Broiler Industry

Definition of a broiler

A young, tender chicken of either sex under 10 weeks of age raised specifically for meat

Typical broiler processing age and weight

Processed at 6-7 weeks of age, weighing approximately 2.5 to 4.5 pounds (ready to cook weight)

Distribution of the US poultry industry

Southwest distribution

Efficiencies of vertical integration

Lower labor input

Increased feed efficiency

Better health programs

Shorter grow out period

Consumer benefits

Consumer benefits of vertical integration

Reduced cost

Increased quality

Uniform product

Year round

How do broiler breeders work?

Have 1 rooster per 8-10 hens

Hens lay 1 egg per day

Fertilized eggs sold to hatcheries

Incubation Parameters for Broiler Eggs

Held for 1-5 days at 65F to slow development

Incubated at 99.5°F for 21 days with hourly turning

Vaccination of chicks

Marek's and new castle vaccines given in ovo

Infectious bronchitis vaccine sprayed at 1 day old

When are broilers processed?

6-7 weeks of age, around 5.8#

How can humidity impact broiler flocks?

Too high - aspergillosis

Too low - non viable chicks

What is a Cornish Game Hen?

Immature chicken under 5 weeks of age of either sex with a ready to cook carcass weight ≤2 lbs

Why are Cornish game hens smaller than domestic chickens?

Not technically smaller, just smaller because they are processed at 5-6 weeks of age

What is a Roaster Chicken?

Young chicken under 12 weeks of age of either sex with ready to cook carcass weight ≥5.5 lbs (usually 6.5-10)

Filler Chickens

The 1/3 of a roaster flock removed at ~6 weeks in the production cycle to lower stocking density for the remaining roasters

What is the risk with a roaster and filler production system?

Biosecurity

What is a capon?

A surgically castrated male chicken, 4-8 months of age, and around 5-9#

More white meat and fat content than other chickens