Commercial Poultry Farming

The poultry industry breeds chickens destined for both commercial egg and meat production. Geneticists design special breeding programs to select birds with the best characteristics for egg or meat production. This selection process (called genetic selection or genetics) allows the industry to select strains of birds which are produced very efficiently in intensive housing systems. There are two main types of commercial chicken breeds: layers and meat chickens. Poultry production encompasses a number of different species, including the chicken, turkeys, ducks, and other waterfowl and gamebirds. The object of this book is an attempt to place at the disposal of poultry men at large information relative to established and dependable practices. Poultry production is not a business in which everyone may engage successfully. Before engaging in a poultry enterprise it is advisable to investigate the profitableness of the business in the locality concerned and the markets available. It is of course obvious that a person having experience and well informed has a greater chance of success. This book is designed to aid the beginner as well as the established poultry men and may serve as a reference tool for the solution of management problems.