Effect of Table Egg Production Factors, Quality Parameters and Marketing channel on marketing indicators in Khartoum State

Abstract

A study was conducted during the period November – December 2015 and January 2016 to assess some main factors in the marketing chain that have impact on table egg marketing in Khartoum State and on the consumer attitude in the direction of table egg demand. This was through assessing the knowledge and appreciation of grocers and the consumer opinion on table egg marketing, egg quality and standard through the marketing channel flow. Sixty random samples were selected from the central markets 90, from the groceries and 150 consumers. Questionnaires, interviews and personal observation were used. Data was collected on personal characteristics, seasonal effect, marketing activities, egg handling, feasibility and reasons for business selection. Data was analyzed by simple percentages, Anova and correlation. The main findings were. Central market business group was 20 – 30 years at 43%, education 51.1 secondary, site ownership renting at 51.6, financing source 66.7% mainly personal, table egg purchase source was mainly companies at 48.3%. Base of egg purchasing was 66.7% for size, sale display 50% in open veranda and seasonal effect was high for both summer and winter at 83.3% each. For groceries Sale display at 33.3% was open veranda, price assessment factor was supply and demand 33.3% and fixed price at 27.8%. Purchase preference was mainly external appearance at 23.3% and 17.8% for each of shape and stamp. Purchase source was farms at 48.9% and companies 46.7%. For site ownership renting ranked first 45.6% Analysis of variance between source of purchase and quantity of daily sales was not statically significant (P0.99) also NS with price of purchase (P≤0.297) and also NS with price of sale (P≤0363).Analysis of variance between site ownership and quantity of daily sales was NS (P≤0.466) but was significant for price of purchase (P≤0.021) and also for price of sale (P≤0.006). Analysis of variance between source of financing and daily sales was NS (P≤0.699), also NS with price of Purchase (P≤0.342) and also with price of sale (P≤0.205). Transportationto groceries was mainly company cars at 31% and open cars at 24.4%. Storage period mainly 2–14 days in open veranda and for egg quality 24.4%of the respondents lacked information. Consumption was by all age groups but less for elderly and females. Main source of table eggs was groceries at 66.7 % and Central markets at 20.7%. For size 72.3% preferred, medium, for cooking, 65.3% preferred boiled eggs and for meal preference 38% for breakfast and 24.6% all meals. For seasonal preference 29.4% autumn and12 % summer.The study concluded that the majority of the study respondents in the table egg marketing chain knowledge on quality standards merchandising depended on personal judgment rather than recognized standards. Display methods, storing and transportation were not correctly attended to. Site ownership and personal experience had significant effect on both purchase and sale price. The study noted absence of any organized or authorized body controlling, guiding or directing table egg flow in the marketing chain. During the period February – April 2016 a survey study was conducted in Khartoum State on the marketing activities and egg cracks in the marketing chain and methods of disposal of cracked table egg.. From these data 40 groceries were randomly selected from Khartoum, 30 from Omdurman and 20 from Khartoum North with equal number in each locality from each of the 4 geographical directions and the center of the locality (8, 6, 4). Questionnaires, interviews and personal observation were used for data collection on personal characteristics, commercial and marketing activities, pricing, transportation, egg cracks and methods of disposal. Data was analysed using simple percentages. The main finding were consumers preferred buying by dozen while grocery owners preferred selling by tray. Source of purchase was almost equal between companies and farm units, storing period was 2 -14 days, transport by company cares or open cars on rough roads and display methods mostly in open verandas and some good portion on the ground. For cracked eggs some total of 18.9% of the respondent indicated high rate For cracked egg disposal it was mostly by away from the farm (32.2%) and 13.3% by garbage car which poses environmental and health hazards. The study indicated no relationship or correlation between either the educational level or SSMO type of information and the method of cracked egg disposal. The study noted complete absence of any extension programs or any regulatory presence of any official body or institution for cracked egg disposal treatment. For studying effect of housing system and season on egg quality in Khartoum State 2 groceries were selected randomly from each of the 3 localities. One egg tray from closed and one from open housing system were randomly selected from each grocery twice per month for six months. Five eggs were selected randomly from each tray for egg quality study during the period of January – August 2017 using the cluster method. Data was used collectively for studying housing effect and for season effect was divided into 3 seasons. Study showed significant effect of housing on (Egg Weight) (P < 0.1) and (Yolk Colour) (P < 0.01) and (NS) on (Egg Shape), (Shell Thickness), (Yolk Index) and (Haugh Unit). Season showed significant effect on (Egg Weight), (Egg Shape), ((Shell Thickness) and (Hough Unit) each at (P<0.01) and (Yolk Colour) at (P<0.05). Wet season showed numerically the highest level over winter and dry summer for all parameters studied. Closed housing system also showed the better results for all parameters studied over the open.