The challenges of poultry farming are numerous and varied, a bit like the ice cream flavours in an ice cream parlour, but less inviting for those who have to apply them. First of all, there is disease management, which is a bit like playing Tetris with viruses: you have to be quick, precise and always ready to change strategy. Then we have genetic selection, which is a bit like Tinder for chickens: you try to match the best traits to get the perfect match.
Food and nutrition are crucial, because, as the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’ and this also applies to chickens. Breeders must be like star chefs to ensure that their birds have a balanced and nutritious diet.
The environment and habitat of the breeds raised are equally important. After all, chickens also appreciate a nice view and a comfortable habitat, just as we humans do when choosing a house.
Environmental sustainability is the icing on the cake, because nobody wants the planet to go up in smoke because of global warming. So, farmers must think green, even if they are working with animals that prefer the yellow of corn. Lastly, there is production efficiency, because in the world of poultry farming, time is chicken, and every second counts because the speed of operations has to be carried out and the changing of guests on the farm has to be done as if you were in a five-star hotel: each new guest has to find everything tidy and clean.
In short, poultry farms face a number of challenges that require a combination of science, culinary artistry, ecological sensitivity and sometimes a pinch of luck. But with the right amount of commitment and innovation, farmers can overcome these obstacles and continue to provide us with chicken wings and breasts for Saturday night barbecues.
And let’s not forget the eggs, because – as they say – we don’t put all eggs in the same basket: those from protected farms are hyper-controlled. Especially when it comes to the challenges and comparisons that every protected poultry farm beats the hell out of rural farm eggs.
The editorial staff of M.A.C.
