If you are a poultry farmer, the contrast of layers vs broilers is something you cannot avoid. Furthermore, if you are a commercial poultry farmer, this is something you’ve to consider before starting out.
Profitability is a fundamental question in every business and poultry farming is no exception. Since most business ventures are profitable, or at least have a profit potential, sometimes finding which venture has the bigger potential is worthwhile.
Nonetheless, can such a consideration be made in poultry farming? We think so.
However, we cannot conclusively say which between layers and broilers is most profitable, since there is too many factors to take into consideration. While that remains the case, we can provide you with some quick info to arrive at your decision.
Layers vs broilers defined
Besides the gender difference between layers and broiler chicken, there are other factors that determine the profitability of each.
To begin with, layers birds are kept for egg production mainly, but at the end of their lifetime, they are harvested for meat. Broilers on the other hand are reared solely for meat production.
Commercially, there are poultry breeds developed for egg and meat production respectively. In that regard, layers have a high egg production rate while broilers have a high rate of growth.
While broilers may have a short lifespan, most commercial breeds are harvested in a matter of weeks, layers have a relatively longer lifespan. Layers lifespan is determined by their peak egg production, after which they are ready for harvest.
Layers vs broilers compared
Here’s is a quick comparison of layers and broiler flocks. Although this comparison is not comprehensive, it should suffice to give you a good idea of how the two compare.
| Layers | Broilers | |
|---|---|---|
| Coop requirements | High | Medium |
| Laying boxes in addition to feeders and drinkers | ||
| Purpose | Eggs | Meat |
| Weight gain | Low | High |
| Egg production | High | – |
| Capital requirements | High | Low |
| Long rearing period before the beginning of egg production | Short rearing period before flock harvest | |
| Flock harvesting | ~ 78 Weeks | ~ 5 – 8 Weeks |
| Potential financial returns | In months | In weeks |
| Flock size with profit potential | Large | Small |
Of course your choice of which flock type to farm will be determined by a number of factors, including but not exclusive to those mentioned above.
Additionally, you should consult with respective business consultants, other poultry farmers, flock suppliers and other respective parties, to have sufficient and local knowledge for your decision.
Last but not least, you will have to consider what poultry housing system to implement in your poultry farm.
You may also have to consider whether a mixed or multipurpose flock may be for you.