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Labor cost structure is one of the most critical variables influencing investment decisions in commercial poultry production systems. This study presents a comparative cost efficiency model for a 10,000-broiler farm, focusing on labor savings potential and automation adoption differences between Europe and the Middle East.

In European poultry markets, labor costs are relatively high due to aging demographics, strict employment regulations, and limited availability of skilled agricultural workers. As a result, automation adoption is primarily driven by economic necessity. In modeled commercial operations with integrated feeding, ventilation, and environmental control systems, labor dependency may be reduced by approximately 40–60%, depending on system configuration and farm management level. This leads to significant long-term operational efficiency improvements.

In contrast, the Middle East poultry sector generally benefits from lower base labor wages but relies heavily on migrant labor. While direct wage levels are lower than in Europe, additional operational costs such as housing, visa procedures, and workforce turnover contribute to higher total employment expenditure. In a 10,000-broiler production model, automation systems typically reduce labor demand by approximately 30–50%, with efficiency gains driven primarily by improved operational stability and reduced workforce variability.

Investment feasibility is also influenced by equipment cost structure and financing accessibility. European markets often benefit from established agricultural financing systems and subsidy programs, reducing capital barriers for automation adoption. In the Middle East, higher initial capital requirements are often offset by large-scale integrated farming operations, enabling faster payback periods under optimized production cycles.

Overall, the model indicates that Europe achieves higher absolute labor cost savings, while the Middle East demonstrates stronger improvements in operational stability and risk mitigation. Both regions provide clear economic justification for adopting automated poultry farming systems.