Journal of NACAA

Generating Data-Based Recommendations for Pastured Broiler Producers

ISSN 2158-9429

Volume 12, Issue 1 - June 2019

Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward

Abstract

An increasing number of small farms are including pastured broiler production into their business model in Maine. However, few science and data driven studies are available to help producers make management decisions. In order to help the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, a field trial was conducted. The objective of this trial was to look at growth rate, feed efficiency, feed intake, water use, forage utilization, carcass traits, and mortality data on 5 slow-growing breeds and 1 conventional breed of broilers on pasture. Chicks arrived from the hatchery 5-6 June 2017, and were immediately placed into a brooder room (24.4-32.2 °C) based on breed until they had sufficient plumage to be moved to the chicken tractor. After a 5 d acclimation period, tractors were moved to a recently mowed Timothy-grass hay pasture (Phleum pretense). Tractors were moved daily to fresh grass, and daily pen feed intake, water use, and forage utilization monitored. In addition, birds were weighed weekly, and prior to and after processing to determine dressing percentages and carcass weights. On average, birds on pasture consumed 4.68 kg of feed during their lifetime, used 10.92 L of water, and forage utilization averaged 45%.