Performance and competitiveness of broiler chicken farms in the area of free trade agreements: the case of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria)

Abstract

The aim of this work is to identify the technical performance and evaluate economic competitiveness of broiler chicken farms in the conditions of the free trade agreements in the region of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria). Methodology: A random sample of 120 farms spread over the entire territory of the wilaya (district) was investigated. Results: The results of the principal component analysis showed five groups of farms according to the size and the number of the broiler belt. The average size of the flock was 3,850 broilers with five flocks per year. The broiler buildings do not meet all the standards. The overall quantity of feed consumed by broiler chicken was 6.03 kg. The average live weight was 2.84 kg reached in 58 days. The production index was 207. The average production cost was 158.67 AD/kg (1.20 €/kg), of which 67% was represented by feed costs. These economic performances would allow breeders to generate a gross margin of 21.72 AD/kg (0.17 €/kg). Conclusion: The present study suggests that despite the introduction of Algeria into the free trade agreements and the poor performance of broiler farms, theses poultry farms are still retaining significant shares of the national market.