2004 Annual Report for GS03-029
Performance and Quality of Pasture-raised Poultry: Label Rouge - Type
Summary
There is a growing interest in free-range, natural, organic and other specialty poultry. Small independent producers report a good local market and are interested in expansion. Some are organizing into small companies, trying out year-round production, and supplying larger, regional markets. Producers claim that pasture-raised poultry tastes better and has superior nutritional qualities compared to conventional poultry, but it is important to scientifically evaluate the differences between pasture-raised and conventional poultry products. Surprisingly, small producers use conventional genetics developed for the commercial broiler industry, since they are the only commercial breed available in the U.S. Europe is the leader in specialty, slow-growing poultry genetics developed for outdoor production (“Label Rouge”-type). The goal of this project is to study a pasture-raised poultry system and genetic cross that may be appropriate for production on small farms. This in turn may contribute to rural development. This project will compare field performance and carcass quality of pasture-raised birds to conventional birds, as well as comparing industry genetics to slow-growing genetics for outdoor production. Diets typically used to support fast and slow rates of gain will also be examined. Evaluating specialty pasture-raised poultry products could help small producers with production systems and marketing efforts. The use of appropriate genetics would be expected to improve production and further differentiate the product in the marketplace.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Compare the performance and carcass quality of birds raised on pasture to confinement-raised birds, using a production system that is likely to be the most applicable for small poultry producers
Compare the performance and carcass quality of specialty genetics and standard Cornish Cross genetics in pasture-based poultry production
Compare the performance and carcass quality of birds raised on pasture and confinement with diets that support a fast rate of gain and a slow rate of gain
Accomplishments/Milestones
A state-of-the-art free-range poultry research unit was established in August 2004 at the University of Arkansas Poultry Research Farm. A 12’ x 18’ portable house was constructed. The house was wood framed, covered with sheet metal, and insulated. The wood floor was built in removable panels and was covered with fresh litter. Natural ventilation was used with two air inlets to allow fresh air to enter the building. A 6-ft ceiling allowed air differential for warm air to rise and exit through two whirlybirds on the roof. Windows spanning the sides of the building opened to provide additional ventilation during mild weather. Doorways on each end of the building allowed free movement of personnel. Small bird doorways allowed access to grassy yards during daytime hours. Birds were enclosed in the house at night. The building had no access to power because it is portable. The house was designed to be moved after every grow-out. Light was natural. Propane space heaters were used to keep nighttime temperatures above 60 F inside the house. Bird doors were opened daily unless the temperature was less than 40 F. Electric net fencing surrounded the unit with the charger powered by battery. The unit was subdivided for research. The house was subdivided into eight indoor pens that opened to eight yards subdivided with chicken wire. The yards were at least 100 square feet in dimensions and covered with vegetation. Chicks were brooded in an indoor facility and moved to the free-range unit at 3 weeks of age. Feed was provided both indoors and outdoors. Slow-growing chicks were placed 4 weeks before fast-growing chicks.
Other facilities at the University of Arkansas Poultry Research Farm were also used, including a house for indoor production.
Two trials were conducted at the same time. One focused on the impact of production system and the other on the feeding regimen.
Production System Trial:
The design was a 2 x 2 factorial completely randomized design. The two factors were:
Breed (with two levels: fast-growing and slow-growing)
Production system (with two levels: indoor and access to the outdoor).
20 female chicks were assigned to each treatment combination (Slow-In, Slow-Out, Fast-In, Fast-Out) with 4 replications.
The fast-growing birds were 9 weeks old at slaughter and the slow-growing birds were 13 weeks.
Feed Trial:
The design was a 2 x 2 factorial completely randomized design. The two factors were:
Breed (with two levels: fast-growing and slow-growing)
Feeding regimen (with two levels: regular energy/protein and low energy/protein).
20 male chicks were assigned to each treatment combination (Slow-High, Slow-Low, Fast-High, Fast-Low) with 4 replications.
The fast-growing birds were 8 weeks old at slaughter and the slow-growing birds were 12 weeks.
Behavior data was collected from the birds in the Production System Trial, including number of birds outside and distance from the house. Gait score information was collected from both trials.
Weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were measured.
Birds were commercially processed and carcass yield and meat quality data collected
Sensory analyses were carried out with a consumer panel and a trained panel.
Data is currently being analyzed and will be presented in a final report.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
In addition to research, the free-range research facility serves as a demonstration unit.