The poultry sector is one of the most efficient in livestock farming, but also one in which margins are highly sensitive to cost fluctuations. In commercial farms, the short production cycle—approximately 35–42 days—allows for rapid turnover, but also exposes farmers to frequent market variations.

The cost structure is dominated by feed, which can account for between 60 and 70% of the total. Under the conditions of 2024–2025, the production cost for one kilogram of live poultry meat is frequently estimated at between €1.2 and €1.5/kg, depending on technological efficiency and cereal prices.

The selling price to slaughterhouses or integrators generally ranges between €1.3 and €1.7/kg live weight. The farmer’s margin is therefore limited and depends directly on technical performance, particularly feed conversion ratio and mortality rate.

A major advantage of the poultry sector is the predictability of production, but this is counterbalanced by a strong dependence on feed prices and contracts with integrators. In many cases, farmers operate within integrated systems, which reduces commercial risk but also limits economic autonomy.

Profitability in this sector is determined more by technological discipline and strict cost control than by market price levels.

(Photo: Freepik)