Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part A (2023)

Author(s): Balentino Deng Wol, Thomas Kainga Muasya and Alexander Kiguzu Kahi

Abstract: The profitability of indigenous chickens (IC) reared in different production systems in South Sudan was evaluated using a bio-economic model. Three production systems considered were free-range system (FRS), where chickens foraged for feed through scavenging without any form of supplementation; intensive system (IS), in which chickens were housed and fed with limited feeds and healthcare; and semi-intensive system (SIS), where chickens were confined but allowed to scavage within runs where supplementary rationed feeds were provided. The revenues in South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) came from sells of eggs not selected for incubation, surplus growers not retained for flock replacement and culled birds. The costs accrued from brooding of chicks, feeding, labour, veterinary services and marketing. The total costs and revenues were SSP 19437.0 and SSP 22322.9 for FRS, SSP 123462.5 and SSP 33239.59 for SIS and SSP 163916.5 and SSP 59,059.4 for IS, giving profits of SSP 2885.9, SSP -90222 and SSP -104857.1, respectively. The results indicated that utilisation of IC under FRS is more profitable when compared to SIS and IS of production.