Determining cost-effectiveness of raising slow growing genotype broilers in three alternative housing systems

View the project final report

Commodities

• Additional Plants: native plants
• Animals: poultry

Practices

• Animal Production: housing, free-range, feed rations, pasture fertility, grazing - rotational
• Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
• Farm Business Management: agricultural finance
• Production Systems: agroecosystems
• Sustainable Communities: urban/rural integration, analysis of personal/family life

Small farmers have found growing markets for high-quality pasture-raised poultry, and consumers have embraced a slow growing European-style broiler. Access to this bird has recently been made easier with the introduction of a new hatchery raising it, but this type of bird does have a slower grow-out time and poorer feed conversion than standard breeds. This study will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of raising the European-style bird in three housing systems to determine if it’s financially feasible for poultry producers to raise it. Outreach will be through a web site, articles, and an open house.