Chicken – Agriculture Dictionary

Chicken

Definition:

A chicken is a domesticated bird, specifically of the species Gallus gallus domesticus, raised and managed in agricultural settings primarily for meat production, egg laying, or ornamental purposes. Chickens are one of the most common and economically significant poultry species, contributing to poultry farming, egg industry, and meat supply chains worldwide.

Description:

Chickens are versatile birds, valued for their meat, eggs, feathers, and sociable nature, making them popular choices for backyard flocks, commercial operations, and hobby farming endeavors. Chicken breeds exhibit variations in size, color, egg production, and meat quality, reflecting diverse genetic backgrounds and breeding objectives.

Characteristics of Chickens:

Chickens possess various characteristics, including:

• Dual-Purpose Breeds: Some chicken breeds are dual-purpose, bred for both meat and egg production, balancing traits such as body size, egg laying ability, and meat quality to meet market demands for table eggs and poultry meat.
• Egg-Laying Abilities: Egg-laying breeds of chickens, known as layers, are selected for high egg production, efficient feed conversion, and egg quality attributes, such as shell color, size, shape, and internal qualities, supplying fresh, nutritious eggs for human consumption.
• Meat Production: Meat-type breeds of chickens, known as broilers or fryers, are raised for rapid growth, high muscle development, and meat yield characteristics, producing tender, flavorful chicken meat products for culinary purposes, food processing, or fast-food chains.
• Behavior: Chickens exhibit social behavior, flocking instincts, and hierarchical structures within chicken flocks or groups, engaging in activities such as foraging, dust bathing, or roosting, demonstrating natural behaviors, communication signals, and social interactions in chicken communities.

Uses of Chickens:

Chickens serve various purposes in agriculture and food industries, including:

• Egg Production: Chickens are raised primarily for egg production, supplying table eggs, such as white eggs or brown eggs, for human consumption, culinary applications, or food manufacturing, providing essential nutrients, proteins, and vitamins for consumers, households, or foodservice establishments.
• Meat Production: Chickens are raised for meat production, supplying chicken meat products, such as whole chickens, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken wings, for human consumption, culinary purposes, or food processing industries, supporting protein-rich diets and meat supply chains.
• Feather Harvesting: Chicken feathers are harvested for various purposes, including down feathers for bedding, insulation, or pillow products, and plumage feathers for decorative arts, crafts, or fashion accessories, contributing to feather industries and textile manufacturing sectors.
• Ornamental Purposes: Fancy breeds of chickens are kept for ornamental purposes, exhibition shows, or backyard flocks, showcasing rare, exotic, or heritage breeds of chickens, promoting aviculture, hobby farming, or animal husbandry interests among enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

Chickens are valuable assets in agriculture, providing meat, eggs, feathers, or ornamental birds for human needs, consumer markets, and industry sectors worldwide. By promoting sustainable chicken farming practices, animal welfare standards, and food safety measures, farmers, producers, and consumers can ensure the quality, safety, and sustainability of chicken products for future generations.

References:

• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). (2020). World Livestock: Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable Development Goals. Food and Agriculture Organization.
• Poultry Science Association. (2020). Poultry Science Handbook: Breeds and Varieties of Chickens. Poultry Science Association.

Originally posted 2010-12-05 13:00:54.