INFLUENCE OF FEED QUALITY ON POULTRY PRODUCTION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN SABON-GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the influence of feed quality on poultry productivity among smallholder farmers in Sabon-Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select sixty poultry farmers, and primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that farmers who utilized high-quality commercial feeds achieved significantly higher egg production and broiler weight compared to those using locally formulated or household by-product feeds (p < .05). Major constraints affecting access to quality feed included high feed cost, adulteration of commercial feeds, and inadequate technical knowledge of feed formulation. The study concludes that feed quality remains a critical determinant of poultry productivity among smallholder farmers. It recommends strengthening feed quality regulation, improving farmer training on feed formulation, and promoting affordable alternative feed resources to enhance sustainable poultry production.