COMMERCIAL FEED AVAILABILITY AS A FACTOR IN POULTRY (CHICKEN) PRODUCTION IN SEKYERE WEST DISTRICT, ASHANTI REGION, GHANA

ABSTRACT Commercial feed availability is essential in areas where poultry (chicken) farmers practice intensive production. A study was thus undertaken in the Sekyere West District (SWD) of Ashanti Region to determine the availability of commercial feed as a factor in chicken production. The study also assessed patronage of Agricare feed in Mampong, SWD, covering a period of 3 years (2004-2006). A census survey, involving 62 active chicken farmers and the feed supply agent in the district, was conducted using interview schedules in 2007. The availability and use of commercial feed, farmers’ preferences, benefits derived, challenges and possible solutions were studied. Statistical product for service solutions (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Chicken production was found to be a primary occupation for 64% of the farmers studied. Availability of Agricare feed in Mampong was confirmed by 95.00% farmers. Though 93% farmers were literate, 27.42% of them were untrained in feed formulation and 88.71% preferred commercial feeds. Farmers were satisfied with the feed quality and 15 (24.19%) became poultry farmers due to the establishment of the feed outlet at SWD. Availability of the feeds has helped 77.41% of the farmers to improve their bird productivity. Bird populations increased from 72,210 in 2004 to 100,360 in 2006 with marked increases in cockerel production. It was concluded that, availability of quality poultry feeds has a positive influence on production and is critical to farm expansion. It was recommended that ready availability of high quality and preferred types of commercial feeds coupled with financial support to farmers is a priority need to enhance development of the poultry industry in SWD of Ghana.