 | |
| Distribution | World-wide |
|---|---|
| Use | Meat/feathers |
| Traits | |
| Skin color | Yellow, brown, black or mixed |
| Egg color | white/light brown |
| Comb type | red |
| Classification | |
Breed broiler is any chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) that is bred and raised specifically for meat production.[1] Most commercial broilers reach slaughter weight between four[2] and six weeks of age, although slower growing breeds reach slaughter weight at approximately 14 weeks of age. Typical broilers have white feathers and yellowish skin. Broiler or sometimes broiler-fryer is also used sometimes to refer specifically to younger chickens under 2.0 kilograms (4+1⁄2 lb), as compared with the larger roasters.[3]
Due to extensive breeding selection for rapid early growth and the husbandry used to sustain this, broilers are susceptible to several welfare concerns, particularly skeletal malformation and dysfunction, skin and eye lesions and congestive heart conditions. Management of ventilation, housing, stocking density and in-house procedures must be evaluated regularly to support good welfare of the flock. The breeding stock (broiler-breeders) do grow to maturity but also have their own welfare concerns related to the frustration of a high feeding motivation and beak trimming. Broilers are usually grown as mixed-sex flocks in large sheds under intensive conditions.
- ^ Kruchten, Tom (November 27, 2002). "U.S Broiler Industry Structure" (PDF). National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 29, 2013. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
- ^ Bessei W (2006). "Welfare of broilers: A review". World's Poultry Science Journal. 62 (3): 455–466. doi:10.1017/s0043933906001085. S2CID 86638983.
- ^ Gerrard, Gene (January 7, 2019). "What Are the Main Types of Chicken?". The Spruce Eats. Retrieved June 16, 2020.