BAS Terms 9

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Avian

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Relating to birds, particularly domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, or turkeys.

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Broiler

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A chicken bred and raised specifically for meat production. Broilers typically have fast growth rates and are slaughtered at a young age for their meat.

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Candling

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A process used in the poultry industry to inspect the interior quality of eggs. A bright light is shone through the eggshell to reveal details such as the size of the air cell, the position of the yolk, and the presence of any abnormalities.

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Cockerel

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A young rooster, typically less than a year old.

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Drake

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A male duck.

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Flock

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A group of birds, usually of the same species, that live, feed, and move together.

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Free-range system

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A method of raising poultry where birds have access to the outdoors, allowing them to roam freely and exhibit natural behaviors such as foraging and dust bathing.

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Hatchery

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A facility where fertilized eggs are placed in an incubator to be hatched into chicks or ducklings under controlled conditions.

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Monogastric

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An animal with a single-chambered stomach, such as chickens and ducks. Monogastric animals rely primarily on enzymes and acids in their stomach for digestion.

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Vertical integration

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A business model where a company controls multiple stages of the production process, from breeding and hatchery operations to processing and distribution. In the poultry industry, vertical integration often involves one company controlling everything from egg production to retail sales.