Broiler Farming in Uganda: Complete 8-Week Cycle Guide
Broiler farming is the fastest way to make money in poultry. In just 8 weeks, you can turn day-old chicks into market-ready chickens weighing 1.8–2.2 kg. At Unified Farm BLM, our broiler operations generate UGX 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 profit per cycle of 100 birds. This guide covers everything you need to run a successful broiler farm in Uganda — from chick arrival to market day.
What makes broilers profitable? Broilers reach market weight in 6–8 weeks, compared to 5–6 months for layers to start producing eggs. You get four broiler cycles per year, generating cash flow every two months.
Week-by-Week Broiler Management
Week 1: Brooding (Critical Period)
The first week determines your entire cycle. Chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, so they need a warm, draft-free environment.
- Temperature: 32–35°C for the first 3 days, then reduce by 2°C each week until reaching 21°C at week 5.
- Feed: Broiler starter crumbles (22–24% protein). Provide 24/7 access.
- Water: Fresh, clean water with electrolytes and vitamins for the first 3 days.
- Space: 20 chicks per square meter during brooding.
- Mortality target: Less than 2% in week 1.
Brooding Setup Cost: Charcoal stove (UGX 15,000) or infrared bulb (UGX 25,000) + brooder guard ring (UGX 10,000). Total: UGX 25,000 – 35,000 for 100 chicks.
Week 2–3: Growth Phase
- Feed: Continue starter feed. Increase quantity as birds grow.
- Vaccination: Gumboro booster at day 14–18 via drinking water.
- Space: Expand to 10 birds per square meter.
- Weight target: 350–450 grams by end of week 3.
- Coccidiosis prevention: Add coccidiostat to feed or water.
Week 4: Transition to Grower Feed
- Feed switch: Transition to broiler grower pellets (20–22% protein) over 3 days.
- Vaccination: Fowl pox vaccine via wing web stab.
- Space: 8 birds per square meter.
- Weight target: 700–900 grams.
Week 5–6: Rapid Growth
- Feed: Continue grower feed. Birds consume significantly more now.
- Space: 6–7 birds per square meter.
- Ventilation: Increase airflow to manage heat and ammonia.
- Weight target: 1.2–1.5 kg by end of week 6.
Week 7–8: Finishing Phase
- Feed switch: Broiler finisher pellets (18–20% protein) for the final 2 weeks.
- Withdrawal period: Stop all medications 7 days before slaughter.
- Market preparation: Contact buyers and arrange pickup/delivery.
- Final weight target: 1.8–2.2 kg (live weight).
Complete Feed Schedule for 100 Broilers
| Stage | Weeks | Feed Type | Protein % | Total Feed (kg) | Cost per kg (UGX) | Total Cost (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 1–3 | Starter crumbles | 22–24% | 120 | 1,800 | 216,000 |
| Grower | 4–6 | Grower pellets | 20–22% | 280 | 1,650 | 462,000 |
| Finisher | 7–8 | Finisher pellets | 18–20% | 180 | 1,550 | 279,000 |
| Total Feed for 100 Birds (8 weeks) | 580 kg | 957,000 | ||||
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Expect 1.7–2.0 kg of feed per 1 kg of weight gain. Good FCR means more profit. Poor FCR (above 2.2) usually indicates disease, heat stress, or poor feed quality.
Profit Calculation: 100 Broilers per Cycle
Revenue & Costs Breakdown
| Item | Amount (UGX) |
|---|---|
| Day-old chicks (100 @ UGX 3,500) | 350,000 |
| Feed (580 kg) | 957,000 |
| Vaccination & medication | 80,000 |
| Bedding material | 30,000 |
| Electricity/charcoal (brooding) | 40,000 |
| Labor (your time) | 50,000 |
| Total Production Cost | 1,507,000 |
| Live birds sold (95 surviving @ UGX 18,000/kg x 2kg avg) | 3,420,000 |
| Manure sales | 50,000 |
| Total Revenue | 3,470,000 |
| NET PROFIT per 100-bird cycle | 1,963,000 |
Profit margin: 56.6% | ROI per cycle: 130% | Annual profit (4 cycles): UGX 7,852,000
Critical Success Factors
1. Buy Quality Chicks: Only purchase day-old chicks from reputable hatcheries like Ugachick, Biyinzika, or Vetline. Cheap chicks from unknown sources often have poor genetics and high mortality.
2. Maintain Strict Biosecurity: Limit visitors, disinfect boots at the entrance, and never mix birds of different ages. One biosecurity breach can destroy your entire investment.
3. Monitor Feed Quality: Buy feed from trusted manufacturers. Moldy or low-protein feed will kill your profits even if birds survive. Store feed in a dry, rodent-proof room.
4. Plan Your Market Before You Start: The biggest broiler farming mistake is raising 100 birds with no buyer lined up. Secure at least 70% of your market before chick arrival. Restaurants, butchers, and market vendors are reliable buyers.
Common Mistakes That Kill Broiler Profits
- Overcrowding: Packing 15 birds per square meter causes stress, disease, and poor growth. Stick to 8–10 birds per m².
- Skipping vaccination: A UGX 500 vaccine prevents UGX 35,000 in losses. Never skip.
- Poor temperature management: Heat stress reduces feed intake by 30%. Use thermometers and adjust brooding heat daily.
- Delayed feed changes: Switching from starter to grower too late wastes money on expensive starter feed.
- No mortality records: Track every death, its cause, and the date. This data improves your next cycle.