Thursday, August 23, 2007

Last Batch, Real data

I've read that it should take 15-18 pounds of feed to grow out each broiler. This is for a "standard" cornish cross or cornish rock bird. So for the final 2007 batch (30 birds) I'll do the record keeping to document our real experience. Give the above, then it should take 450-540 pounds of feed in total for the batch, that's 9-11 bags of feed (50# bag) I will store this feed separately so I can tally the use accurately. With this result I can hopefully project the total feed requirement and expense for 2008. If the weather turns cold in October, feed conversion may lag somewhat but if the fall weather is warm it may not be a factor. The first 2 bags will be higher protein 20%-24% commercial starter feed from TSC, then I'll switch to the French's Mill feed. The Southern States starter feed is only 18% protein which I do not think is enough of an initial protein boost. French's Mill feed is probably 16% protein. I will augment with soybean meal again to get the protein level up to approx 18-20% for weeks 3-8 and of course this will count in the bag total. Will probably add a bit of fish meal again but that is minimal cost, $5?
So in total it may look like this: Week 1: 1 bag 24% starter feed , Week 2: 1 bag 20% starter feed, Weeks 3-6: 2 bags of soybean meal, and 5-7 bags of French's Mill feed.
So at $8/bag average it should take $72-$88 for feed for the batch. The birds will cost probably $50 with shipping and the processing will be $52.50 for 30 birds. So that's $175-$190 in total cost for the batch with no value assigned to labor, no amortization of pen costs. You could "pay yourself" for labor and tally lower profit margin but really what's the difference. Retail price for 30 5# birds at $3/pound = $450. So you are looking at a venture that approximately doubles your money in 60 days. If you lose birds you lose top line revenue. If you need more feed you have higher costs. Both event squeeze your profits. Still if your profit margin were to drop from 100% to 75%-80% its still a very profitable venture. With batch number 3 I had zero leg problems, except for one bird which as a peep arrived with a crippled leg. I believe that the initial protein boost in the first 2 weeks pretty much determines the outcome for the final 6 weeks to achieve a target 5 pound bird in 60 days. So for a projected batch of 50-75 birds for 2008 batches these feed totals will be about double the above. I'll repeat the record keeping with the first batch for 2008 for verification.

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