The influence of selected socio-economic variables on poultry farmers' choice of commercial and self-compounded feeds in Lagos area of Nigeria

The study aimed at examining the influence of some socio-economic variables on poultry farmers choice of feed types between self-compounded feeds and commercial feeds. Their choice was not affected by age, gender and experience in poultry business but was affected (P<0.05) by cost. The cost of commercial feeds was consistently higher than those compounded by the farmers themselves and difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). It was then concluded that cost consideration was the major factor determining the choice of feed types by the farmers. It was also suggested that the survival of the poultry industry and its profitability depend on cost reduction which can be accomplished through self-compounding of feeds by the farmers. Suggestions were offered to this end. Keywords: Commercial feed, self compounded feed, feed cost, socio-economic factor, poultry farmer