Poultry

Geese amongst other poultry.

Scheuerer Hühnerhof art

Poultry refers to a diverse group of domesticated birds that are primarily reared for their meat, eggs, and feathers. They have been an integral part of human agriculture and farming systems for millennia, providing valuable dietary protein sources and other products.

Poultry Farm

History

Poultry meat section in Denpasar market

Poultry processing - DPLA

Historically, humans have domesticated various bird species for their beneficial products. The practice traces back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans raising birds for food and other purposes.

Types of Poultry

Poultry includes a range of bird species that differ in their size, habitat preferences, and care requirements:

• chickens: Among the most widespread domesticated birds, chickens are kept for both their meat and eggs.
• ducks: Ducks are valued for their meat, eggs, and sometimes for ornamental purposes.
• geese: Often raised for meat, some species are also valued for their down feathers.
• turkeys: Large birds native to North America, they are primarily raised for meat, especially in the U.S. during Thanksgiving.
• Other Birds: This category includes less commonly domesticated species such as guinea fowl, quail, and pheasant.

Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is the process of raising these birds for their produce. Farming methods vary based on factors such as scale (commercial vs. backyard), purpose (meat, eggs, or dual-purpose), and the specific type of bird. Various concerns, such as animal welfare, environmental impact, and health considerations, influence modern poultry farming practices.

Housing

Poultry birds can be housed in various ways, ranging from free-range systems where birds can roam outdoors, to more intensive systems like battery cages (primarily for egg-laying hens).

Feeding

The dietary needs of poultry vary by species and the purpose for which they are raised. Typically, they are provided a balanced feed that meets their nutritional requirements.

Economic Importance

Poultry farming is a significant industry worldwide, contributing to food security, employment, and economic stability in many regions. The global trade in poultry meat and eggs is a multibillion-dollar industry.

Health and Disease Management

Maintaining the health of poultry flocks is crucial for both animal welfare and economic reasons. Various diseases, like avian influenza, can affect poultry, requiring vigilant monitoring, vaccination programs, and sometimes culling to control outbreaks.

See Also

• Aviculture
• Poultry farming
• Poultry feed
• Broiler

Other websites

• Information on Poultry Diseases
• PoultryCast podcast
• Chickens, Waterfowl and Exotic Poultry
• The Poultry Guide - A to Z and FAQs