Reasons for Rapid Growth
There are three main reasons for the rapid growth rate we see in today's commercial poultry but none of them is related to hormones.
The first, mentioned previously, is the success of primary breeder companies in selecting the best birds for growth and performance. For the past several decades, geneticists have been able to cut roughly one day per year off the time it takes to reach a specified target weight. They have benefited from the short generation interval (lifespan) of the chicken, allowing them to make huge strides in a short period of time. Genetic improvement in the pork and beef industries comes much slower because of the increased generation interval and the time it takes to recognise genetic variation and improvement.
Second is research related to nutritional requirements of the bird. We now know exactly what we should be feeding different genetic strains and birds are kept to specific target weights in terms of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to optimise performance and growth.
Third, we better understand the kind of environment the bird needs to make the most of the genetic and nutritional potential it has. This includes providing the proper temperature, air quality, ventilation, lighting and feeder and drinker space to obtain optimum performance. The right environment, coupled with high-quality feed and superior genetics, yields a bird that does not require and would not benefit from growth hormones.
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