The poultry industry is one of the most important agricultural sectors in Egypt, providing a major source of affordable protein for millions of households. However, poultry farmers face rising production costs that directly impact chicken prices in Egypt. According to the latest estimates, the average cost per kilo in the breeding cycle for Egyptian poultry farms is around 65 EGP, with feed making up the bulk of the expenses.
1. Breakdown of Poultry Farming Costs (EGP per kilo)
- Feed: 76 EGP
- Chick (initial cost): 25 EGP
- Medicine & fortifications: 10 EGP
- Heating: 8 EGP
- Hypocrite & injuries: 2 EGP
- Employment & brushes: 2 EGP
- Paperwork: 2 EGP
- Rent: 2 EGP
👉 Feed accounts for the largest share of poultry production costs, followed by the purchase of chicks and veterinary care.
2. Feed: The Biggest Expense
The 76 EGP allocated to feed highlights the dependence of Egyptian poultry farms on imported and local grains, particularly corn and soybeans. Global price fluctuations in these commodities directly impact poultry prices in Egypt.
3. Other Key Costs
- Chick acquisition: At 25 EGP, this cost reflects the investment in starting each breeding cycle.
- Medicine & fortifications: Around 10 EGP goes into ensuring healthy flocks, including vaccines and supplements.
- Heating: Particularly important in winter months, heating costs add another 8 EGP to the total.
Smaller costs like rent, paperwork, employment, and losses due to injuries or mortality add up but remain minor compared to feed.
4. Economic Impact on Egyptian Poultry Farms
Rising input costs have forced many small poultry farmers to:
- Raise selling prices, making chicken less affordable for consumers.
- Reduce flock sizes, limiting supply in the market.
- Seek government subsidies or cooperative support for feed and medicine.
This cost-pressure chain contributes directly to inflation in food prices in Egypt.
Final Thoughts
With an average production cost of 65 EGP per kilo, Egyptian poultry farms face significant challenges due to high feed prices and rising operational expenses. Policymakers and industry leaders may need to focus on domestic feed production, improved farm efficiency, and support programs to ensure the sustainability of the poultry sector—while keeping chicken prices affordable for Egyptian consumers.
