Poultry Farmers Care

Good Care means Good Quality

.The production of boiler chickens in Minnesota is based on sound veterinary practice and enhanced by technology. Growers carefully monitor and adjust systems to meet their flocks' air, water and feed needs as the chicks grow. Chicks are immunized to protect them from disease.

Controlled diet, ample light and plenty of clean air and water are vital to producing a healthy, fully grown chicken. Broiler and breeder barns have open floor housing to allow for maximum freedom of movement with the barns.

The broiler chicken is one of the most efficient producers of meat protein. To maximize this efficiency, feeds are specially mixed to strict nutritional and manufacturing specifications. The broiler is able to convert less than two pounds of feed into one pound of meat.

Mature breeder chickens are placed in specially designed housing to facilitate the production and collection of fertile eggs. The eggs are placed in special hatcheries which turn them and control temperature and humidity, simulating the activity of the hen. The eggs hatch in twenty-one days.

Special care is taken in the processing of broiler chickens, since rough handling or improper treatment produces bruises and diminishes the quality of meat. The rigorous attention to food quality and safety has made it possible for Minnesota consumers to enjoy consistently excellent, nutritious chicken every time they go to the grocery store.

Chicken Popularity Increasing

Chicken continues to be served frequently in American households with more than half of consumers (52 percent) serving chicken at home several ( at least 2-3) time a week. More than three-quarters of households (77 percent) have chicken at least once a week, according to a nationwide survey conducted in 1997. When asked about key reasons why people buy chicken, respondents cited these reasons: "Tastes good", "healthy", "versitle," "low fat,"" convenient," and "economical."

The Broiler Industry in Profile

In 1997, the number of broilers produced in Minnesota decreased 1% to 46.3 million. The closure of a broiler processing plant in the state is primarily the cause of the decreased number of birds raised in Minnesota. From 1995-1996, value of production increased 13% to $94.4 million. Minnesota's broiler industry directly employs over 1700 people in the state of Minnesota. Many other spin-off industries provide services and supplies to the broiler industry annually.

Broiler producers in Minnesota manufacture feed, raise breeding stock, produce and hatch eggs, raise the chicks to market weight, process the chicken into store-ready products and distribute the chicken to the stores.

Comfort Key to Egg Laying

A comfortable, well-ventilated environment is imperative if laying hens are to produce properly. Modern laying units are equipped with computerized systems to control ventilation, temperature, feeding and lighting. Hens have constant access to fresh feed and water.

Eggs are gathered two or three times a day. Belts transfer the eggs from the layer cages to egg processing machines, which wash the eggs, sort them for size, and package them. They are then stored in coolers awaiting transport to stores, restaurants and other sites where consumers will enjoy them.

For pullets, proper care includes cleaned and disinfected cages, and the constant availability of fresh air, water and feed. Throughout their eighteen-week growing period, the pullets will be immunized to protect them against disease.

Pullets and laying hens on farms in Minnesota are fed scientifically formulated feeds. Locally produced corn and soybean meal are the major ingredients.

The Laying Hen Industry in Profile

Minnesota's egg industry is the ninth largest in the nation. The state's egg production in 1997 was 2.9 billion eggs. The state produces more eggs than it consumes resulting in a large volume of exports to other states and nations. Minnesota's egg producers cared for nearly 11 million egg laying chickens in 1997.

Improving Animal Care

Research conducted at the University of Minnesota and other land grant institutions has helped the egg production industry develop feeding and husbandry practices which contribute positively to animal well-being and to ultimate product quality.