IMPLICATIONS OF SEASONAL PRICE PATTERNS AND TRENDS OF TABLE EGGS, LAYERS MASH AND PULLET DAY-OLD CHICKS FOR EGG PRODUCERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated seasonal price patterns and price trends for table eggs, layers
mash and pullet day-old chicks. It tested for shift in seasonal price patterns over the study
period, and examined for similarity in seasonal price patterns, time lag in seasonal price
patterns of table eggs and layers mash on one hand and that of table eggs and pullet dayold
chicks on the other. Secondary data on the commodities retail price on monthly basis
from Livestock Services Department, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural
Resources, Abeokuta, between 1987 and 1996 were used for the analysis. Annual average
commodity retail price of each year was used as each year's base price and monthly price
indices were calculated for each of the year.
Intra and inter-commodity comparisons, of ten-year and five-year mean price indices of
table eggs and layers mash, showed that they are similar which indicated no shift in
seasonal price patterns over the period and that prices of table eggs and layers mash move
together, with instant response of egg producers to rise in layers mash price by an
increase in the price of eggs. Annual percentage increase in price for layers mash were
however higher than those of egg price indicating that profit level of egg producers is
being eroded by rising cost of layers mash over time. It is concluded that this
phenomenon is partly responsible for the rate at which egg producers exit the enterprise,
and a solution to the prob1em.i~a dvocated.
Intra commodity comparison of ten-year mean price indices for pullet day-o!d chicks,
showed similar patterns buttressing no shift in seasonal price pattern over the study time
for the commodity. However, inter commodity comparison of the seasonal price patterns
for table eggs and pullet day-old chick, showed lack of such similarity. The implication of
the observed pattern is discussed.