Nutrient composition of poultry from different farms and management systems
Published Jan 3, 2013
In a Nutshell
Interest in pasture-raised livestock has risen in part because of health benefits to the animals and to the consumer. Raising poultry on pasture allows the birds to express natural behaviors, exercise, and increase intake of green plants, which alters fatty acid composition. The macronutrient, mineral, and fatty acid composition was determined for ten fryer chickens from five pasture-based farms and two fryers from the Hy-Vee brand label. Birds from different farms differed in content of protein, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, and several fatty acids. Project results, and other research suggest it is possible to influence poultry meat nutrient content.