Comparative Economic Analysis of Black and Brown Commercial Layer Strains in Nigeria

The present study was carried out to compare the productivity and profitability of two exotic commercial layer strains commonly raised for egg production in Nigeria. They are brown (Isa Brown) and black (Bovan Nera) feathered layer strains. Inputs such as feeds, labor and drugs as well as income generated from eggs produced including money realized from culls (spent layers) were considered for comparative economic analyses. In terms of egg production, brown feathered layers produced 326±51.3 eggs/week and black recorded 273.12±36.9 eggs/week and the difference was statistically different (p<0.01). Brown layers produced more eggs/bird/week during the observed period than black layers. In terms of net returns, brown layers also recorded higher (p<0.01) profitability level than their black counterparts. The brown birds had $4,345.1 per farm and black recorded $2,229.5 per farm. The difference was $2,115.5 in favor of brown layers. The result showed that brown layers are good converters of feeds to eggs, consumed less than black layers and yet produced more eggs than the latter. Brown feathered strain therefore, appeared commercially productive and profitable than black feathered ones.