Egg and Poultry Industry Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts in the egg and poultry industry, highlighting statistics, production practices, health perceptions, and welfare issues.

Global Egg Production

Approximately 5.7 billion eggs produced worldwide, with major contributions from China (2.2B), India (215M), the USA (344M), and Brazil (236M).

Canada's Egg Supply Management

Canada's egg supply is managed, allowing producers to sell up to 100 hens without a quota, with a market production of ~595 million dozen eggs/year.

Egg Consumption in Canada

Egg consumption in Canada is ~14.37 kg per capita, having increased by 26% since 2009.

Laying Hens Production Cycle

Laying hens start laying eggs at ~19 weeks old and can produce ~340 eggs per hen per year.

Commercial Egg Varieties

Commercial eggs include white eggs from leghorns and brown eggs from Rhode Island Reds or Barred Rocks, each with varying production capabilities.

Health Perception of Eggs

There has been fluctuating research regarding cholesterol levels in eggs, leading to the development of functional foods like omega-3 enriched eggs.

Welfare in Egg Production

Welfare concerns have led to the phase-out of battery cages in the EU since 1999, with a move towards enhanced cages or free-range practices.

Poultry Meat Segments

The poultry industry includes segments such as Broilers (chickens for meat), Layers (hens for egg production), and hatcheries for all segments.

Supply Management in Poultry

Poultry production in Canada has been under supply management since 1965, with quotas for production and market stabilization.

Broiler Production Stats

Broiler chickens reach market weight in ~38 days and are typically raised in flocks of 40-50 thousand birds per farm.

Beef Production Purpose

Beef production converts high cellulose feed, unsuitable for human consumption, into meat, using breeds suited to specific climates.

Top Beef Exporters

The top beef exporting countries are Brazil (23.5%), Australia (13.8%), and the USA (12.41%).

Cattle Population by Province

The cattle population distribution in Canada shows Saskatchewan (41%) and Alberta (30%) as the leading provinces.

British vs. Continental Beef Breeds

British breeds (e.g., Hereford, Angus) mature early with slower growth rates, whereas Continental breeds grow faster with larger frames and leaner meat.