Poultry

Poultry Basics ‘Poultry’ usually refers to chickens and turkeys, but also includes ducks, geese, pheasant, quail, ostrich…. Poultry 2 nd highest meat consumed Raised for – Meat – Feathers – Eggs

Chicken Terms Rooster: males for breeding Broilers: meat production – males or females Capon: castrated male Pullets: females, but not producing eggs yet Hens: females that produce eggs Chicks: babies

Chicken Industry 1.Replacement pullets 1.Raising chicks for egg production 2.Egg Production 1.Laying hens produce eggs 2.May be in confined cages or free-range 3.After production cycle, hens sold for meat 3.Broiler Production 1.Raising chickens (male or female) for meat 2.High quality rations fed for rapid & efficient gains 3.Capons produce more tender meat, but more expensive to castrate 4.Usually white; colored broilers have pigmented skin which is undesirable to consumers

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Turkey Terms Tom: intact male Hens: females Poults: babies

Turkey Industry 1. Brooding: raising poults – Housed with proper lighting & heat – Poults are debeaked, desnooded, and have toes clipped to prevent fighting & injury 2. Meat Production – Confinement or free-range

Turkey Facts Turkey native to North America 1/3 all turkey sales during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas Turkey Breeds Broad Breasted Large White – most common for meat production Broad Breasted Bronze Beltsville Small White Bourbon Red

Miscellaneous Poultry Ducks – raised for meat and hunting – Meat ducks primarily raised on Long Island, New York Pheasants – meat & hunting – Many pheasant farms can be seen around this area Quail - meat & hunting Ostrich – meat & leather – Popularity & demand rising Geese – meat & feathers – ‘down’ feathers used in bedding & pillows