Determining the efficiency of broiler chicken units in Sistan region, using interval data envelopment analysis and Mont Carlo simulation approach

Nowadays, poultry and its products are proposed as one of the main sources of protein for consumers. In this study the efficiency of broiler chicken   producers in Sistan region was estimated. Because of the sensitivity of data envelopment analysis to amount of inputs and outputs, the interval data envelopment analysis method was used to impose uncertainty.  The results showed that the average of constant return to scale interval efficiency was in the interval of (0.158, 0.612). The best and the weakest unit were in the interval (0.03, 0.08) and (0.28, 0.94), respectively. Considering constant return to scale efficiency, 10% of the units had potential efficiency. Assessment of constant return to scale efficiency indicated that the average, the best, and the weakest units were in the efficiency intervals of (0.69, 0.23), (0.466, 1), and (0.099, 0.179). Variable return to scale efficiency showed that 25% of producers have potential efficiency. The estimated intervals revealed that by providing resources, appropriate conditions are available   to increase efficiency of broiler chicken producers in Sistan region. Thus, it seems that providing the shortcomings of these units leads to enough motivation to impose ideal management. Finally, in order to assure decision-makers in using the results of the study, the validity of the model was measured using the Monte Carlo simulation method. The results of this simulation indicate the ability of the IDEA model against unreliable data.