Socio Economic Status and Profitability of Turkey Farming in Chittagong

Abstract

Turkey farming is a new farming concept in Bangladesh. The present study showed that although most of the farmers were rearing turkey for hatching egg and meat purposes, a large percent are raising turkey only for ornamental purpose. The present study was conducted to determine the socio-economic status of the turkey farmer and profitability of the turkey farming in Chittagong. Socio-economic status of the turkey farmers included the education, occupation, sex, training received and management practices particularly housing, feeding, cleaning, vaccination program. A total of four turkey farms were selected for this study. About 50% small, 25% medium and 25% large farmers were involved in turkey farming in Chittagong district. The present study showed that, about 75% farm owner deal with business and 25% private services. It was revealed that 100% did not take any training at all about farming. For proper growth and management of turkey both intensive and semi intensive system are suitable for raising turkey. The cost benefit ratio of the farms is 2.03; 1.87; 1.90 and 1.95 respectively. In natural mating, the male-female ratio is 1:5 for turkeys. In this study the most prevalent diseases were New-castle Disease (75%) and Fowl pox (25%). In our country turkey farming is a great opportunity for the youth as a means of income generation. So, to improve the efficient turkey production, vigorous public extension service, training for farmers, opening of different avenues for research on turkey and identifying marketing strategies are immediately needed in Bangladesh.