Alaegbu Michael 
Poultry farming is breeding different domestic birds, such as chickens, turkeys, emus, ducks, geese, and others, for either eggs or meat production purposes.
As a common practice in Nigeria, which has been for a very long time, the farming and agricultural systems can no longer function without it.
It’s no longer news that Nigerians love meat so much especially poultry meat and it is the third most consumed meat in Nigeria after goat and beef meat.
In Nigeria, poultry farming is one of the most profitable farming ventures to set up. This component of livestock farming offers one of the best chances for business owners to turn a quick profit and is important for the creation of jobs.
Nigerians consume poultry products on a regular basis due to the tremendous demand.
The recent ban on the importation of poultry products into Nigeria by the Buhari administration has increased local players’ participation in the fight against the aggressive imports of poultry products is an advantage for the poultry industry.
In addition, the government and commercial players should develop a number of incentives and actions to guarantee its sustainability.
Types of Poultry Farming
In Nigeria, we have a variety of objectives of farmers thereby creating numerous chicken breeds for different purposes which include; laying of eggs, meat-production, and dual-purpose breeds[Meat and Egg] which further can be divided for a broader view.
- Broiler Poultry Farming: This is a very popular form of poultry farming in Nigeria which involves the rearing of chickens for meat production only.
- Layer Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of chickens for egg production.
- Quail Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of quails for both egg and meat production.
- Turkey Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of turkeys for both egg and meat production.
- Duck Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of ducks for both egg and meat production.
- Guinea Fowl Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of guinea fowls for both egg and meat production.
- Emu Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of emus for their feathers, oil, and meat.
- Ostrich Poultry Farming: This involves the rearing of ostriches for their feathers, oil, and meat.
Things to Consider Before Setting Up a Poultry Farm In Nigeria
Establishing a poultry farming enterprise in Nigeria is a fantastic method to make money and advance the nation’s economy. Starting a poultry farming business in Nigeria entails a number of processes, including budgeting, picking a location, establishing the firm, obtaining the required licenses, finding a trustworthy supplier of chicken feed and chicks, building the poultry house, handling waste and etc…
- Choosing a Suitable Location: Select a suitable location for your poultry farming business. Consider factors such as proximity to markets, access to electricity and water, and the availability of resources.
- Registering Your Business: The next step is to register the poultry business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain the necessary permits and licenses from relevant government agencies.
- Obtaining Necessary Permits and Licenses: You will need to obtain permits and licenses from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, the Nigerian Egg Producers Association, and the National Animal Health and Production Research Institute.
- Sourcing for Poultry Feed and Chicks: You will need to find a reliable source of poultry feed and chicks. You can either buy from a hatchery or you can incubate your own.
- Construct the Poultry House: You will need to construct a poultry house that is suitable for the breed of chickens you are raising.
- Manage Waste: Proper waste management is essential to the success of your poultry business. You will need to install a waste management system that keeps the environment clean and healthy.
- Marketing: You will need to create a marketing plan to attract customers and make sales. This may include advertising in local newspapers, using social media, participating in events and exhibitions, and creating a website.
Benefits of Poultry Farming In Nigeria
- Huge demands for poultry products: The target consumers for poultry products are supermarkets, broilers, cold rooms, eateries, and hotels.
- Source of income: This will improve the livelihood of Nigerians through the empowerment of women and youths by creating an additional source of revenue for families, thereby alleviating endemic household poverty. Helps to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural and urban areas.
- Source of Protein: One of the poultry products(eggs) is the cheapest source of animal protein.
- Diversification: Poultry farming is also a great way to diversify agricultural production in Nigeria. Additionally, poultry farming helps to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production, by reducing emissions from livestock and using agricultural waste to feed the birds and production of biogas.
With all these benefits, poultry farming is an important part of the Nigerian agricultural sector and is essential for the country’s economic development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, poultry farming is an excellent option for farmers looking to diversify their income streams and improve their livelihoods. The industry has enormous potential, and with proper care and management, poultry farming can be a profitable venture for both small and large-scale farmers. Additionally, the high demand for poultry products makes this industry a lucrative one that is worth considering for any farmer looking to venture into agriculture.
