If you've been curious why Day old chicks are sold at higher rates. Here are some explanations on how this work.

Some few weeks ago, we could all observe the problems facing Nigeria poultry sector. The hike in feed price, poor egg production and the crazy DOC price are enough reasons to be depressed in the last two weeks. The birds we all reared are the offspring that are produced from a parent stock farm. These farms are also referred to as breeders. In breeders, we have the grand parents stock and parent stock.

Now, the sole responsibility of any serious government is to invest in research and development of parent stock that are genetically improved for our tropical climate. Unfortunately, most of the grand parent stocks and the parent stocks are franchised, imported from Europe and US. This breeder farming is not a rocket science. Just that we as farmers doesn't want to take risks. And without risk, no breakthrough. The government also need to help with an indigenous breeding program and research into the development of local breed.

As the population grows, the demand for poultry products and associated inputs will also continue to grow. When we have more farms churning out day old chicks on a daily basis, we will all be fine. The competition will be fair. A breeder farm is highly capital intensive and requires strict management regime. Having investors come in at this time will be great. Commercial hatchery can be set up. This is also capital intensive but also a money spinner. Eggs laid by the breeders need to be hatched and this is where its done in thousands.

If we try to boycott DOC and not buy, buyers are waiting in Cameroon, Niger and Chad. These big players are not worried about us. What we need is self help by having our own breeder flock.

By Bashorun and Farmsquare