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Modern Broilers VS Heritage Chickens

Unveiling The Modern Broiler Industry.
A glimpse Into Genetic Advancements

Unveiling the Modern Broiler Industry:

A Glimpse into Genetic Advancements

The modern broiler industry has undergone a revolutionary transformation, crafting hybrids that defy traditional breeding norms. Initially crossing English Cornish and Plymouth Rocks, today's broilers are the result of groundbreaking advancements in genetic, nutritional, and environmental research.

From 10 to 5: The Evolution of Poultry Growth Rates

Four decades ago, achieving a 4-pound market weight on a chicken took a substantial 10 weeks. Fast forward to today, and the modern broiler achieves a remarkable 5-pound market weight in as little as five weeks. This drastic change is not merely a result of crossbreeding; it is a testament to the intricate work of geneticists worldwide such as AVIAGEN.

Behind the Scenes: Artificial Insemination and Processing

Commercial broilers,

Unlike their counterparts in nature, they don't mate naturally, go broody or, lay eggs. They undergo artificial insemination as part of a meticulously managed breeding program. After hatching, chicks undergo sexing, vaccination, and swift processing before being transported to grow-out farms within 12 hours.

From Hatch to Harvest: The Grow-Out Process

Placed in environmentally controlled floor rearing houses, chicks grow rapidly, ready for butchering in as little as three weeks. However, this accelerated growth comes with health implications, and concerns have been raised about the welfare of these birds.

Discover the full story of modern broilers and their impact on health and sustainability. Contact us for in-depth insights or explore our resources for a deeper understanding.

Xenia Stavrinides

 

Preserving Heritage:
The Story Of Our Standard Heritage Chickens

Preserving Heritage:

The Story of Our Standard Chickens

In a world where fast and easy often take precedence, old-fashioned standard or heritage breeds of chickens are facing the threat of extinction. These breeds, rooted in tradition, offer a sustainable alternative that goes beyond mere convenience.

A Return to Natural Breeding:

Heritage chickens, with their roots in the past, boast a natural breeding ability that sets them apart. Achieving market weight in 12-16 weeks, these birds thrive on the open range and quality forage, contributing to a sustainable breed.

From Hatching to Growth:

Unlike their commercial counterparts, we don't vaccinate our heritage hatchlings. They stay with parent stock, roaming freely in open ranges. The grow-out process sees these birds living as nature intended, foraging on insects, bugs, and grubs, producing not just quality meat but also nurturing healthy bones, marrow, and organs.

Quality Comes at a Price:

Raising heritage chickens requires dedication and time, with these birds consuming up to 9 times more food than their genetically engineered counterparts. It stands to reason that the cost reflects the commitment to quality, natural growth, and sustainability.

Rainbow Ranch Farms Commitment:

At Rainbow Ranch Farms, we take pride in crafting our own way, tailored for our heritage chickens. Our commitment includes providing corn-free, soy-free, wheat-free, barley-free, fishmeal-free, coconut-free, flax-free, and GMO-free diets.

Why? Because our heritage chickens are gluten-free and deserve a diet that aligns with their natural needs.

Research-Backed Benefits:

Studies show that our poultry has 50% more vitamin A in the meat, higher vitamin E, increased CLA, DHA, and nutrient-dense, naturally occurring bioavailable proteins, bone marrow, and fats.

Our commitment to natural, species-specific fodder results in significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to healthier meat and eggs.

Feeding Quality, Not Quantity:

It's a simple truth - feeding chickens a commercial livestock feed lowers the quality of the meat and eggs produced.

 

Join us in embracing the natural, sustainable, and delicious journey with heritage chickens.

Ready to experience the difference? Explore our heritage poultry and embark on a journey of quality, flavor, and sustainability.

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