LEVEL OF MECHANIZATION OF POULTRY FARMING IN OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the level of farm mechanization utilization in poultry production in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Twelve poultry farmers were randomly selected. Structured interview technique was employed to gather data on socio demographic features and available machinery. The accumulated data were analysed statistically to give Frequency distribution and percentages. Socio demographic features revealed that all the producers were male ,58% of the poultry farmers were in age group of 21-40 years, none below 20years and 42% above forty years.,92% are married and 8% are single. On the level of education none had primary education, 42% secondary and 58% tertiary. Years of experience were 17% one to five years,50% six to ten years,33% eleven to twenty years and none above 20 years. Majority of the producers (98%) adopted hand tools. Data on available machineries revealed 17% used debeaker, 17% had feed mill, 17% used defeathering machine, 8% used hatcher and 8% incubator while none used egg collector, automatic drinker, automatic vaccinator, bell type automatic waterer, water heaters, setter and water softeners and filters. The constraints were 83% inadequate access to capital, 100% had lack of electricity and water ,8% insufficient information and 25% poor extension contact. Electricity and water increase poultry supplies to meet the demand of the poultry producers and researchers should fabricate low-cost machinery to be used by the poultry farmers in the study area to productivity.