Chicken Production · production system that is optimally efficient. BROILER PRODUCTION Producing meat is the main focus of the broiler production area in the chicken industry. This
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Chicken Production
THE CHICKEN industry in the United States is a largecommercial industry. It is a very sophisticated,
business-oriented industry through vertical integration.This has allowed the poultry industry to become veryefficient in every aspect of the production andprocessing of birds and eggs. It has also allowed forproducers to work with companies to raise high-qualitypoultry products.
Objective:
� Compare and contrast the four areas of the chicken industry.
Key Terms:
� in-line system
litter
molting
off-line system
Chicken Industry
Broiler production, egg production, replacement
pullet, and broiler breeder are the main categories that
make up the dominant form of poultry production in
the United States. Many of these poultry farms will
look similar from sizes of environmentally controlled
barns to automated equipment that eases the work
load. Poultry farms will have bulk feed storage bins,
tractors, manure spreaders, and generators. These
farms operate with strict precautions against diseases.
Some operations use a foot bath at the entrance of
FIGURE 7. Litter used on flooring is usually made of wood shavings.
It is very important to maintain a stress-free environment for these birds. Reproduction
would suffer if anything interrupts their environment. Areas that are free of noise are an
important factor to maintain a low stress environment, especially in the nesting area. Precisely
controlled temperature and lighting systems are very important to maintain efficient produc-
tion and reproduction in a breeder house.
Company representatives assist with the designed feeding program. Males and females are
carefully controlled through feed intake levels, body weight, and condition. Producing pullets
that are ideal in weight and condition will meet the goal of high egg production. Attention to
the health of both males and females will ensure adequate fertility and production. Carefully
controlled operations, along with well-detailed recordkeeping, will provide the producer a
highly efficient return.
The producer must provide strict sanitation procedures for effective disease control. Clean-
ing and disinfecting the house and equipment are proper production practices. Maintaining
adequate ventilation and clean, dry bedding will also result in cleaner hatching eggs. Tempera-
tures in a breeder house typically range from 65° to 75°F.
Factors Affecting BroilerBreeder Production
Factors affecting profitability
in breeding bird production are
contract payments/agreements
and cash operating factors like
fuel, electricity, maintenance, and
repair. Other factors, such as
environmental settings, feeding
system, vaccination schedules,
and care, will also influence prof-
itability.
Selecting Broiler Breeder Birds
Breeding birds are carefully selected and owned by companies. These birds will express
high-quality meat and rate of growth. Some common assessments used to identify growth
potential are skull width, heart girth, back flatness/length/breadth, body depth/capacity, breast
and keel, weight, and color. A wide skull is an indicator of growth potential. A good heart girth
and body depth/capacity will indicate enough space for internal organs that will maximize
growth and development. Flat backs are a sign of good bone development. The examination of
the breast and keel will determine good meat proportions.
Summary:
� Broiler production, egg production, replacement pullet, and broiler breeder are themain categories that make up the dominant form of poultry production in theUnited States. Many of these poultry farms will look similar from sizes of environ-
FIGURE 8. For efficient growth, ample lighting is necessary in poultry
housing.
mentally controlled barns to automated equipment that eases the work load. Poultryfarms will have bulk feed storage bins, tractors, manure spreaders, and generators.These farms operate with strict precautions against diseases. Some operations use afoot bath at the entrance of each house or require special clothing and rubber bootsto prevent disease contamination. Other operations do not require any visitorson-site. Vertical integration has allowed for the chicken industry to focus on theseareas and design a production system that is optimally efficient.
In the modern poultry industry, companies supply the birds to the producers. Pro-ducers rarely, if ever, get a say in the type or source for the birds in production.Contract agreements are made between the company and the producer. Contractsusually state who will provide the birds, feed, medication, utilities, and labor. Iden-tifying high-quality, superior birds is an essential step in each of the production sys-tems. A good poultry producer will exhibit this knowledge and provide sound man-agerial skills and understanding of producing and preserving the quality of birdsdelivered.
Checking Your Knowledge:
� 1. What are the similarities and differences of broiler and replacement pullet pro-duction?
2. What is some common equipment used on all types of poultry operations?
3. In a contract agreement with a company, what are the common factors thataffect profitability?
4. How can light affect the production of eggs?
5. What is the difference between an in-line system and an off-line system in eggproduction?
6. What are the key factors when selecting superior animals for each area inchicken production?
Expanding Your Knowledge:
� Research the responsibilities of a fertile egg producer. What is the producers role indeveloping new strains or lines of breeds to improve egg production? How canDNA be used in the breeding and developing of birds within the chicken industry?