Chicken - Poultry Hub Australia
Introduction
- Chickens have been domesticated for over 7400 years.
- They belong to the Galliformes order.
- Origin from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), with hybridization with the grey junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii).
Ancestry: The Jungle Fowl
- Ground-dwelling birds in areas with dense vegetation.
- Social groups consist of one male with up to four females and chicks.
- Larger groups can form in open environments.
- Foraging and maintaining plumage condition are key daily activities.
- Breeding varies, typically in spring and summer in temperate zones, year-round in tropical areas.
Red Jungle Fowl
- Ground-nesting with concealed hollow nests.
- Lay clutches of 5-8 eggs, become broody to incubate.
- Hen ceases broodiness and drives chicks away after 6-8 weeks.
- Domestic chickens are less active and have fewer social interactions compared to jungle fowl.
- Domestication resulted in increased growth rates, body weight, earlier maturity, and more frequent egg-laying.
Modern Poultry Breeds
- A breed reproduces specific characteristics in offspring.
- Commercial poultry production uses specific breeds for egg and meat production.
- Egg types (layers) and meat types (broilers) are developed through selective breeding.
- Commercial industry risks losing pure breeds without preservation efforts by poultry fanciers.
Poultry Industry Overview
- Chicken meat and egg industries are separate in Australia.
- Different breeds are used for meat and for egg production.
- Meat breeds can produce over 1 kg of live weight from less than 2 kg of feed.
- Broilers and layers have been selectively bred for efficiency in commodity production.
Chicken Meat Industry
- Uses different breeds than those for egg production.
- "Broiler" is a term used in the U.S. for meat-producing birds.
- "Dressed fowl" refers to processed birds ready for market.
Egg Production
- Produces table eggs and egg products (e.g., egg pulp, liquid eggs).
- Layer strains produce over 350 eggs annually.
- Australian preference for brown eggs influences choice of layer breeds.
Conclusion
- The commercial poultry industry relies heavily on a few breeds, with efforts needed to preserve pure breeds.
- PoultryHub provides resources and information on poultry education and industry practices.
Overview of the Australian Chicken Meat Industry
Industry Contribution and Employment
- Economic Contribution:
- Gross value of production (2022-23): $3.9 billion.
- Retail value: Over $8 billion.
- Employment:
- Over 58,000 jobs, predominantly in rural and regional communities.
- Consumption:
- Most popular source of animal protein.
- Per capita consumption: ~50kg/person annually.
- 68% of Australians eat chicken at least twice a week.
Production and Structure
- Production Forecast:
- ABARES 2024-25 estimate: 1.5 million tonnes.
- Industry Structure:
- Vertically integrated companies own breeding farms, hatcheries, feed mills, and more.
- Different from other rural industries with complex supply chains.
Major Producers
- Largest Companies:
- Baiada Poultry and Inghams Enterprises supply ~70% of the market.
- The rest is supplied by medium-sized and smaller companies, also producing other poultry.
Industry History
1950s
- Originated in the 1950s, later than red meat industries.
- Initial production by backyard and family operations.
- Release of the first Australian chicken meat breed in 1959.
1960s
- Consumption increased five-fold.
- Introduction of vertically integrated companies.
- Kentucky Fried Chicken opened in Australia in 1968.
- Advances in genetics, nutrition, and processing technologies.
- Emergence of frozen chicken as a dominant product.
1970s
- Production more than doubled.
- Massive expansion (1978-1980).
- Per capita consumption reached 19kg.
1980s
- Significant industry consolidation.
- Shift from frozen whole chickens to fresh products.
- Diversification of chicken products.
1990s
- Consumption reached 23.7kg per person.
- Importation of advanced breeding strains.
- Introduction of commercial-scale free-range brand.
2000s
- Impacted by drought and high grain prices.
- Chicken became more popular than beef by 2006.
- Industry growth by 70% over the decade.
2010s
- Chicken consumption surpassed combined red meat.
- Growth in free range sector from less than 1% to nearly 20% market share.
- Introduction of third-party assurance programs.
2020s
- Impact of COVID-19.
- Stability in the free-range sector.
- Emergence of faux-meat sector.
- Adoption of technology for efficiency improvements.
- Predicted continuation of growth in annual chicken consumption.
Chicken Egg (Layer) Industry - Poultry Hub Australia
Overview
- The Australian chicken egg industry is significant, showing strong growth due to increased egg consumption.
- Eggs offer an alternative protein source to meat.
- Types of egg production: cage, free-range, barn-laid, organic, and backyard.
- Increasing demand for free-range eggs due to welfare concerns with cage production.
Egg Production
- Modern hens can lay over 260 eggs per year; some breeds exceed 300.
- No need for mating to produce eggs.
- Egg collection involves cool storage and quality checks (candling).
- Eggs are nutrient-rich, containing proteins, energy, vitamins, and minerals.
- Eggs raise good cholesterol; no link found between daily consumption and heart disease.
- Specialty eggs enriched with omega-3 are available.
Systems of Egg Production
Extensive farming
- Historically common with household scraps feeding.
- Declined as intensive farming developed.
Semi-intensive farming
- Popular until the 1950s with hens in sheds and yard access.
- Located near feed sources and city markets.
Intensive farming
- Emerged in the 1960s with layer cages.
- Enabled large-scale production, reducing farm numbers but increasing flock sizes.
Barn Layer System
- Combines aspects of free-range and intensive systems.
Distribution and Economics
- Location influenced by population and feed availability.
- Free-range and organic production growing due to consumer preference.
- Legal standards ensure authenticity for premium products.
History and Regulation
1927
- State governments created marketing boards to support small egg farmers.
1970s
- Overproduction led to production controls via hen quotas.
- Deregulation occurred later, allowing free-market operations.
- Larger producers favored due to lower production costs.
Cost of Egg Production
- Average cost: 95 cents per dozen or $1.45/kg.
- Influencing factors include feed prices, rearing costs, mechanization, and mortality rates.
Further Studies
Additional Resources
- Nutrient requirements, anatomy, fancy breeds, and general poultry tips available online.
Contact
- PoultryHub Australia, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351
- Telephone: (02) 6773 1855
- Email: [email protected]
Note: This content emphasizes the industry aspects, farming systems, economic considerations, and regulatory history of the chicken egg (layer) industry in Australia as described by Poultry Hub Australia.
Australia's Egg Industry Overview
Introduction
- The Australian egg industry is diverse, comprising large vertically integrated farms to small-scale local market suppliers.
- Australians consume 18.9 million eggs daily.
Key Statistics
Egg Consumption
- Per Capita Consumption:
- 266 eggs (2023-24 FY) per person annually.
- Increase from 263 eggs (2022-23 FY).
Egg Production
- Annual Production:
- 6.98 billion eggs (2023-24 FY).
- Up from 6.68 billion eggs (2022-23 FY).
- Top-Producing States:
- New South Wales: 36% of total production.
- Queensland: 28.6%.
- Victoria: 22.3%.
National Flock Size
- As of June 2024, the flock size is 21,254,995 layers.
Farming Systems
- Free Range:
- Represents 57.4% of grocery retail sales.
- Cage:
- Strong demand remains as a cost-effective protein source.
- Barn-Laid:
- Another significant segment of the market.
Supermarket Sales
- Sales Volume & Value (2023-24 FY):
- 247.99 million dozen eggs sold.
- Total sales value: $1,370.1 million.
- By Farming System:
- Free range: 57.4% volume, 61.9% value.
- Cage: 19.7% volume, 15.7% value.
- Barn-laid: 20.9% volume, 18.4% value.
- Specialty: 2.1% volume, 4% value.
Sustainability & Innovation
- Australian Eggs Ltd is a member-owned, not-for-profit, providing marketing, and R&D services.
- Sustainability Framework Report 2025 continues to guide industry improvement.
Types of Eggs
- Free Range:
- Most popular category, 47% of retail sales.
- Cage Eggs:
- Comprise 40% of supermarket purchases.
Additional Resources
- Interactive 360-degree tour available to see egg production.
- Monthly newsletter subscription for new recipes and industry news.
- Note: For more detailed statistics and information, refer to the Australian Eggs Limited annual report and sustainability framework documents.
Industry Governance and Terminology in the Australian Poultry Industry
Industry Governance
Chicken Meat (Broiler) Industry
- Vertical Integration:
- Companies contract farmers to grow meat birds.
- Companies own the processing plants where birds are collected and processed.
Egg Industry
- Semi-Vertical Integration:
- Majority of egg farms operate independently.
- Farms purchase point of lay pullets from other pullet growers.
- Some large egg companies rear their own pullets from day-old to 16 weeks, known as pullet rearing.
- Day-old pullets are supplied by Specialized Breeders and Hi-Chick.
Industry Leverage
- Levy System:
- Poultry farmers pay a levy.
- Part of the levy is managed by industry peak bodies:
- AgriFutures - Chicken meat
- Australian Eggs
Terminology
- Hen:
- Female chicken after the first moult, often refers to females that have started to lay eggs.
- Pullet:
- Also a female chicken post first moult, similar usage as 'Hen'.
- Broiler (Meat Bird):
- Young bird of either sex bred for efficient meat production.
- Typically grown for 5 to 7 weeks.
- Alternative term: Meat Chicken
- Cockerel:
- Young male chicken from day-old to end of its first year.
- Typically refers to males up to 6 months of age.
- Rooster:
- Chick:
- Term used from day-old to the end of brooding phase.
- Grower:
- Describes poultry from end of brooding to sexual maturity.
- Layer:
- Female in egg production, primarily for human consumption.
Ross 308 - Aviagen
Overview
- Ross 308: A broiler chicken developed by Aviagen, recognized globally for consistent performance.
- Offers versatility to meet various end product requirements.
- Known for growth rate, feed efficiency, and robust performance.
Features of Ross 308
- Breeder Capabilities
- High number of eggs and good hatchability.
- Optimizes chick cost where broiler performance is crucial.
- Broiler Performance
- Consistent performance in broiler houses.
- Valued by integrated and independent producers.
Variants
- Available in both fast- or slow-feathering types.
Arbor Acres - Aviagen
Overview
Product Variants
- Available as:
- Fast-feathering (Arbor Acres Plus)
- Slow-feathering (Arbor Acres Plus S)
Key Features
- Consumer Appeal: Attractive breast conformation in markets where whole broilers are preferred.
- Environmental Adaptability: Performs well even in challenging environmental conditions.
Hy-Line Brown Varieties Overview
Introduction to Hy-Line Brown
- Hy-Line Brown is recognized as the world's most balanced brown egg layer.
- Produces over 480 rich brown eggs by 100 weeks.
- Known for early laying with optimal egg size.
- Traits include unrivaled feed efficiency, superior interior egg quality, and excellent livability.
- Offers more profitability to the poultry producer due to its balanced characteristics.
Hy-Line Brown Max
- A robust producer of large, dark brown, strong-shelled eggs.
- Produces over 481 eggs per hen by 100 weeks, maintaining high persistency.
- Quickly reaches the 60-gram egg threshold, which is ideal for profitability.
- Exhibits superior feed efficiency and excellent nesting behavior, suitable for cage-free environments.
- Profitable choice for markets demanding a robust layer with a very dark shell color.
ISA Brown - Key Information
A Global Superstar
- The ISA Brown is recognized globally as the best brown laying hen.
- Known for strong and reliable performance over 40 years.
- Capable of laying up to 500 high-quality eggs.
- Exceptional feed conversion and adaptability to different climates and management styles.
- Excellent persistency in egg production and livability.
The ISA Brown Today
- Key Attributes:
- Reliable and economic.
- Proven worldwide performance.
- High egg production with excellent persistency.
- Market leader in egg numbers.
Cage Housing Performance
- Laying Period: 18-100 weeks
- Livability: 93%
- Age at 50% Production: 145 days
- Peak Production: 96.5%
- Average Egg Weight: 63.0 grams
- Eggs Hen Housed: 470
- Egg Mass Hen Housed: 29.6 kg
- Average Feed Intake: 112 grams/day
- Cumulative Feed Conversion Rate: 2.15 kg/kg
- Body Weight: 1975 grams
- Shell Strength: 4100 g/cm²
- Shell Color: 14.0 (lab value)
- Haugh Units: 81
Available Downloads
- Various product leaflets and guides for different regions are available for download, including North America and S.E. Asia.
ISA Brown in Alternative Environments
- The ISA Brown is versatile and adapts well to different climates and housing systems.
ISA Parent Stock
- Offered at both parent stock and commercial stock levels.
- Focus on ensuring excellent performance with high health flocks.
- Service representatives dedicated to productivity and persistency.
Poultry Hub Australia: Disease Overview
Types of Diseases in Poultry
Metabolic and Nutritional Diseases
- Caused by disturbances in normal metabolic functions.
- Can result from genetic defects, inadequate nutrition, or impaired nutrient utilization.
- Examples: Fatty Liver Syndrome, Perosis (slipped tendon), Rickets, and Cage Layer Fatigue.
Infectious Diseases
- Caused by pathogens invading the host, growing, and multiplying.
- Often contagious, spreading directly or indirectly.
- Examples: Avian Encephalomyelitis, Avian Influenza, Avian Tuberculosis, Chicken Anaemia Virus Infection, Chlamydiosis, Fowl Cholera, Fowl Pox, Infectious Bronchitis, Newcastle Disease, etc.
Parasitic Diseases
- Infections or infestations with parasitic organisms.
- Often contracted through intermediate vectors or direct exposure.
- Examples: Coccidiosis, Cryptosporidiosis, Histomoniasis, Lice and Mites, Parasitic Worms, Toxoplasmosis, and Trichomoniasis.
Behavioral Diseases
- Abnormal behavioral patterns leading to injury or ill health.
- Example: Cannibalism (aggressive pecking).
List of Avian Diseases
Viral Diseases
- Avian Influenza, Avian Encephalomyelitis, Chicken Anaemia Virus Infection, Infectious Bronchitis, Marek's Disease, Newcastle Disease, etc.
Diseases Caused by Chlamydia
Mycoplasmas
Bacterial Diseases
- Botulism, Colibacillosis, Infectious Coryza, Fowl Cholera, Necrotic Enteritis, Spirochaetosis, Tuberculosis.
Fungal Diseases
- Aspergillosis, Favus, Moniliasis.
Protozoan Diseases
- Coccidiosis, Cryptosporidiosis, Histomoniasis, Toxoplasmosis, Trichomoniasis.
Internal Parasites
- Roundworms, Caecal worms, Capillary worms, Tapeworms.
External Parasites
- Lice, Stickfast flea, Fowl tick, Mites.
Metabolic Disorders
- Ascites, Cage Layer Fatigue, Fatty Liver Syndrome.
Environmental Factors
- Cannibalism (aggressive pecking).
Avian Influenza vs Pandemic Human Influenza
- Avian influenza viruses are Type A, affecting birds but rarely humans.
- Human influenza viruses can be Type A or B, often originating from birds.
- Human pandemics possible from bird virus mutation; unlikely to begin in Australia.
- Vaccines are crucial for prevention.
Lecture Notes: Introduction to the Poultry Industry
Instructor Introduction
- Instructor Name: Kapil (K-A-P-I-L)
- Role: Poultry veterinarian at the campus
- Teaches: Poultry medicine in 4th year, poultry handling practicals in 1st year
- Veterinary Services: Egg industry in South Australia, chicken meat industry (Gourmet Poultry)
- Research Focus: Food safety and zoonotic diseases in poultry
Lecture Structure
- First Hour: Introduction to the poultry industry
- Second Hour: Workshop on housing systems for poultry
Poultry Industry Overview
- Main Sectors:
- Chicken Meat Industry
- Egg Industry
- Other Sectors:
- Duck, turkey, quails, emu, ostriches, pigeon
- Consumption:
- Self-sufficient in eggs and chicken meat
- Advantages of Poultry Farming:
- High feed efficiency
- Fast investment return
- Spreads income
Industry Differences
- Egg vs. Meat:
- Egg industry birds live up to 80 weeks
- Meat chickens grow fast, live 5-7 weeks
- Eggs consumed per capita: ~262 annually
- Chicken consumed per capita: ~51 kilos
Industry Challenges
- Avian Influenza/Bird Flu:
- Causes respiratory infection and can be transmitted to humans
- Results in culling of affected birds
Poultry Consumption
- Chicken Meat:
- Whole chickens from 3-week-old females
- Chicken pieces from male birds
- Egg Industry:
- Table eggs mainly from Isa Brown and Highline Brown breeds
- Males in Egg Industry:
- Culled at day-old, used in pet foods
Housing Systems
- Egg Industries:
- Cage, Free Range, Barn, Organic Free Range
- Meat Industries (Broilers):
- Barn, Free Range
- Not raised in cages
Farming Practices
- Vertical Integration (Meat):
- Companies own birds, farmers are contract growers
- Independent Farms (Eggs):
- Farmers own and raise birds
Biosecurity & Disease Management
- Challenges in Egg Industry:
- Multiple ages on farms, continuous supply
- Higher risk of disease in free-range systems
Breeds and Sexing
- Common Breeds:
- Isa Brown, Highline Brown (Eggs)
- Cobb, Ross (Meat)
- Sexing Methods:
- Vent sexing, feather sexing, color-based sexing
Animal Welfare & Public Perception
- Cage vs. Free Range Debate:
- Welfare concerns
- Use of antibiotics higher in free range
- Consumer preferences vary by price and availability
Questions & Discussion
- Concerns about food safety, welfare, and ethical practices.
- Discussion of practical aspects of poultry management and processing.
Note: This lecture emphasizes the need for understanding the poultry industry, its challenges, best practices in animal husbandry, and the economic and ethical implications of poultry production. The workshop will transition into exploring housing and welfare further.