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Pasture-based systems for poultry production: implications and perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2011

E.N. SOSSIDOU ,
A. DAL BOSCO ,
H.A. ELSON  and
C.M.G.A. FONTES
E.N. SOSSIDOU*
Affiliation:
National Agricultural Research Foundation (N.AG.RE.F.), Veterinary Research Institute, PO Box 60272, 57001 N.AG.RE.F. Campus, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
A. DAL BOSCO
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo 20 Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
H.A. ELSON
Affiliation:
ADAS Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG20 9PF, UK
C.M.G.A. FONTES
Affiliation:
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA, Av. Da Universidade Técnica, Pólo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
*
Corresponding author: sossidou.arig@nagref.gr, sossidou@it.teithe.gr
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Abstract

The use of pasture-based systems for poultry production is growing due to consumer demand for specialty ‘natural’ and ‘welfare-friendly’ meat and eggs. This paper discusses the various meanings of the term ‘pastured poultry’ and defines the different pasture-based poultry production systems. Considerations of poultry welfare standards provided through the specific system are also discussed. Production topics such as poultry genetics, outdoor access and pasture management are presented together with potential problems. Finally, various aspects of sustainability are analysed to estimate the environmental, economical and social benefits promoted by the pasture-based poultry production systems.

Keywords

pastured poultrywelfaregeneticsmanagementsustainability
Type
Review Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 67 , Issue 1 , March 2011 , pp. 47 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2011

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