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Intensive farming vs free range: Which chicken farming method is friendlier to the chickens' lives?
In the modern agricultural system, chicken farming has become an important industry, with more than 60 billion chickens slaughtered for human consumption every year. In this field, intensive farming and free range are the two main methods of raising chickens. This article will explore the characteristics of each of these two methods and their impact on the quality of life of chickens.
Current situation of intensive farming
According to the Global Watch Institute, 74% of the world’s poultry meat and 68% of its eggs are produced through intensive farming. Under this model, tens of thousands of chickens are crammed into small spaces and often confined in bulky cages.
The main advantages of intensive farming are high efficiency and reduced production costs. However, this model often raises serious animal welfare issues.
Benefits of free range
In contrast, free-range chicken farming allows chickens to roam freely during the day and return to a safe roost at night. In the UK, free-range chickens must have access to open space for half of their lives, which allows the birds to naturally exhibit roosting behaviours such as scratching and pecking.
According to DEFRA, free-range farming helps improve the health and quality of life of chickens.
My own chicken coop
The design of the chicken coop plays a vital role in raising chickens. Some farmers choose open chicken houses that are breathable and provide good ventilation to simulate the living environment in the wild, but there are also opinions that a closed environment should be provided to prevent the spread of diseases.
Environmental impact
Not only the breeding method, but also the environment has an impact on the quality of life of chickens. Free-range farming requires proper soil drainage to prevent the development of parasites. Additionally, chickens have limited adaptability to extreme weather and must be provided with adequate shade or shelter.
Many free-range farmers report that finding suitable land to meet the needs of their chickens is an ongoing challenge.
Challenges of intensive farming
Although intensive farming has advantages in production efficiency, it also raises many animal welfare issues. For example, crowded conditions allow pathogens to spread quickly and cause a range of health problems, such as leg deformities and heart disease. The large number of chickens living in this environment leads to an inevitable high mortality rate.
The Challenges of Free Range
However, free-range farming also has its challenges, such as predation by wild animals and the effects of weather. Some studies also point to a higher risk of avian influenza outbreaks in free-range environments, posing a potential threat to agricultural production.
Organic and other alternatives
Organic farming focuses on the use of no chemical additives and antibiotics, and also emphasizes the use of more selective breeder chickens. This approach is gaining more and more attention in the market because it provides higher animal welfare and a more sustainable production model.
ConclusionOrganically raised chickens are often given more space to roam and are able to engage in more natural behaviors, which improves their quality of life.
Faced with increasingly prominent animal welfare issues, chicken producers need to find a balance between production efficiency and animal welfare. Whether intensively farmed or free-range, focusing on the quality of life of chickens will be key to sustainable development in the future. How can we find the most ideal way to raise chickens between pursuing efficiency and animal welfare?
