Effects of biosecurity strategies on technical efficiency of egg production in Bono Region of Ghana.

Abstract

Viral diseases threaten layer chicken production in Ghana, impacting small-to-medium scale farmers' incomes. Biosecurity measures can control disease spread, improve efficiency, and increase income. Limited knowledge, high chemical costs, irregular veterinary visits, and farmer negligence hinder biosecurity implementation. A study assessed technical efficiency and biosecurity practices in layer production using a normalized Cobb-Douglas production frontier model. It analyzed 161 producers in Bono Region, focusing on feed, water, vaccination, medication, labor, and egg production. The study found feed and water consumption significantly affect egg levels, with all inputs positively impacting output except feed. Layer producers achieved 92% efficiency, with farmer organization membership, deworming, disinfection, and avoiding other bird rearing as key factors. Other practices include footbaths, litter disposal, deworming, cleaning, and veterinary visits. The findings suggest that, irregular veterinary visits hinders education on biosecurity and early disease detection contribute to lower efficiency. Stricter adherence to biosecurity practices is crucial for increasing efficiency and achieving higher output.