In agricultural production, the breeding of chickens is a common economic activity. However, unlike some pets or ornamental animals, chickens, as poultry, are often limited in their breeding cycle. So, why can't chickens be kept for too long?
This involves a number of factors such as biology, economics and animal welfare. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of this issue from a professional perspective.
Growth and development law:
The growth and development of chickens follows certain biological laws. After hatching, chicks go through different stages of growth, such as brooding, growth and egg production. Over time, the chickens gradually gain weight and their growth rate gradually slows down until they reach adult size. In adulthood, the performance of chickens (e.g., egg production, meat quality, etc.) will also gradually decline.
Physiological decline:
As they get older, the physiology of chickens gradually declines. For example, chickens' digestive system, immune system, and metabolism all undergo varying degrees of changes. These changes not only affect the health of the chickens, but can also lead to a reduction in production performance. Therefore, from a biological point of view, too long a breeding cycle is not conducive to the production efficiency of chickens.
Feed conversion ratio:
In the process of raising chickens, the cost of feed accounts for a large part of the total expenditure. Feed conversion ratio (i.e. the weight of chicken product that can be produced per unit weight of feed) is an important indicator of breeding efficiency.
As the chickens grow, the feed conversion rate gradually decreases. This means that in the later stages of farming, chickens need to consume more feed to maintain their vital activities and performance. Therefore, from an economic point of view, an excessively long breeding cycle will increase the cost of feed and reduce the efficiency of breeding.
Market demand and ** fluctuations:
The market demand and ** of chicken products (such as eggs, chicken, etc.) are affected by a variety of factors, such as season, festivals, consumer preferences, etc. In the period of strong market demand and high quality, farmers can obtain higher income by slaughtering chickens in time.
On the contrary, in the period of sluggish market demand and low market demand, extending the breeding cycle may lead to greater economic losses for farmers. Therefore, adjusting the breeding cycle according to market demand and fluctuation is an important means for farmers to maximize economic benefits.
Stocking density and environmental quality:
With the extension of the breeding cycle, the feeding density in the chicken house gradually increases. High-density feeding not only leads to fights and stress reactions between chickens, but can also affect environmental conditions such as ventilation, lighting and temperature in the house.
The harsh feeding environment not only affects the performance of chickens, but also can cause various diseases and infectious diseases. Therefore, from an animal welfare point of view, an excessively long breeding cycle is not conducive to the health and survival of chickens.
Slaughter & Meat Quality:
In the farming industry, the age at slaughter of chickens is closely related to the quality of the meat.
In general, the meat of young chickens is tender and tasty; The meat of the old chickens is coarse and old, and the taste is poor. Therefore, from the perspective of improving meat quality and meeting consumer demand, it is necessary to appropriately shorten the breeding cycle.
In the actual breeding process, farmers need to reasonably determine the breeding cycle according to factors such as the growth and development of chickens, market demand and fluctuations, and the breeding environment.
Through scientific management and optimization of breeding structure, the healthy growth of chickens and the maximization of breeding benefits are realized. At the same time, paying attention to animal welfare is also one of the important directions for the sustainable development of modern aquaculture.
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