Exploring the Poultry Industry Lesson 6

Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed! HS‐LS2‐1. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on quantitative analysis and comparison of the relationships among interdependent factors including boundaries, resources, climate and competition. Examples of mathematical comparisons could include graphs, charts, histograms, and population changes gathered from simulations or historical data sets.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include deriving mathematical equations to make comparisons.] HS‐LS2‐2. Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales. [Clarification Statement: Examples of mathematical representations include finding the average, determining trends, and using graphical comparisons of multiple sets of data.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to provided data.]

Work Describe the various types components of the poultry industry. Identify the difference between the broiler and egg laying industry and the breeds used. Explain production systems and marketing of poultry. List and describe breeds of poultry.

Terms Bantams Broilers Chick Cockerels Drake Duckling Free Range Gander Goose Gosling Hens Layers Poult Poultry Pullet Producers Pullets Roosters Tom

Interest Approach Display eggs on a safe surface to show the different colors, grades, and weight classes. Start a discussion asking students to think of reasons that the eggs may be different.

What is poultry? Poultry – group name for all domesticated birds used for meat, eggs, and feathers – referred to as fowl

What is the difference between poultry and other animals? Digestive System – has a gizzard instead of teeth Reproductive System – egg laying after mating for fertile eggs – Egg laying of infertile eggs on a regular basis – artificial insemination is needed because some birds are unable to mate naturally because of their mass of flesh – one body opening for removal of liquid and solid waste Externally – poultry have feathers rather than hair or fur. Ability to fly Two legs rather than four Lay eggs rather than give live birth Extremely rapid growth rate

The poultry industry can really be divided into two separate divisions- meat production & egg production. Broiler – Meat production Extremely rapid growing, heavy muscle birds are utilized for meat production. This is basically the opposite of the egg producing birds. The emphasis here is not on egg production but growth rate and meat production. Layer – Egg Production Smaller, lighter muscled breeds of birds are utilized in egg production. Energy is devoted to producing eggs rather than muscle. Egg production is located in different areas in our country than meat production. Hens are usually kept for one production cycle and then replaced with new young birds.

External Parts of Poultry

Identify poultry terminology. Objective #2

What are terms associated with poultry? Chickens Layers – chickens that are used to produce large quantities of eggs – generally the White Leghorn breed is used for laying hens – The top egg producing states are in order: » Iowa » Ohio » Indiana » Pennsylvania » California » Texas » Michigan » Minnesota » Nebraska » Georgia » The top five states produce 50% of the eggs in the US!

Poultry Terms Cont. Layers cont. – Monthly US production nearly 7 billion eggs – Average number of laying hens in the US is 292 million – Annual egg production is valued at $ 7 billion

Poultry Terms Cont. Broilers- young meat producing birds that reach an average market weight of 4lbs. At 6-7 weeks of age. Million pounds consumed ready-to-cook basis ,381 Million pounds consumed ready-to-cook basis ,387 Average annual US production is nearly 37 billion lbs. valued a $21.5 billion dollars.

What are terms associated with poultry? Chickens Roosters – mature males Pullets – young female chickens Hens – mature females Bantams – miniature chickens Turkeys Hens – mature females Tom – adult male – gobbler Poult – young turkey of either sex

What are terms associated with poultry? Ducks have down that grows under feathers Hens – mature female Drake – mature male Duckling – young duck of both sexes Geese Goose – female at maturity Gander – male at maturity Goslings – young geese

Explain production systems and marketing of poultry. Objective #3

What are ways to market and produce poultry? Consumption of red meat has declined recently, the consumption of poultry meat has increased. Chickens are the main form of consumed poultry. Turkeys sell better near holidays. Eggs consumption is fairly constant with a peak around fall holidays.

Areas of Chicken Production Broiler Production producing as much meat as quickly as possible for maximum profit large facilities for 6 to 7 weeks before marketing nutrition & environment major consideration 99% are grown under contract between farmer & processor other outlets include live broilers at auctions, to dealers, or processing plants

Egg Production Produce high quality eggs for consumption. Provide ideal environment for the hens. Proper housing and nutrition is needed. Keep all eggs clean and prevent from breaking is another factor. Marketing eggs is under contract similar to broilers. Other options for eggs include local buyers or through cooperatives. Hundreds of thousands of eggs are used daily in commercial food preparation.

Pullet Producers Production systems that raise hens for laying purposes. Raise day-old female chicks into replacement hens. Raise until they are 20 weeks old. Delivered to laying farm to begin egg production at 24 weeks of age. Marketing is done between pullet producer and the egg producer.

Free Range Egg Production!

Free Range Production Free range production is actually turning back the clock to traditional production methods prior to the advent of the “commercial” methods utilized in the poultry industry today. Small scale/small investment, backyard production has helped spur interest in free range production techniques. Animal rights groups are also advocating for a return to the free range production methods.

Free Range Broiler Production

Production Comparison Free Range: Smaller investment Claims of higher quality Often suited for “niche” markets Labor intensive May require addition feed Lower production levels for eggs/slower growing broilers Standard Commercial: Large initial investment Less labor required High production levels of eggs and broilers Lower feed consumption Lower death loss

List and describe kinds and breeds of poultry. Objective #4

Chickens 4 classes of chickens – Mediterranean – American – English – Asiatic Identification Characteristics – color of eggs, skin, eyes, earlobes, and plumage Andalusian Australorp

Brahma Cornish Game Single-Comb White Leghorn Barred Plymouth Rock

Turkey Breeds Broad-Breasted Large White most popular breed developed from crosses males have black beards all have white feet, beaks, & shanks all commercial turkeys are bred using AI because their breast is so large that it makes natural service impossible

Ducks Breeds used for meat Call-Aylesbury Swedish-Muscovy Rouen-Cayuga White Pekin Breeds used for eggs Khaki Campbells Indian Runners White Pekin most commonly used originated in China Weigh 8 pounds white feathered with yellowish skin nervous birds white0tinted eggs

Pekin Khaki Campbell

Geese Used for meat, eggs, feathers, down and weeding crops Most common breeds – Toulouse – Embden – Chinese – Pilgrim – African Embden

Review What is poultry? What are terms associated with poultry? What are ways to market and produce poultry? What are different kinds and breeds of poultry?

The End!