In the ever-evolving food industry, broiler chicken is one of the most popular preferences. This article delves into the subject of safe broiler chicken, a key issue in the future of the poultry industry. Let's find out how this chicken farming system plays an essential role in the food industry.

What is Safe Broiler Chicken?

The misuse of antibiotics in broiler farming has surfaced as a global public health menace, propelling the surge in popularity of antibiotic-free broiler meat production on a global scale. In this paradigm shift, emphasis is placed on alternative methods in broiler production in Bangladesh as well.

The safe broiler system prioritizes animal health, a conducive environment, and high product quality. This approach emphasizes the absence of hazardous ingredients, including antibiotics and growth hormones. It fosters a bio-preservative system and incorporates herbal supplements in animal feed.

The result is poultry reared in an eco-friendly manner, embodying the essence of safety and health consciousness in every aspect of production. Consumers increasingly seek assurance in their food choices. Meanwhile, the emergence of these chickens heralds a positive shift towards sustainable, health-centric practices in the poultry industry.

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Recent Advances in Broiler Breeding

Md. Shafiqul Islam, a professor in the pharmacology department at Bangladesh Agricultural University, and his associate Md. Abu Raihan Parvez has recently achieved breakthrough success in alternative broiler production. They were able to produce broilers without any form of antibacterial agents, using different types of herbal plant extracts in their laboratory.

In their research on broilers, they predominantly utilized various types of herbal extracts, noting their superior efficacy compared to antibiotics. The broilers exhibited significant weight gain, and this increase was notably rapid.

Moreover, the rate of morbidity and mortality among them was remarkably low. This research program, spanning five years, holds the potential for a significant leap toward the development of a more advanced poultry industry if implemented on a large scale.

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Additionally, a research study based on a survey was published on September 8, 2023, highlighting the progress of broiler farming in Bangladesh over recent years. The research delves into cultivation practices, financial benefits for farmers, and consumer perspectives. This collaborative effort involved the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), and Japan's Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN). Shanaz Akhtar represented BARI, Md Taj Uddin worked on behalf of BAU, and Arup Ratan Dhar from RIHN.

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The findings indicate that the new broiler farming proves to be more profitable for two primary reasons.

- Firstly, the mortality rate of new broilers is significantly low, resulting in a reduced cost of production.

- Secondly, in the new broiler farming, poultry is raised organically without the use of antibiotics and other harmful chemicals. It leads to improved meat quality and instills consumer confidence in purchasing safer meat.

However, this positive shift is contributing to slightly higher market prices for broiler meat than before.

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Benefits of Eating Safe Broiler Chicken

The entire production process here is structured to render the chickens risk-free. There are no heavy metals, antibiotics, or drugs, and no chemical ingredients such as growth hormones. Consequently, there is no fear of any kind of infection or mortality. This meat is not only more delectable but also more nutritious than conventional broiler meat.

Market Status of Safe-Farmed Chicken

The rearing period is extended as chemical growth hormones are omitted. Consequently, the cost of producing these chickens will be higher than before. As a result, consumers will need to spend more for this type of broiler compared to the preceding variant.

On e-commerce platforms, these chickens are priced between BDT 350 and BDT 475 per kg.

Bottom Line

Ensuring convenient broiler-rearing practices and proper poultry nutrition can be challenging at this early stage. But the good news is that safe broiler chicken is getting popular with health-conscious consumers. However, there is a need for adequate research on whether there are any side effects in the consumption of safe broiler chicken. Also, the innovations in this sector claim far-reaching patronage.

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