12/02/2026
How to Reduce Poultry Feed Cost by 20%
Poultry farming is one of the most profitable agribusinesses in Nigeria, but feed accounts for about 60–70% of total production costs.
If you can reduce feed expenses without affecting bird health, your profit margins will increase significantly. With proper planning and smart management, it is possible to cut feed costs by up to 20%.
One effective strategy is formulating feed locally instead of relying entirely on commercial brands.
By working with a qualified animal nutritionist, you can combine maize, soybean meal, groundnut cake, and other locally available ingredients in the right proportions.
Buying these ingredients in bulk during harvest season, when prices are lower, also helps you reduce costs.
Another important step is reducing feed waste. Many farmers lose money due to poor feeding methods. If you use proper feeders, avoid overfilling, and adjusting feeder height to the birds’ level, you can prevent spillage. Regularly cleaning feeders also reduces contamination and wastage.
In addition, you can incorporate alternative feed ingredients such as cassava peels (properly processed), palm kernel cake, or maggot meal to partially replace expensive maize and soybean. These alternatives must be used carefully to maintain balanced nutrition.
Good farm management also plays a key role. Healthy birds convert feed more efficiently. Proper vaccination, clean water, and adequate housing reduce disease, which prevents poor feed conversion.
If you source smartly, minimize waste, and improve management practices, you can lower expenses and increase profitability without compromising bird performance.
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