POULTRY FARMERS’ PREFERENCE AND USE OF COMMERCIAL AND SELF-COMPOUNDED FEEDS IN OYO AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Poultry farmers’ perception, preference and use of commercially compounded and self-compounded feeds in Oyo Area of Oyo State, Nigeria were investigated. Data for the study were collected from 120 poultry farmers, selected by simple random sampling, through structured interview schedule. The results showed that majority (85.8%) of the poultry farmers prefer and use self-compounded feeds (SCF) more than commercially compounded feeds (CCF). Results is also showed that poultry farmers perceived that: self-compounded feeds are of better quality than commercially compounded feed (84.2% of farmers), there are no quality control measures in poultry feed industry in the Oyo area and commercially compounded feeds are costlier than self-compounded feeds. The quality of feed, technical ability to self-compound feed and cost price of CCF are the major factors that farmers consider in choosing between CCF or SCF. Some of the recommendations made included that the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) should be revitalized, revamped and reorganized by government to monitor quality of agricultural products and inputs; government should assist cooperative poultry feed millers with credit facilities, subsidy and less import duties on feed ingredients, mixtures and other feed inputs that are not available locally; interested public and private agencies should organize annual extension workshops and training for poultry farmers in the study area on feed formulation, feed ingredient mixing and compounding, selection of ingredients, mixtures and additives and on establishment, operation and maintenance of feed mills and farmers should be encouraged to form feed-mill cooperative societies.