M A T T J O H N

A G R I C U L T U R E P R O G R A M C H A I RI V Y T E C H C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

Alternative Poultry Breeds

Common: Meat Common: Eggs

Cornish/Rock Cross Hybrid Fast-growing – 42 days Most efficient FCR Recognized/accepted

by consumers

Hybrid/Commercial Layers

Sex-linked Production-bred Efficient egg producers Respectable feed

consumption per doz. Shorter productive life

Alternative from What?

Alternatives

Heritage breeds Brown, White, Blue/Green, Dark eggs Slow and Medium growth broilers Colored broilers Exhibition & Ornamental

Heritage Poultry Defined

APA Standard BreedHeritage Chicken must be from parent and grandparent stock of breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) prior to the mid-20th century;

Genetic line can be traced back multiple generations; and with traits that meet the APA Standard of Perfection guidelines for the breed.

Heritage Chicken must be produced and sired by an APA Standard breed. Heritage eggs must be laid by an APA Standard breed.

Heritage Poultry Defined

Naturally matingHeritage Chicken must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating.

Chickens marketed as Heritage must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock.

Heritage Poultry Defined

Long, productive outdoor lifespanHeritage Chicken must have the genetic ability to live a long, vigorous life and thrive in the rigors of pasture-based, outdoor production systems.

Breeding hens should be productive for 5-7 years and roosters for 3-5 years.

Heritage Poultry Defined

Slow growth rateHeritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks.

This gives the chicken time to develop strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass.

Standard Breeds and Varieties

Breed vs. Variety

ColorCombBearded /

Non-BeardedFeather-legged

Commercial vs. Standard-bred

Commercial Wyandotte Standard-bred Wyandotte

Commercial vs. Standard-bred

Commercial Plymouth Rock

Standard-bred Plymouth Rock

Commercial vs. Standard-bred

Opportunities Markets for Products

Eggs

Meat Whole or cut-up

Breeding stock Other farmers Hobbyists

Direct sales Farm-gate Farmer’s Market/roadside

stand CSA/delivery

Restaurants Grocery/Retail

Marketing Poultry

Eggs

Brown or white (or other colors such as blue, green)

Plan for consistent supply.

Be careful of claims. Must still follow safe

handling guidelines. Market their uniqueness,

history – variations in shape and color.

Meat

Must follow Indiana regulations!

Dressed/Processed

Live Market

Sensory Differences in Chicken Meat

Factors: Age Gender Breed Feed - diet Environment

Differences in appearance Typically less breast meat More dark meat Elongated body

Flavor Texture Tenderness Juiciness

Medium growth Slow growth

56 days – 9-11 weeks 5 – 6 lbs finished

liveweight. 3 – 4 lbs feed per lb

gain Most flavor & most

tender – according to research (Fanatico)

81 + days 5 – 6+ lbs finished

liveweight Similar FCR Likely to be less tender

Medium & Slow Growth Broilers

Specialty Markets

Ethnic market

Pasture-raised

Non-GMO

Organic

Heritage?

Specialty Lines

Opportunities Considerations

Hatching eggs Chicks Juveniles Ready to lay pullets Breeding pairs, trios

etc.

Regulations Breeding, growing,

selecting, culling, hatching.

Shipping Building reputation

Breeding Stock