Environment & Management III

The poultry industry has an important roll to supply food production by livestock protein in developing countries including Iran. The major sections in poultry production in Iran consists of broiler and laying production, broiler and laying breeder production, hatchery and line breeder production. Commercial productions in Iran have changed more or less during 1999-2003. The number of farms for broiler, laying and breeder productions increased 4, 13 and 49%, respectively. Meanwhile the meat production increased to 1384000 tones, but egg product decreased by 24%. Occupation trend in broiler and breeder production was 49 and 36%, whereas this trend was -4% for laying hens. Although the amount of meat was increased, but only 80% of available capacity was used. This percent for laying industry was decreased from 87% to 71% by end of 2003. Regarding to increment of breeder farms, it was expected to obtain more one-day chickens. It was observed for broiler chickens up to 12%, but it had a negative trend for egg-type chickens. Also, feed conversion and mortality rates have been improved by increasing the knowledge of producers, and controlling the diseases. According to global statistical report in 2004, Iran had the 14th and 17th rank in meat and egg production in the word, respectively. As it is obvious, egg production and its related activities are being decreased. The most important reasons could be the instability of prices to supply feed stuff, lack of a comprehensive program to regulate the price of products, low interest for investment in laying production, and tax for egg exporting.