Worldwide, more chickens are kept than any other type of poultry, with over 50 billion birds being raised each year as a source of meat and eggs. Traditionally, such birds would have been kept extensively in small flocks, foraging during the day and housed at night. This is still the case in developing countries, where the women often make important contributions to family livelihoods through keeping poultry. However, rising world populations and urbanization have led to the bulk of production being in larger, more intensive specialist units. These are often situated close to where the feed is grown or near to where the meat is needed, and result in cheap, safe food being made available for urban communities. Profitability of production depends very much on the price of feed, which has been rising. High feed costs could limit further development of poultry production. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is the most popular type of poulty that is farmed? ANS1 Worldwide, more chickens are kept than any other type of poultry QSN2 How many birds are routinely raised in the world for the consumption process? ANS2 50 billion birds being raised each year as a source of meat and eggs. QSN3 How is the cost of the price for animal feed related to the poulty cost for consumers? ANS3 High feed costs could limit further development of poultry production QSN4 Before industrialization how were chickens normally cared for? ANS4 birds would have been kept extensively in small flocks, foraging during the day and housed at night. QSN5 What is the major significance of chickens to women in underdeveloped countries? ANS5 the women often make important contributions to family livelihoods through keeping poultry