making it challenging to sell all the birds. This oversupply further diminishes the profitability of keeping broilers for extended periods.

Practical Insights from the Broiler Market

To illustrate the impact of extending the rearing period, consider the following scenario: If a farmer raises broilers for over 6 weeks, they might observe that the birds are not significantly larger in weight compared to those raised for the standard period. The increased size is often not enough to justify the additional feed costs and maintenance expenses.

Analyzing broiler performance data reveals that broilers raised for 6 weeks typically reach a weight of 2.8 kg
Analyzing broiler performance data reveals that broilers raised for 6 weeks typically reach a weight of 2.8 kg

Broiler Performance Data

Analyzing broiler performance data reveals that broilers raised for 6 weeks typically reach a weight of 2.8 kg, with an average daily gain of around 93.86 grams. Extending their rearing period to 7 weeks results in a decrease in daily gain, making it a poor investment.

Alternative Approaches for Successful Broiler Farming

Instead of raising broilers for more than 6 weeks, consider these alternative strategies:

  1. Optimize Feed Efficiency: Use high-protein starter feeds to maximize growth during the first 6 weeks.
  2. Monitor Growth Regularly: Regularly track broiler weight and growth to ensure they are meeting performance targets.
  3. Market Timing: Plan your rearing schedule to align with market demand to avoid oversupply and unsold stock.
Final Thoughts on Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks
Final Thoughts on Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks

Final Thoughts on Broilers Longer Than 6 Weeks

In summary, raising broilers for more than 6 weeks is generally not advisable for commercial poultry farmers. The primary reasons include diminished growth rates, increased feed costs, and market saturation. By focusing on optimizing growth during the first 6 weeks and managing feed efficiency, you can improve profitability and avoid the pitfalls of extended rearing periods.

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Additional Resources for Farmers in Namibia

The National Association of Horticulture Producers (Nahop) offers training for small-scale farmers across Namibia. Additionally, the Namibian Agronomic Board provides valuable resources and guidelines, which you can access by visiting their website.

If you have more questions, look through our blog for answers!