Organic poultry production: genotype choice and welfare

Abstract

Organic poultry production has a continuous growth trend that is expected to continue in the following period. Today's consumers expect this method of production to ensure the quality of life and a high level of welfare for the reared animals, which will contribute to the quality of the products produced in this way. Since this is a relatively young and still insufficiently researched rearing system, there are a lot of unknowns and unresolved issues that slow down its faster development. A genotype that would provide optimal production results in this production system has not yet been selected, so either hybrids from conventional production or breeds with poor production characteristics are often used. In addition to the undoubted benefit that the use of the outlet brings, which is reflected in the better quality of the organic products and the greater degree of welfare and vitality of the reared poultry, the negative impact of extreme weather conditions still exists, as well as the increased risk of transmitting various diseases and parasites as well as predator attacks.