List of meat breeds of chickens
Domestic chickens fall into several industrial categories. Meat breeds of chickens are quite in demand. Some of them have been around for over a century. Such representatives very quickly catch up with mass, are distinguished by low egg production. If you need to quickly find information, then meat breeds of chickens with photos and descriptions are in many sources.
Meat breeds of chickens
What is the difference between representatives
Meat breeds of chickens are not at all picky in the choice of food and living conditions. Individuals of these species tolerate frost well. The only requirement is a large living area. Chickens of meat breeds have an excellent appetite. The meat of these chickens is very tasty and nutritious.
In addition to meat qualities, most representatives have excellent plumage, so they are often bred as decorative... The physique of chickens of meat breeds is powerful, they are distinguished by a majestic posture. Their limbs are large, but not very long. The plumage is loose, pleasant to the touch.
The record weight indicators for males are 7 kg, which may be the majority, on average, males reach 5 kg, broiler chickens weigh less, on average 3-4 kg. The annual egg production rate rarely reaches 150 eggs, while they have an excellent hatching instinct, which allows them to lay eggs and other breeds under the quail. Meat chickens reach sexual maturity at 6-9 months.
Massively meat breed of chickens is bred in large industrial factories with meat production. In households, half-monthly birds are more in demand. Such individuals show average results in egg production, while quickly gaining weight. If the question is, which breed is better to choose, then on the Internet you can see a photo with a description and choose a chicken to your taste.
Barbezier
Chicken breed Barbezier is one of the oldest as well as the most meaty French chicken breeds. The birthplace of birds is France from there and the name. Representatives are distinguished by an impressive physique and high growth. the weight of males reaches 5 kg, and females - 4. The color of the feather is black, with a metallic green tint. the hen lays brown eggs.
The meat is appreciated for its high taste. The breed is characterized by a rather high egg production rate of 150-200 eggs per year. The eggs are large, brown in color, their weight is 70-90 g. Such indicators give reason to classify the breed as a meat and egg orientation.
The disadvantage of the breed is that it is not always possible to breed its representatives at home. In the first weeks, chicks require constant heating, because their plumage does not appear immediately, unlike other breeds. Structural features make members of the genus more susceptible to joint diseases. Despite this, they are quite popular in France.
Faverol
The name itself says that this breed of chickens also has French roots.Their body weight is slightly less than that of previous chickens, practically by a kilogram. Annual egg production in the first year 180 pcs. At the beginning of the last century, the meat of this particular breed was massively bought up by restaurants in France.
The feathers are located loosely in one direction, therefore, the impression of splendor is created, which makes the chickens visually even larger. Feathers even grow on the limbs. Most often, females are painted in fawn or salmon colors along the back, and the rib cage is white. The rooster is painted black in the area of the body and has a white collar around its neck.
Representatives of the breed, due to their decorative appearance, are often turned on purely for aesthetic reasons. Their calm disposition is highly valued. Free-range content recommended.
Brama
The breed was bred even more than 100 years ago in America. Males and females are large, distinguished by a proud posture. Plumage coloring can be:
- light gray;
- fawn;
- black;
- partridge.
Each color has its own performance characteristics, for example, a fawn chicken shows a higher egg production than a black one. the weight of males reaches 5.5 kg, and for chickens, the body weight is 3.5 kg. The meat is somewhat tough. The average annual egg production is about 150 pieces.
The bird perfectly adapts to cold climatic conditions, therefore it is successfully bred on the territory of the Russian Federation. Thanks to their beautiful plumage, such birds are increasingly bred for decorative purposes. Their photos are simply mesmerizing with their beauty.
Broiler
Broilers are mainly meat breeds, the most popular birds on the Ukrainian soil and in Russia. The breed has not been recognized as independent, because its representatives do not transmit their characteristics to the offspring, and individuals can only be obtained by hybridization with other species. The main task is to obtain early maturing chicks with a large mass and high-quality meat.
Broilers are bred in large poultry farms and small farms. The main advantages of these representatives are pickiness in the choice of food and quick adaptation to various living conditions. In a short time, it is possible to get tasty meat, while saving finances on maintenance.
Most often, broilers of meat breed chickens are kept in semi-dark rooms, in cage batteries. Slaughter for meat is carried out when the hens reach 3.5 months. Weight gain rate and the taste of meat will directly depend on the diet. Layers begin to lay eggs at eight months of age.
Cornish
More than 100 years ago, the British developed this breed of chickens in order to meet production needs. In the 70s, birds appeared in the Russian Federation. Large meat individuals reach 3.5-5 kg in weight. Already at the age of two months, the weight of the chickens is 1.5 kg. Layers do not differ in high productivity, but they hatch chicks well.
The body of the representatives of this breed is set horizontally, the paws are powerful, covered with plumage. Feathers are often white. Today, representatives of the species are mostly used for breeding new ones. Chickens for meat of this breed are not the best option.
Cochinhin
Today it is very common to see these birds in private farms. Their homeland is China. The birds are large, with a wide chest and short back. Their paws are covered with plumage, short, powerful.
The mass of males ranges from 4-5 kg, females - 3-4. Laying hens can lay about 120 eggs weighing 5 g per year. Individuals of this species are particularly hardy, hens can lay eggs even in severe frosts.
Little chickens
If the area of the chicken coop does not allow keeping large meat representatives, then meat chicken of the mini breed will come in handy. Main advantages mini chicken:
- fast growth;
- good productive data;
- maintenance and feeding are more than economical;
- the ability to contain a closed or open method.
Like the rest of the meat breeds, the chicken has a mini lean physique. It is excellent for domestic breeding. The chick survival rate is 95%.
Gudan
Another immigrant from France. They are distinguished by their original appearance. The head of the chickens is decorated with a tuft. The color can be very diverse: black, partridge, light gray tones, fawn. The average weight is slightly lower than that of other representatives: roosters weigh 3.5 kg, very rarely - 4, hens - a maximum of 3 kg.
Eggs weigh 5-60 g, layers show an average egg production of 160 pieces. In our territories, they are bred only in warm regions, because individuals do not take root very well in cold conditions. Free-range or spacious maintenance is recommended. aviary... The breed is valued more for its decorative qualities.
Selection features
First of all, for successful home breeding of meat chickens, it is necessary to allocate a large area for them. Keeping some breeds is quite costly, so very often novice farmers do not know which breed will be most suitable. Depending on the breed of chickens, the quality of meat will differ, this fact must also be taken into account.
It is best to seek help from a video where they will show which meat chickens and give a description of the breed, allow you to find out the names of the breeds, and also study the features of care and maintenance. A fleshy chicken often lays few eggs, but it is an excellent hen, so breeding meat breeds is not a problem at all. Thoroughbred chickens of most species are distinguished by high survival rates.
The sale of high-quality chicken meat is quite a profitable business. If you feed the chickens correctly, then already at 2 months you can get a full-fledged marketable carcass for slaughter. The costs pay off very quickly.
Feeding features
The success of raising beef chickens will depend on their breeding qualities. Most of the species already at the age of two months reach a body weight of 1.5 kg. Feeding should be plentiful. The diet should include foods high in animal protein, protein and multivitamins.
Gravel should be placed in separate boxes in the coop. Several times a week, chickens from 8 days to 45 days of age, in order to prevent infectious diseases, make a weak solution of potassium permanganate and give it as a drink. Such a move also helps prevent disorders in the digestive system. The broiler breeds menu should include:
- chopped barley;
- finely chopped wheat;
- corn grits;
- soy;
- fish or bone dust;
- yeast;
- foods high in calcium;
- salt.
Good balanced feeding is the key to getting great meat quickly. It is necessary to add more green food to the diet if feeding takes place during the warm season. In winter, you can add root vegetables and cabbage.