Industry Overview

The wider poultry ecosystem.

Poultry production is a connected value chain that includes breeding, hatcheries, feed, farm housing, health management, production records, processing, distribution and the final consumer. Each stage influences the next, so gaps in one area can affect the performance and economics of the whole operation.

For producers, the major management priorities typically include flock health, feed and water management, housing and ventilation, biosecurity, labour, records, mortality control, market planning and cost management. The exact priorities differ between broilers, layers, breeders and other poultry enterprises.

A resilient poultry business also needs a clear route to market. Before expanding production, producers should understand buyer specifications, input costs, expected production cycles, working-capital requirements, logistics and the risks associated with disease, feed-price changes and market fluctuations.