Alternative Poultry Breeds - Purdue University · Alternative Poultry Breeds. ... More dark meat...
Transcript of Alternative Poultry Breeds - Purdue University · Alternative Poultry Breeds. ... More dark meat...
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