Key Points of Rural Free-Range Chicken Farming, Selection Methods, and Nutritional Value Reference
Free-range chicken is one of the foods we eat relatively often. As poultry, free-range chicken differs from broiler chicken. Free-range chicken is generally more expensive than broiler chicken, and its nutritional value is also relatively higher. In some areas it is also called cao ji, chai ji, etc. Free-range chicken is quite popular in big cities, because far from rural areas it is very hard to buy genuine free-range chicken, so what are the key points of free-range chicken farming techniques? How do you select free-range chicken? What is the nutritional value of free-range chicken?
I. Free-Range Chicken Farming Techniques
1. Selecting free-range chicks
The selection of free-range chicks is very important, as it determines whether a free-range chicken can grow with high quality. Generally, we choose free-range chicks that have loud calls, clean feathers, and little individual variation, and observe whether they are lively and alert, as this can play a key role in later rearing.
2. Feeding free-range chicks
Free-range chicks need extra care during the feeding stage. In summer, doors and windows should all be opened to keep the environment comfortable through ventilation. In winter it is the opposite: close the doors and windows, leave suitable ventilation openings, and keep the indoor warmth well maintained to avoid free-range chicks getting sick. In winter, a temperature concentrated around 15-25 degrees Celsius is most suitable.
3. Setting the chicken house temperature
When free-range chickens are still in the brooding stage, temperature is very important. If it is too high or too low, the chicks will have difficulty breathing and be put at risk. The brooding house temperature at 0-1 weeks should be controlled at around 30 degrees, then decrease by two or three degrees each week, and after four weeks the chicks can be taken off heat. Farmers who are not precise about temperature control can choose to use a thermometer, as professional data is more reliable. Or observe the chicks' condition: if they all gather together and keep chirping, the temperature may be too low and they are huddling for warmth.
4. Free-range chicken rearing management
Free-range chicks are generally cared for carefully for one month, then enter the feed formulation and rearing stage. Corn, wheat, rice, millet, and other grain crops can be selected for mixing and blending, fed three times a day. During the rearing period, sufficient drinking water resources for the free-range chickens must be ensured, and the chicken house must be cleaned regularly to keep it clean and hygienic.
II. How Do You Select Free-Range Chicken?
1. Look at the appearance of free-range chicken; those with glossy feathers and thin legs are the most suitable. Truly pure natural free-range chickens under free-range conditions will have a thick layer of calluses on the soles of their feet, because they need to keep walking and running. Sanhuang chickens sold under the label of free-range chicken do not have this, as they stay in the chicken house for a long time and are relatively delicate.
2. Check the pores of the free-range chicken. Why check the pores? The most common method is to part the feathers of the free-range chicken and look at the base of the feathers. If it shows firm skin that is thin, it is a superior breed; others may be passing off inferior goods as good.
3. After buying it and cooking it in the pot, free-range chicken is even more obvious. The chicken soup made from free-range chicken is transparent with a rich fresh flavor. Broiler chicken appears cloudy, and the fat on the surface is less.
III. What Is the Nutritional Value of Free-Range Chicken?
1. Free-range chicken has a relatively high protein content. Because farming requires more care and the feed eaten is healthier, its body is rich in trace elements, and its fat content is lower than that of broiler chicken, making it a high-protein meat food.
2. Free-range chicken contains collagen protein, and collagen protein is a top-grade nourishing food. Before and after a pregnant woman gives birth, many families use free-range chicken stewed into soup to support the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus and to increase the body's immunity.