Establishing a Viable Enterprise Using Free-Range Chicken Production Technology in Bataan, Philippines

Abstract The study aims to establish a viable enterprise for 2 years, funded by DA-ACEF, to increase the production of F1 free-range chicken, increase adoption of the technology developed by Tarlac Agricultural University, and enhance beneficiaries' capacity. A total of six technology packages at both on-station and on-farm sites,ncluding FRC housing, FRC breeding, FRC brooding, FRC ranging, FRC feeding, and FRC health management. BPSU supported farmers from different cooperatives: 2 females and 2 males (on-farm) located in Tuyo, Balanga City, and Gabon, Abucay, and one (on-site) in BPSU, with a breeder house, 114 breeders, feeds, madre de agua plants, incubators, and training. Both sites were 100% adopted the developed technologies and improved practices focused on breeder, grower house, brooding, ranging area, feeds, alternative feeds, concoctions, and eggshell calphos. The on-site produced fertilized and unfertilized eggs, hardened chicks, and growers and layers as a payback scheme for "passing the gift" for the second batch of beneficiaries. The first and second batches of beneficiaries attended a total of three training sessions. Production performance of free-range chickens from both on-station and on-farm sites was analyzed using the Statistical Tool T-Test: Two-sample assuming equal variances. Significant results were obtained for average egg production and mortality rate (P<0.05). On-station and on-farm sites showed no significant differences in average egg sales, feed consumption, or feed cost (P>0.05). Financial analysis assumptions for the selling price per tray are Php 230-250, Average Annual Sales Volume of Php 519, 661.01, Annual Net Income is Php 185, 921.70, Investment cost is Php 401, 901.00, and ROI is 2.16 years with a rate of return on capital of 55.71% per station. In conclusion, the project increased free-range chicken production in the community, adopted technology, and capacitated farmer beneficiaries. The sustainability plan for the project implemented a payback scheme to fully utilize stocks and inputs and achieve a positive return for free-range chicken growers.