Environment Details
The poultry farm environment has a significant impact on the microbial colonisation of chickens throughout production, influencing what reaches the processing and retail settings. The goal of this study was to see how the farm environment affected the microbial makeup of pasture-raised broilers utilising a farm-to-fork cultural and microbiomic approach. Two nearby pastured chicken farms bred small flocks of Freedom Ranger broilers from the same hatchery flock and fed the same diet throughout live production to achieve this.
Understanding the impact of the farm environment on microbiomes becomes increasingly important as the flocks progress through different stages of production. The microbiomes play a role in defining the health of the birds and the quality of the meat produced from the first phases of chick placement to the growth phase and, finally, to processing and consumption. The farm-to-fork continuum emphasises the interdependence of these stages and emphasises the importance of a comprehensive approach to chicken production that prioritises environmental issues.
- Climate Variability: The poultry farm environment in India is characterised by a wide range of weather conditions, including scorching summers and frigid winters. Farmers must undertake techniques to safeguard the safety of birds in high temperatures.
- Biosecurity precautions: Given the frequency of pathogens in Indian poultry farms, biosecurity precautions are essential. To avoid the introduction and spread of infections, tight cleanliness measures, restricted access, and disease surveillance are implemented.
- Water Management: Efficient water management is critical in Indian poultry farms to meet birds' hydration needs, particularly during the hot season. Adequate and clean water supply improves the general health and well-being of chickens.
- Government controls: In India, poultry farms are subject to stringent government controls. Compliance with these standards guarantees that chickens are treated ethically, the environment is protected, and poultry products are safe and wholesome.