MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT
BASED ON: BROILER PRODUCTION

NAME OF STUDENT: JEMAINE GOODRIDGE

CENTER NUMBER: 090033
CANDIDATE NUMBER:090033
NAME OF SUBJECT TEACHER: SIR B. SOBERS
YEAR: 2024
TERRITORY: GUYANA

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT
PAGE
INTRODUCTION 1

METHODOLOGY 4-8

DATA COLLECTION 9

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS 10-12

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 13

LIMITATION 14

RECOMMENDATION 15

REFERENCE 16

COST ANALYSIS 17-21

CONCLUSION 22

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 INTRODUCTION
Title of Project: Broiler Production Investigation

Name of School: Mahaicony Secondary

Start Date: 1st November 2023

Termination Date: 14th December 2023

Problem Statement: In the researcher village of Farm Mahaicony, small amount of meat bird

is reared by local poultry farmers with low weight-gained at the end of a six-week period. Due

to this fact poultry farmers were unable to make a reasonable profit. The researcher will carry

out an experiment to investigate the effects on broiler weight using Molasses.

Aim: To determine which set of broilers will give a high profitability when reared with

Molasses compared to broilers without Molasses until slaughter.

Objectives: The primary objectives of this activity include understanding poultry management

practices, calculating the economic aspects of broiler farming, and analyzing the overall

profitability of the venture.

Background: Broilers refer to chickens specifically raised for meat production. They are a type

of poultry bred and raised under controlled conditions for efficient growth and high meat yield.

Broiler farming involves careful management of factors like nutrition, housing, and disease

prevention to ensure optimal growth. These birds are typically ready for market within 6-7

weeks, reaching a desirable weight for meat consumption. The broiler industry plays a

significant role in global poultry production, meeting the demand for chicken meat worldwide.

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 METHODOLOGY
Experimental Design: Two batches of broiler chicks were reared under similar conditions for

the first two weeks. At the beginning of the second week, group A chicks were fed regular

water, while group B chicks were introduced to water supplemented with molasses. In order to

support the researchers' findings, interviews will be conducted with farmers within the school

community, and additional research will be conducted on the internet, focusing on similar

activities and investigations.

Equipment and Use

Materials

Waterier It is used to store water for the broilers.

Feeder It is used to store feed for the broilers.
Bucket It is used to carry water, feed and sand to the pen.
Spade It is used to help in the moving of sand to the pen and removing of litter
from the pen.
Cutlass It is used to remove grass and weed from in and around the pen.
Rake It is used to help in the spreading of sand and litter in the pen.
Feed It is used to provide daily meals for the broiler.
Water It is used to keep broiler hydrated.
Molasses It is used to provide chicken with nutrients and energy.
Light It is used to provide both light and a source of heat at night.
Salt bags It is used to provide a shelter for rain on some sides of the pen.
Plucking cone It is used in the plucking process of the broilers.
Table In is used in the plucking process of the broilers.
Cartoon box It is used in the removing of litter from the pen.
Sand It is used to filter the floor of the pen.
10kg Scale It is used to measure the weight of the broilers.
Knife It is used to slaughter meat birds.

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 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES WITH PICTURES

1. CLEANING OF PEN FOR ARRIVAL OF CHICKS - The

pen was thoroughly cleaned a few days before the

arrival of the chicks. All unwanted items and debris

were removed, and the vines and weeds surrounding

the pen were cut down and cleared away. These

measures were taken to ensure that the pen

remained clean and did not attract or harbor any

harmful animals that could pose a threat to the

chicks.

2. ADDING MOLASSES TO CHICKEN

WATER - Adding molasses to chicken

water is a common practice among

poultry keepers. Molasses serves as a

supplemental source of nutrients,

providing chickens with additional

energy, minerals, and vitamins.

Moreover, it can enhance the taste of

water, thereby encouraging better

hydration among the chickens.

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 3 FULLING CHICKEN WATER- During the first week, batch B chickens were provided

with water supplemented with molasses, while batch A chickens were given regular

water. It's worth noting that a constant supply of water was always made available for

both batches of chicks.

4. FEEDING OF CHICKEN- Feeding included the provision of both feed and water, which were

supplied constantly to the chicks. They had access to a continuous supply of both feed and

water throughout the study period.

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5. WEIGHING THE CHICKEN ALIVE - Weighing live chicks is a crucial aspect of my research

in poultry management. I recognize the significance of regularly weighing them to monitor

their growth and ensure they are developing at a healthy rate. By tracking their weight gain,

I can make informed decisions regarding feeding practices, identify potential health issues

early on, and optimize the overall performance of the flock. Regular weighing provides

valuable data that allows me to analyze the impact of different variables on chick

development and make recommendations for improved poultry management practices

6. SLAUGHTERING OF CHICKEN- The researcher,

understand the importance of slaughtering chickens

in poultry processing for meat production. It is a

critical step that involves using humane and

efficient methods to ensure the birds are dispatched

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 humanely. After slaughter, the chickens were scalded, plucked, and eviscerated to prepare

them for sale.

7. WEIGHING PLUCK CHICKEN- the researcher understands the significance of weighing

plucked chickens in poultry processing. It is my responsibility to conduct this important step

to determine the bird's final dressed weight accurately. This information is crucial for

inventory management, market compliance, and making informed decisions related to

pricing and packaging. By personally weighing the plucked chickens, the researcher ensure

that precise measurements are obtained, enabling me to gather accurate data for my research

and contribute to the overall understanding and improvement of poultry processing

practices.

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 DATA COLLECTION
Table 1: After the initial two weeks, the broiler chicks from both batches were carefully
weighed, and their weights were recorded in pounds (lbs).

Weight (lbs.)
Weeks Batch A (without molasses) Batch B (with molasses)

3 2.5 lbs 2.6 lbs

4 3.8 lbs 4 lbs
5 5.3 lbs 5.5 lbs
6 6.5 lbs 7 lbs

Table 2: Showing the water consumption of the two batches of broilers during a 6 weeks’
period.

Water Consumption twice per day (liter)

Week Batch A (without molasses) Batch B (with molasses)
13 chicks 15 chicks
1 12.5 15
2 14 16.5
3 15.5 18
4 17 19.5
5 18.5 21
6 20 22.5

Table 3: showing dressed weight vs live weight of two batches of broilers at the end of the 6
weeks period.

Live weight Live weight Dressed weight Dressed weight

Batch A Batch B Batch A Batch B

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 6.5 lbs. 7 lbs. 4.71 lbs. 5.08 lbs.

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Figure 1: Showing the weights recorded in pounds (lbs) for the two batches of broilers.

Graph showing the comparsion of the Weights of

the Broilers
7
7 6.5

6 5.5
5.3

5
4
3.8
4

2.5 2.6
3

0
Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Batch A (without molasses) Batch B (with molasses)

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The data provided showcases the weights of broiler chicks from two distinct batches, Batch A

(without molasses) and Batch B (with molasses), over a period of four weeks. Throughout the

recorded weeks, both batches demonstrated consistent weight gain, indicating healthy growth

and development. Notably, Batch B consistently exhibited higher weights compared to Batch A

at each recorded week. This suggests that the inclusion of molasses in the diet of Batch B might

have had a positive impact on their growth and weight gain.

Figure 2: The bar graph below shows the water consumption in liters of the two group of
broilers for a period of 6 weeks when give water twice per day.

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 Water Consumption
Liters

Week 6 20 22.5

Week 5 18.5 21

Week 4 17 19.5

Week 3 15.5 18

Week 2 14 16.5

Week 1 12.5 15

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Batch A Batch B

The data presented in Table 2 illustrates the water consumption patterns of two batches of

broilers, Batch A (without molasses) and Batch B (with molasses), over a span of six weeks.

Throughout the observed period, both batches demonstrated an increasing trend in water

consumption, indicating their growing water needs as they progressed in age.

Notably, Batch B consistently exhibited higher water consumption compared to Batch A across

all recorded weeks. The inclusion of molasses in the diet of Batch B may have contributed to

this higher water intake. Molasses is known to enhance palatability and stimulate thirst in

animals, potentially leading to increased water consumption in Batch B.

Table 3: showing dressed vs live weight of two batches of broilers at the end of 6 weeks.

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 Comparsion of Live and Dressed Weight

Batch B Dressed Weight 5.08

Batch A Dressed Weight 4.71

Batch B Live Weight 7

Batch A Live Weight 6.5

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The graph presents the comparison between live weight and dressed weight of two batches of

broilers at the end of a 6-week period. Batch A had a live weight of 6.5 lbs, while Batch B had a

slightly higher live weight of 7 lbs. After processing, Batch A had a dressed weight of 4.71 lbs,

while Batch B had a dressed weight of 5.08 lbs.

From the data, we can observe that the dressed weights are lower than the corresponding live

weights for both batches. This is expected, as dressing involves the removal of feathers, viscera,

and other inedible parts, resulting in a reduction in weight.

Comparing the two batches, Batch B consistently had higher weights in both live and dressed

categories. This suggests that Batch B may have experienced better growth and weight gain

compared to Batch A over the 6-week period.

DISCUSSION

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The gathered information that was collected based on the table provides the weights of broiler

chicks from two batches, Batch A (without molasses) and Batch B (with molasses), recorded

over a 6-week period. We can observe that both batches showed a consistent increase in weight

as the weeks progressed. It is interesting to note that Batch B had slightly higher weights

compared to Batch A at each recorded week. This suggests that the inclusion of molasses in the

diet of Batch B might have had a positive impact on their growth and weight gain.

The data collected also presents the water consumption of the two batches of broilers over the

same 6-week period. We can see that the water consumption for both batches increased steadily

as the weeks went by. This aligns with the natural physiological needs of broilers as they grow

and require more water for proper hydration and bodily functions. Notably, Batch B

consistently consumed more water than Batch A throughout the observation period. The

inclusion of molasses in the diet of Batch B could potentially contribute to increased water

intake, and also the fact that Batch B had more chicks as molasses enhances palatability and

thirst stimulation.

Finally, provided information reveals the dressed weight versus live weight of the two batches

of broilers at the end of the 6-week period. Dressed weight refers to the weight of the broilers

after processing, which includes the removal of feathers and other inedible parts. We can

observe that the dressed weights were lower than the corresponding live weights for both

batches. This is expected, as dressing leads to a reduction in weight. Additionally, Batch B had

higher dressed weights compared to Batch A, indicating better growth and weight gain in Batch

B.

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 LIMITATIONS
Some limitation that the researcher encountered is as follows:

Lack of cooperation between group members

High temperature

Timely changing of water

Feed wasn’t available at the local supermarket for a day which resulting in limiting

amount fed to broilers to ensure it last until next purchase.

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 RECOMMENDATION
The researcher recommendations are as follows:

Always have a bag of feed on standby

A feeding router for each student by pairs or group.

That an automatic water despiser system be used so as to avoid visiting the broiler pen

very often.

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 REFERENCE

1. Ramgoonanan, S. C. (2001). CXC Agriculture: A Revision Course (3rd ed.). Caribbean

Educational Publishers.

2. Perret, M., & Ramaharacking, R. (2020). Agriculture Science for CSEC Examination.

Pearson.

3. Livestocking.net. (2020). A Guide to Broiler Chicken Growth: Molasses & Prebiotic.

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 COST ANALYSIS
COMPLETE BUDGET

Estimated Expenditure
Quantity Item Cost$

28 Baby chick @ $200 $5,600

3 Bags of feed @ $7000 $21,000

2 Waterers @ $2500 $5000

2 Feeders @ $3,000 $6000

Taxi Transportation @ $500 $500

1 pk Black plastic bags @$300 $300

1 pk Transparent 1-pound bags @ $500 $500

1 Molasses @ $1000 $1000

Total Estimated Expenditure $39,400

Estimated Expenditure
Quantity Item Cost$

130 lbs Plucked chicken @$500 $65,000

Total Estimated Income $65,000

Estimated surplus/shortfall =
Total Estimated Income $65,000– Total Estimated Expenditure $39,400) = $25,600

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 ACTUAL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

Actual Expenditure
Quantity Item Cost$

28 Baby chick @ $210 $5,880

3 Bags of feed @ $7,600 $22,800

1 pk Black plastic bags @$380 $380

1 pk Transparent 1-pound bags@ $460 $460

1 Molasses @ $1,000 $1000

Total Actual Expenditure $30,520

Actual Income
Quantity Item Cost$

137.3 lbs Plucked chicken @$500 68, 650

Total Actual Income $68,650

Actual surplus/shortfall =
Total Actual Income $68,650) – Total Actual Expenditure $30,520) = $38,130

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 Comparison of Estimated and Actual Expenditure

Comparsion Of Actual and Estimated Expen-

diture
65,000
65,000

55,000

45,000 39,400

35,000

25,000

15,000

5,000

Estimated Expenditure Estimated Income

Comparsion Of Estimated Exepnditure and In- 39,400 65,000
come

Comparison of Estimated Expenditure and Income

The estimated expenditure for a broiler chicken operation includes costs such as baby chicks,

feed, waterers, feeders, transportation, bags, and molasses, etc. totaling $39,400. On the income

side, selling 130 lbs of plucked chicken is projected to generate $65,000. This suggests an

estimated surplus of $25,600.

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 Comparsion of Actual Expenditure and Income

68,650
Actual Income

30,520
Actual Expenditure

Comparison of Estimated and Actual Expenditure

The actual expenditure for the broiler chicken operation amounts to $30,520. This includes

costs for baby chicks, bags of feed, black plastic bags, transparent 1-pound bags, and molasses.

Notably, some items were borrowed and donated from chicken rearers within the community to

assist with the project expenses. On the income side, selling 137.3 lbs of plucked chicken

generates $68,650. The actual surplus, after considering the borrowed and donated items, is

$38,130. It's important to note that these figures reflect the actual expenses and income,

accounting for the borrowed and donated items, and may differ from the initial estimates. This

highlights the community support and collaboration in the project, contributing to the overall

success and financial outcome.

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 Comparsion of Estimated and Actual Surplus

40% Estimated Surplus

Actual Surplus
60%

Comparison of Estimated and Actual Surplus/Shortfall

When comparing the estimated surplus of $25,600 with the actual surplus of $38,130, it

becomes apparent that the actual financial performance exceeded the initial projections. The

estimated surplus was initially projected to be $25,600, indicating a positive outcome for the

broiler chicken operation. However, the actual surplus turned out to be $38,130, surpassing the

initial estimates.

This improvement in financial performance can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the

actual expenditure differed from the estimated expenditure, with lower costs for items such as

feed and waterers, resulting in reduced expenses. Additionally, the actual income from selling

plucked chicken exceeded the initial projection, with a total of $65,000 recorded.

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The higher actual surplus can indicate effective expense management or increased revenue

generation, which may be attributed to factors such as efficient production practices, favorable

market conditions, or successful marketing strategies.

CONCLUSION
Initially, there was an objective to assess the financial viability of the broiler chicken operation.

Through the estimation and comparison of projected and actual figures, it is now clear that the

venture has demonstrated profitability. The revised estimated surplus of $25,600 rose

significantly to an actual surplus of $38,130, indicating a better-than-expected financial

outcome.

Additionally, the analysis highlighted the importance of accurate estimation of expenses and

income in financial planning. It became evident that variations in costs, such as feed and

waterers, can have a substantial impact on the overall financial performance of the operation.

Furthermore, the involvement of the community, with borrowed and donated items from

chicken rearers, underscored the significance of collaboration and support in agricultural

projects. The assistance received contributed to reducing expenses and enhancing the overall

success of the venture.

In conclusion, this activity has provided valuable knowledge and insights into poultry

management practices and the economic aspects of broiler farming. The analysis of the

venture's profitability revealed a positive outcome, surpassing initial estimates. The

understanding gained in accurately estimating expenses, managing costs, and leveraging

community collaboration will be instrumental in future decision-making and successful

implementation of similar agricultural projects.

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