Bigger is Better

In the latest WATT Poultry newsletter they have a set of panellists talking about industry trends.  one that they all agreed on was the trend towards more and larger broilers will continue.  Large here is 8 pounds liveweight.

 

Ttypically that as a standard bred is a Jersey Giant, Orpington or Brahma.  But they are slow growers so the Barred Rocks are typically preferred.) broilers being produced will continue.  We had Brahmas and it did take 6 months to get to 11 pounds and we had him for Thanksgiving.  He was delicious.  We have never had Giants or Orps though a friend, Bob R.,  from Aberdeen, South Dakota,  wants to change that.  He sells a lot of Jersey Giants to the home market for just that purpose, keeping the "lookers" for his show pen.  If you are interested, go to their site, read about the Giant and see if one is in your future.  Bob btw is the Veep.

 

The reason is the cost advantage towards processing larger birds especially 9 pounders.  And there is one processing plant is getting 10 pounds birds. How does compute?  Well everything is larger and easier to clean i.e. process.  Most home birders like small single serving birds or if they have small kids, they go for the colourful and very pettable Silkies.  

 

The article continues that the "chase" towards bigger birds will until either the genetics or economics dictate otherwise.  In the meantime, increased chicken production over the next  2 two 3 years will come from more birds and heavier birds.