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Mass production of chicken meat is a global industry and at that time, only two or three breeding companies supplied around 90% of the world's breeder-broilers. The total number of meat chickens produced in the world was nearly 47 billion in 2004; of these, approximately 19% were produced in the US, 15% in China, 13% in the EU25 and 11% in Brazil.
Broiler breeder farms raise parent stock which produce fertilized eggs. A broiler hatching egg is never sold at stores and is not meant for human consumption. [9] The males and females are separate genetic lines or breeds, so that each line can be selected for optimal traits for productivity in either females or males, rather than a single line in which a compromise is reached between female ...
The Cobb 500 is a fast-growing broiler chicken breed. They can reach a 2 kg slaughter weight at 33 days old. [1] [2] They make up around half of all globally farmed chickens as of 2016. [3] The Cobb 500 is controversial due to their health problems. Animal rights and animal welfare groups such as Open Cages have called for the industry to stop ...
A dual-purpose chicken is a type of chicken that may be used in the production of both eggs and meat. [42] In the past, many chicken breeds were selected for both functions. However, since the advent of laying and meat hybrids, industrial chicken breeding has made a sharp distinction between chickens with either function, [ 43 ] so that certain ...
All chickens lay eggs, have edible meat, and possess a unique appearance. However, distinct breeds are the result of selective breeding to emphasize certain traits. Any breed may be used for general agricultural purposes, and all breeds are shown to some degree. But each chicken breed is known for a primary use.
The chicken breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association are listed in the American Standard of Perfection. They are categorized into classes: standard-sized breeds are grouped by type or by place of origin, while bantam breeds are classified according to type or physical characteristics.
In 1896, farmer Nettie Metcalf created the Buckeye chicken breed in Warren, Ohio. [4] [5] [6] In 1905, Buckeyes became an official breed under the American Poultry Association. [7] The Buckeye breed is the first recorded chicken breed to be created and developed by a woman. [8] [9] [10]
Chickens farmed for meat are called broilers. Broiler breeds typically take less than six weeks to reach slaughter size, [82] some weeks longer for free range and organic broilers. [83] A commercial chicken house with open sides raising broiler pullets for meat. Chickens farmed primarily for eggs are called layer hens.