Madagascar’s poultry industry expands as day-old chick placement begins
The new initiative introduces brooder units to improve poultry farming in the country. Small-scale farmers are set to benefit from healthier birds and a more stable supply.
MADAGASCAR – A new initiative to improve poultry production in Madagascar has been launched with the first placement of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) in Brooder Units (BUs) under a collaboration between Livestock Feed (LFL) and the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI).
The program aims to enhance poultry quality by growing chicks in controlled environments for four to six weeks before they are distributed to small-scale farmers.
Raising chicks in brooder units is expected to result in healthier, stronger birds that are more resilient to disease and environmental stress, increasing farmers’ production and profitability.
Once the chicks reach an appropriate size, they will be made available to local producers, ensuring they receive well-developed birds rather than relying on inconsistent sources.
This system introduces a more structured approach to poultry farming, which could stabilize supply chains and reduce losses associated with poor-quality stock.
Projections indicate that poultry production in Madagascar will rise from 90,500 metric tons in 2023 to 96,700 metric tons by 2028, reflecting an annual growth rate of 1%.
Poultry Demand and Regional Production
Retailers in the SAVA region account for 68% of poultry sourcing, making it a key supplier within the country’s chicken market.
Since 1966, Madagascar’s poultry supply has grown at an average annual rate of 1.4%, with demand following a slower but steady increase.
Poultry meat consumption is expected to rise from 81,000 metric tons in 2021 to 83,000 metric tons by 2026, with an annual growth rate of 0.4% since 2017.
Additionally, in 2022, Madagascar imported $38.5 million in poultry meat, with Brazil and France being the main suppliers, and the fastest growing import markets for poultry meat were Brazil and France.
The cooperation between APMI and Livestock Feed is part of efforts to address the supply and quality of poultry in Madagascar while supporting small-scale farmers.
By providing access to better-quality birds and stabilizing the supply chain, the initiative could contribute to the long-term development of the country’s poultry sector.
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