Why is chicken so cheap?

Summary

This script explores the remarkable rise of chickens as the most populous birds on Earth, with 23 billion individuals due to selective breeding and technological advancements in farming. It delves into the history of chicken domestication, the impact of the 'chicken-of-tomorrow' competition, and the modern reliance on technology for raising broilers. The video addresses the ethical and health concerns associated with intensive farming, contrasting it with free-range and organic practices, and touches on the economic factors driving consumer choices and farming practices.

Takeaways

• 🐔 **Most Populous Birds**: Chickens are the most numerous bird species on Earth, with a population exceeding 23 billion.
• 🌟 **Fastest Growing Meat Product**: Chicken meat is the fastest growing meat product in the industry.
• 📉 **Declining Prices**: Despite the growth, the price of chicken meat has significantly decreased over time.
• 🏭 **Technology in Farming**: Modern chicken farming heavily relies on technology, such as CCTV and CO2 monitors, to manage large flocks efficiently.
• 🏆 **Chicken-of-Tomorrow**: The 1940s saw the 'chicken-of-tomorrow' competition that spurred the development of fast-growing, meatier chicken breeds.
• 🔄 **Controlled Life Cycle**: The life cycle of broiler chickens is now entirely controlled by human technology, including artificial light and temperature.
• 🚀 **Rapid Growth**: Modern broilers grow to four times the size of their 1950s counterparts in a fraction of the time.
• 🔁 **Efficient Farming Cycle**: Chicken farms operate on a tight schedule, with cleaning and preparation for new batches of chicks happening every 7-10 days.
• 💸 **Market-Driven**: The demand for affordable chicken drives the industry to focus on intensive farming methods to keep costs low.
• 🌱 **Alternative Farming**: Free range and organic farming methods offer chickens a better quality of life but come at a higher cost to consumers.
• 🚫 **Health and Ethical Concerns**: Intensive breeding can lead to health issues in chickens and raises ethical questions about animal welfare.

Q & A

How many chickens are there globally, and how does this compare to other birds?

There are approximately 23 billion chickens globally, which is ten times more than any other bird species.

What technology has David Speller pioneered in chicken farming?

David Speller has pioneered the use of CCTV and CO2 monitors in chicken sheds to improve farming conditions and management.

How many chickens does David Speller oversee as a consultant in the UK?

David Speller oversees the raising of around three million chickens in the UK as a consultant.

What significant event in the 1940s changed the way chickens were bred?

The chicken-of-tomorrow competition in America in the 1940s led to the development of a fast-growing chicken breed designed for a larger and affordable protein source.

How has the life cycle of broilers changed due to modern farming practices?

The life cycle of broilers has been entirely preordained with the use of artificial light and temperature control, allowing them to grow faster and bigger than ever before.

What is the typical age at which broiler chickens are processed for meat?

The biggest broiler chickens on the farm are around 39 days of age, and the processing starts around day 34.

What are the health implications for chickens if they live beyond their planned life cycle?

If chickens live beyond their planned life cycle, they develop huge medical problems and cannot sustain their rapid weight growth, putting pressure on their internal organs.

How does the gene pool's size impact the health of chickens in large-scale farming?

An increasingly small gene pool in chicken farming makes the birds more vulnerable to diseases, as they are all genetically identical.

What are the differences in living conditions between intensively reared, free-range, and organic chickens?

Intensively reared chickens have the least space, with up to 17 adult birds in a single square meter. Free-range chickens have more access to open air runs, while organic chickens typically live the longest, at 81 days, and are free from antibiotics, hormones, and synthetic chemicals.

What is the average life span for a barn yard chicken compared to a broiler chicken?

A barn yard chicken can live up to 10 years, while broiler chickens live between 35 and 40 days.

What factors influence the consumer preference for different types of chicken farming practices?

Consumers are largely driven by cost, with intensively reared chickens being significantly cheaper than free-range or organic options, leading to over 95% of broiler chickens being intensively reared in the UK.