Cost of Poultry Farming in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · Agriculture & Business
Poultry farming remains one of Zambia's most popular agribusinesses. However, with feed accounting for over 60% of production expenses, tracking the exact costs of day-old chicks, starter feed, and medication is critical to running a profitable farm.
Broiler Farming Costs (Meat Production)
The estimated 2026 prices for essential inputs required to raise broiler chickens to market weight (at 5-6 weeks).
| Item | Estimated Price (ZMk) |
|---|---|
| Day Old Chicks (Broiler) Tiger Chicks, Ross, etc. | ZMK 18 – 20 per chick |
| Broiler Starter Feed (50kg) Prices depend on brand (Tiger, Novatek) | ZMK 680 – 700 |
| Broiler Grower Feed (50kg) Fed during the growing phase | ZMK 650 – 670 |
| Broiler Finisher Feed (50kg) Fed in the final weeks before market | ZMK 610 – 630 |
| Vaccines & Medication Newcastle, Gumboro vaccines, vitamins | ZMK 2.50 – 3.00 / bird |
Layer Farming Costs (Egg Production)
Average prices for commercial egg production inputs. Many farmers opt to buy "Point of Lay" pullets to skip the risky brooding phase.
| Item | Estimated Price (ZMk) |
|---|---|
| Point of Lay Pullets (18 weeks) Ready to lay eggs | ZMK 180 – 220 per bird |
| Layer Mash / Feed (50kg) Daily feed for egg production | ZMK 480 – 550 |
| Empty Egg Trays (Bundle of 100) Packaging for wholesale | ZMK 150 – 200 |
The Poultry Industry Landscape in Zambia (2026)
The Zambian poultry sector is highly competitive but faces pressure from fluctuating macroeconomic factors, primarily the cost of soybeans and maize—the two dominant ingredients in poultry feed. Feed providers like Tiger Animal Feeds and Novatek dictate market rates, and in recent years, poor rainfall impacting soybean harvests has driven feed prices upward.
Despite rising input costs, demand for chicken meat and eggs remains extraordinarily high, as it serves as the primary, most affordable source of animal protein in Zambia. Profitability for small to medium-scale farmers now relies heavily on strict biosecurity to prevent disease outbreaks and highly efficient feed management to ensure no wastage occurs during the 6-week growth cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 50kg bag of poultry feed cost in Zambia?
As of 2026, broiler feed from leading brands like Tiger Animal Feeds and Novatek ranges from ZMK 610 to ZMK 700 per 50kg bag. Starter feed is the most expensive at around ZMK 690, while Finisher feed is slightly cheaper at around ZMK 620. Layer mash is generally cheaper, ranging from ZMK 480 to ZMK 550.
How much are day-old chicks in Zambia?
A day-old broiler chick (such as Ross or Indian River breeds) costs an average of ZMK 19. If you are buying from major hatcheries like Tiger Chicks, National Milling, or Hybrid, you often need to book and pay a 50% deposit in advance due to high demand.
Is poultry farming profitable in Zambia?
Yes, but margins are tight due to high feed costs (feed accounts for 60-70% of total expenses). Profitability depends heavily on maintaining excellent feed conversion ratios, minimizing mortality rates through strict biosecurity, and securing steady bulk buyers.
How many bags of feed do I need for 100 broilers?
To raise 100 broilers to a market weight of roughly 2kg (at 5-6 weeks), you will need approximately 14-16 bags of 50kg feed in total. This is usually split into 3-4 bags of Starter, 5-6 bags of Grower, and 6 bags of Finisher.