When it comes to raising chickens for meat, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best breed. Meat chickens need to grow quickly, convert feed efficiently, be hardy and healthy, and produce a good carcass yield. Popular meat chicken breeds in the UK include hybrid broiler chickens, Cornish cross, Freedom Rangers, andLight Sussex. Each has its own advantages and characteristics that make it a good choice for smallholders and hobby farms looking to raise their own meat birds. We’ll explore the pros and cons of some top meat chicken breeds below.
Hybrid Broiler Chickens
Hybrid broiler chickens are a cross between fast-growing broiler breeds like Cornish crosses. They have been bred specifically for efficient meat production, reaching slaughter weight at 6-8 weeks old. The major hybrid brands available in the UK are:
- Ross
- Cobb
- Hubbard
- H&N (Hendrix Genetics)
These hybrids have excellent feed conversion ratios, meaning they add weight quickly while eating less feed. A good FCR is around 1.5-1.7, meaning 1.5-1.7 lbs of feed per 1 lb of weight gain. They also have high meat yields, with a dressed carcass making up about 70-80% of their live weight.
The main downside is that due to rapid growth, broiler chickens can suffer from leg problems and other health issues. Their activity level and lifespan is also shortened compared to dual purpose breeds. However, by providing good living conditions, adequate space, and nutrient-dense feed, many of these issues can be minimized.
Cost
Day old chicks from hybrid brands cost £2-4 each. Popular suppliers in the UK include FAI Farms, Moy Park, and Cobb Vantress.
Growth Rate
Hybrid broilers reach a slaughter weight of 4-5 lbs in 6-8 weeks. Daily gain averages 0.12 lbs/day or more.
Feed Efficiency
Feed conversion ratio of 1.5-1.8 lbs feed per 1 lb gain.
Cornish Cross
The Cornish Cross is a fast growing chicken hybrid bred specifically for meat production. It was developed by crossing Cornish Game chickens with White Plymouth Rock chickens in the 1940s-1950s. Purebred Cornish Cross is one of the most efficient meat birds available.
These chickens have an excellent feed to meat conversion ratio. They rapidly gain weight, reaching 5-8 lbs in just 7-8 weeks with good management. Dressed carcass yield is also high at around 76%. Cornish Cross are docile birds but lack mobility due to their ultra-fast growth. Providing adequate space and nutrition is important to avoid health issues.
Cost
Cornish Cross chicks cost £2-5 each. They are widely available from hatcheries in spring.
Growth Rate
Reaches 6-8 lbs live weight at 7-8 weeks old. Average daily gain of 0.13-0.16 lbs/day.
Feed Efficiency
Excellent FCR of around 1.5-1.8 lbs of feed per lb of weight gain.
Freedom Rangers
Freedom Rangers are a slow-growing, free-range oriented strain of meat chicken. They are a cross between Cornish Crosses, White Plymouth Rocks, and Red Rangers. Freedom Rangers share traits like hardiness, foraging ability, and longevity from their Ranger parent stock.
These dual-purpose birds have moderate growth rates, reaching 5-7 lbs live weight in 9-12 weeks. They are active foragers and have higher activity levels and mobility than Cornish Crosses. Their meat is flavorful and they are suitable for free-range systems. On the downside, they have a slightly worse FCR of around 2.0-2.5.
Cost
Freedom Ranger chicks cost £4-6 each and are available as day-olds in spring.
Growth Rate
Reach 5-7 lbs live weight in 9-12 weeks. Slower daily gain of around 0.09-0.11 lbs/day.
Feed Efficiency
Moderate FCR of approximately 2.0-2.5 lbs of feed per lb of gain.
Light Sussex
The Light Sussex is a hardy, dual purpose heritage chicken breed. It originated in Sussex county in England. Light Sussex are kept for both meat and eggs but excel as high quality table birds.
These chickens have a slower growth rate, taking 16-24 weeks to reach mature slaughter weight of 5-8 lbs. However, their meat is flavorful with a firm texture. The breed is active and can forage well, making them a good free-range bird. Their feed efficiency is average at around 2.5-3.5 FCR.
Cost
Light Sussex chicks are £4-7 each when purchased day-old from breeders.
Growth Rate
Reaches 5-8 lbs in 16-24 weeks. Slower daily weight gain of approximately 0.04-0.06 lbs/day.
Feed Efficiency
Moderate FCR of 2.5-3.5 lbs feed per lb of gain.
Comparison of Meat Chicken Characteristics
Here is a table comparing some key traits of popular meat chicken breeds in the UK:
Breed | Growth Rate | Time to Slaughter Weight | Feed Conversion Ratio |
---|---|---|---|
Hybrid Broiler | Very Fast | 6-8 weeks | 1.5-1.8 |
Cornish Cross | Very Fast | 7-8 weeks | 1.5-1.8 |
Freedom Ranger | Moderate | 9-12 weeks | 2.0-2.5 |
Light Sussex | Slow | 16-24 weeks | 2.5-3.5 |
Choosing the Best Meat Chicken
When choosing the best meat chicken breed for your needs, consider the following factors:
Your Production System
Cornish Crosses and hybrid broilers are best suited to intensive systems with confinement or small runs. Slower growing breeds like Freedom Rangers and Light Sussex have higher activity levels and are better choices for free-range systems.
Growth Rate and Processing Time
Fast growing broiler crosses allow you to get birds to slaughter weight sooner. Slower growing breeds take longer to mature but have more natural growth rates.
Flavor and Meat Quality
Heritage and ranger-type breeds tend to have more flavorful meat. Broiler chickens prioritize fast growth over taste.
Feed Efficiency
Broilers like Cornish have the best FCRs but require high protein feed. Dual purpose birds convert feed less efficiently but can forage to supplement their diet.
Hardiness and Health
Cornish Crosses and broilers can suffer from health problems if not managed well. Breeds like Freedom Rangers and Light Sussex are naturally hardy and vigorous.
Cost
Slower growing breeds tend to cost a little more per chick but take longer until processing. Broilers reach slaughter weight quickly at a lower chick cost.
Conclusion
For smallholders and hobby farmers looking for the best meat chickens in the UK, good options include:
- Hybrid broilers like Ross or Hubbard for efficient meat production in confinement systems.
- Cornish Cross for rapid growth and excellent FCR in small spaces.
- Freedom Rangers for a moderate growth rate and free-range suitability.
- Light Sussex for slowly grown, flavorful meat from a heritage breed.
Consider your production system, growth rate needs, and preferences for flavor/quality when selecting breeds. With good management, any of these types can produce quality broiler chickens.