D.Y.A. Layer vs. Broiler Production

Do You ‘Agri’? Join the debate…

Egg production vs. Meat production: Which is more rewarding?

In this first instalment of the layer vs. broiler debate, I offer up a quick comparison for your attention O’ poultry enthusiast.

Simply, a side-by-side comparison of output, egg vs. carcass:

• by total weight,
• edible weight,
• rate,
• time interval and;
• servings.

Layer vs. Broiler Production – Compared

Poultry production, in the context of chicken, can generally be split between 2 camps (*and not necessarily opposing):

• layers (egg production)
• broiler (broiler production)

Whilst both yield a useful, edible output from converted feed, the comparison of quantity and quality are not identical.

Here’s a few quick facts to help you grasp hold of any lose ends within the debate:

1. By total weight…
   • Average layer egg weight: 55 g
   • Average total broiler body weight: 2,400 g
2. By edible weight…
   • Average egg weight (contents only – minus shell): 48.64 g
   • Average broiler weight (meat only – minus by-products): 1,651.20 g
3. Production rate…
   • Mean edible egg mass daily output: 0.8 eggs per day
   • Mean edible broiler meat daily output: 39.31 g of meat per day
4. Production schedule…
   • Eggs produced every: 1-2 days
   • Broilers produced every: 42-49 days
5. Servings…
   • Eggs per average adult serving: 1-2 eggs per day (100% of a unit)
   • Meat per average adult serving: 85 grams per day (5% of a unit)

Simplistic, I know – and of course there are so many complications and modelling applications to apply to layer and broiler farming.

But for the sake of stimulating a little thought and discourse – think through the facts above and let me know your opinion on layer vs. broiler production.

• Effectiveness for self-sufficiency
• Most economically viable
• Most profitable overall

Are you just starting a poultry farming business?

Are you an experienced hand?

Let’s talk in the comment below.

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