The verdict in three sentences
A poultry farmer tracking the flock on paper poorly controls the feed conversion ratio and discovers excess mortality too late, once it has already eaten the margin. Flock-management software records daily feed intake, mortality, lay or weight, and alerts early on health drifts. The choice is between a custom app (1,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA) and a farming SaaS (12,000 to 40,000 FCFA/month).
Custom or farming SaaS: the 2026 cost
The notebook costs nothing but lets weak signals slip until the loss is visible. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for a farmer with 2,000 to 8,000 birds in Kumasi.
| Criterion | Notebook | Farming SaaS | Custom app |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0 FCFA | 0 to 150,000 FCFA | 1,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA |
| Monthly cost | 0 FCFA | 12,000 to 40,000 FCFA | Hosting 15,000 FCFA |
| Daily flock tracking | No | Yes | Yes, custom |
| Feed conversion ratio computed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mortality alert | No | Partial | Yes, custom thresholds |
| Cost per kg / per egg | Estimated | Yes | Yes, precise |
| Data ownership | You | The vendor | You |
The SaaS is enough for a farmer starting tracking. The custom app makes sense for several concurrent flocks, several houses and a cost calculation tuned to local feed prices.
What daily tracking changes
The gain comes from controlling two levers: the feed conversion ratio (kg of feed per kg of weight or per egg) and mortality. Caught early, they protect each flock's margin.
| Indicator | Before (notebook) | After (software) |
|---|---|---|
| Feed conversion ratio (broiler) | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| Mortality rate | 8% | 4% |
| Production cost per kg | 1,250 FCFA | 1,080 FCFA |
| Early drift detection | Never | Within 24h |
| Margin per flock (5,000 birds) | 1,700,000 FCFA | 2,500,000 FCFA |
| Data-entry time per day | 40 min | 10 min |
A feed conversion ratio dropping from 2.1 to 1.8 and mortality halved translate directly into francs on each flock's margin.
Mini case study
Ibrahim raises 5,000 broilers per flock in Kumasi. On paper, his mortality reached 8%, or 400 birds lost per flock, and his feed conversion ratio was 2.1. After a custom app at 2,000,000 FCFA with mortality alerts, he drops to 4% mortality and a 1.8 ratio. On one flock that is about 800,000 FCFA of extra margin. With 5 flocks a year, the gain tops 4,000,000 FCFA and the investment pays back by the third flock.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
How much does poultry software cost in Kumasi in 2026?
A farming SaaS runs 12,000 to 40,000 FCFA per month. A custom app ranges from 1,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA plus about 15,000 FCFA monthly hosting. Custom makes sense with several flocks or houses.
How does the software improve the feed conversion ratio?
By recording daily feed distributed and weight or lay, it computes the ratio in real time and flags any drift, moving it from 2.1 to 1.8 in broilers.
Does tracking really cut mortality?
Yes. Alert thresholds warn at the first anomaly, allowing action within 24h and cutting mortality from 8% to 4% on average.
Can it compute a precise unit cost?
Yes. The software factors in feed price, chicks, health and energy to give a cost per kg or per egg, here from 1,250 to 1,080 FCFA per kg.
Can I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Yes. Our referral program pays 15% on the sale of a business app plus 5% recurring. Introduce us to a poultry farmer and earn your commission.
Let's talk about your project. Protect each flock's margin with daily tracking that alerts before the loss. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
