Raising Organic Broiler Chickens: Methods and Benefits
Raising organic broiler chickens with probiotics, organic feed and herbal remedies can cut feed costs and boost weight gain. Here is how it works.
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How to raise organic broiler chickens
Too many harmful substances in a chicken's body make its meat unsuitable for eating every day. That is why broilers raised with vaccines are not good for daily consumption. In response, some farmers have started raising the chickens on their farms organically. Organically raised broiler chickens have healthier meat that does not spoil quickly once cooked. The organic chicken business also still has plenty of room to grow, because more and more people now realize how important it is to stay healthy by eating healthy food. If you are interested in getting into this business, here is the right way to raise organic broiler chickens:
Probiotics
On conventional broiler farms, vaccines are considered essential for faster growth and for preventing the many diseases that can strike chickens, such as Gumboro and Newcastle disease. Instead, organic broilers are given probiotics, which make the birds' bodies and digestive systems much healthier. Healthy digestion means the feed they are given is fully absorbed.
Also read 6 Reasons Broiler Farms Lose Money
Organic Feed
Raising organic broiler chickens also means using organic feed. The birds get no chemical or factory-made feed, which keeps them healthier. Organic chickens are given leaves as an alternative food, along with various flours as their feed. The leaves are sometimes mixed with rice bran, corn, cassava flour and fish meal.
Herbal Remedies
To keep the chickens from getting sick easily, there is no need for medicines or vaccines, because organic chickens are given only herbal ingredients. These herbs keep organic chickens healthier and fitter day to day. The herbs used to keep the birds fit and healthy are galangal, turmeric and garlic. They also give the chickens more energy.
Benefits of Raising Organic Broiler Chickens
Raising organic broiler chickens has many benefits that work in the farmer's favor:
Lower Feed Costs
Many organic broiler farmers report that they spend far less on feed than they did with conventional methods. That is because probiotics help the chickens digest their feed fully, so very little of it ends up as manure. Organic chickens also produce less manure because their metabolism works better.
Also read 5 Benefits of Eating Broiler Chicken Meat
Significant Weight Gain
Conventionally raised chickens pass droppings right after eating because of their poor metabolism. The better metabolism of organic broiler chickens lets them gain weight significantly. While conventionally raised broilers reach only 1.5 kg, organic broilers can reach 1.7 kg. What's more, these chickens also sell for more than regular broilers.
Lower Operating Costs
What broiler farmers notice most is lower operating costs. That is because they do not need to buy vitamins and vaccines for their flocks. Inexpensive herbal ingredients are enough to keep the broilers healthy and fit. These herbs are easy to find without a trip to a pet shop or a vet.
Many people prefer to eat organic broiler chicken rather than chicken raised with vaccines. So it is no surprise that many farmers are switching to organic broiler farming, since it is seen as more profitable than conventional broiler farming.
