Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
increasing, and chicken producers enhanced chicken growth to meet these needs because
faster-growing birds meant more poultry available in a shorter amount of time, which in turn
meant increased profits.
In the 1980s, demand for poultry expanded further, when fast-food restaurants added chicken
tenders and nuggets to their menus. Fast-food giant McDonald's, famous for its burgers, intro-
duced Chicken McNuggets in 1983. By the end of the year, the chain was the second-largest
chicken retailer in the world, second to Kentucky Fried Chicken in the fast-food market. This
chicken sensation helped increase poultry sales overall. In 2003, the amount of chicken nug-
gets sold in all restaurants increased to more than 200 percent of the amount sold in the 1990s.
McDonald's is credited with introducing the nugget into the American way of life. It was not
just a fad; the chicken nugget became a staple that appeals to all age groups.
By 1992, chicken sales surpassed beef sales for the first time. In 2001, U.S. exports of poultry
to other countries reached $2 billion, an all-time high. Not only were poultry broilers booming
within America, they were also increasing globally.
Stricter laws developed in the past six decades to ensure the safety of the birds produced for
consumption, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) enforces these rules. These
laws became necessary after animal-handling practices were deemed inhumane, and factory
conditions were ruled unclean. Because of the new rules, birds are less expensive than they
once were. More birds are currently available, which drives the cost down. The birds have
more meat on their bones because they are given special feed to plump them up quicker. They
are produced in cleaner, safer environments than they were in the past. Although debate con-
tinues over the humane treatment of these animals, government regulations aim to achieve the
best possible conditions for both the workers and the birds.
Breeds
Shopping for your new feathered friends is fun but can be overwhelming with all of the
choices available. To help you decide which breed is best for you, figure out your primary
reason for keeping birds. Owning birds to show in competitions or for ornamental purposes is
one reason. Some people own chickens primarily for eggs, some for meat only, some for both
eggs and meat (these birds are referred to as dual), and some for pets. In this chapter, you will
find the best breeds in each category.
First, it is helpful to know the terminology of chickens in each stage of their lives.
