Nigerian poultry farmers are increasingly abandoning commercial feed suppliers and turning to homemade feed blends in a bid to survive rising production costs. The shift comes even as prices of key feed ingredients like maize and soybean have dropped significantly in recent months.
Industry data shows maize prices have fallen sharply from about ₦800 to ₦300 per kilogram, while soybean dropped from around ₦1,200 to ₦500—representing a major decline in input costs.
However, poultry farmers say feed millers have only reduced prices by about 10%, leaving a wide gap between falling raw material costs and the price of finished feed. This has forced many farmers to take matters into their own hands by producing feed themselves using locally sourced ingredients.
Feeds remain the biggest expense in poultry farming, accounting for up to 70% of total production costs. With commercial feed prices still high—often ranging between ₦13,000 and ₦19,000 for a 25kg bag—farmers say switching to self-formulated feed is now a matter of survival.
Cost-Cutting Move Boosts Margins but Raises Concerns
By producing their own feed, farmers are able to significantly cut costs and improve profit margins in a sector that has been under pressure from inflation, high energy costs, and currency fluctuations.
Many poultry operators now mix maize, soybean meal, and other supplements themselves, allowing them to control both quality and cost. Some farmers report savings of up to 20–30%, helping them stay afloat in a challenging economic environment.
However, experts warn that improper feed formulation could affect bird health and productivity if not done correctly. Balanced nutrition is critical for growth, egg production, and disease resistance.
Despite these concerns, the trend is growing rapidly, signaling a shift in Nigeria’s poultry industry. As long as commercial feed prices remain relatively high, more farmers are expected to adopt homemade alternatives—reshaping how poultry production operates across the country.
