Free-range Poultry Production - A Review

Miao, Z. H.; Glatz, P. C.; Ru, Y. J.

doi:2005.18.1.113

Article

Animal Breeding and Genetics

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 2005;18(1): 113-132.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2005.113 Published online April 19, 2005.

Free-range Poultry Production - A Review

Z. H. Miao, P. C. Glatz, Y. J. Ru

Abstract

With the demand for free-range products increasing and the pressure on the intensive poultry industry to improve poultry welfare especially in western countries, the number of free-range poultry farms has increased significantly. The USA, Australia and European countries have developed Codes of Practice for free-range poultry farming which detail the minimum standards of husbandry and welfare for birds. However, the performance and liveability of free-range birds needs to be improved and more knowledge is required on bird husbandry, feed supply, disease control and heat wave management. This review examines the husbandry, welfare, nutrition and disease issues associated with free-range poultry systems and discusses the potential of incorporating free-range poultry into a crop-pasture rotation system.

Keywords: Forage; Nutrient Requirement; Poultry Husbandry; Animal Welfare; Free-range Egg; Free-range Meat