Nowadays, we have seen that compared to earlier times, chicken has become cheaper and grows much faster in a very short period of time. If this is true, then we are thinking in the right direction because broiler chicken is the same chicken that we buy from the market or eat in biryani and fried chicken. These chickens are specially raised to grow very quickly, and this rapid growth comes with a cost that people often do not talk about openly. Let’s understand this in simple language.
What is broiler chicken actually?
Broiler chicken is not a separate species. It is a special breed of chicken that is raised to grow very quickly. A broiler chicken can gain around 2 to 2.5 kilograms of weight in just 35 to 42 days. In comparison, desi or country chickens usually take around three to four months to reach the same weight.
This rapid growth is possible because of selective breeding, balanced feed, and a controlled environment. In poultry farms, temperature, lighting, and humidity are carefully controlled so that the chickens use their energy for body growth rather than moving around or keeping themselves warm.
The advantage of this system is that a large quantity of chicken can be produced in a short time. In a country like India, where the demand for chicken as a source of protein is increasing rapidly, this is considered a useful system.
However, the problem begins when people, in the race to increase production and expand their business, start ignoring certain important things.
The secret behind rapid growth: feed, genetics, and environment.
Broiler chicken feed is prepared in such a way that their weight can increase as much as possible in a short period of time. It contains corn, soybean, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Some farms also use growth promoters, which help nutrients get absorbed into the body more quickly. Many people believe that chickens are given hormones, but this is not true. The use of hormones in poultry farming is banned in India. The real role is played by genetics. After many years of selective breeding, such breeds have been developed that can rapidly build meat even with less feed. This is why broiler chickens have larger breasts and comparatively smaller legs. Controlled lighting and limited movement also help in increasing their weight.
Antibiotics are the biggest hidden truth.
Now let’s talk about something that is discussed the least. In poultry farms, thousands of chickens live together at the same time. Due to overcrowding, stress, and poor air quality, the risk of diseases spreading among them remains very high. If even one disease spreads, the lives of thousands of birds can be in danger. This is the reason why many farms use antibiotics. Some medicines are given in advance to prevent diseases, while some medicines are given after diseases start appearing. In India, banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in 2020. Even after that, these medicines are still used for the treatment of diseases.
The biggest concern is antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used excessively, bacteria become much stronger against those medicines. Such bacteria can reach humans through undercooked chicken, dirty water, or through farms. This means that in the future, if we suffer from any serious disease (serious infection), normal antibiotics may become less effective. WHO considers this one of the biggest health problems in the world.
Source: International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
Is broiler chicken safe for us to eat?
Properly cooked chicken is generally considered safe. Chicken that is cooked properly and thoroughly destroys bacteria. The real danger only occurs when the chicken is undercooked, raw, or when kitchen hygiene is not maintained properly. Along with properly cooked chicken, chicken that is raised and cared for at home is considered the safest to eat.
Some Indian reports and research studies have found antibiotic residues in chicken samples, although many times they remain within the legal limits. However, for children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems, even small exposure over a long period of time can become a cause of concern. Apart from this, broiler chicken contains a very high amount of water, and its taste is considered slightly less flavorful compared to desi chicken.
The condition of animals has also now become a matter of concern.
Due to rapid growth, broiler chickens also have to face many physical problems. Many times, their bones are not able to support their body weight properly, which leads to leg-related problems. In some cases, heart and lung problems are also observed. It is not necessary that every farm is bad, but it is clearly seen that in the modern era, profit is often given much greater importance in order to increase the speed of production.
What can a responsible consumer do?
If you do not want to completely stop eating chicken, or if you are unable to stop eating it, then only a few precautions are necessary.
Cook the chicken thoroughly.
When you bring raw chicken home, keep the chicken separate and keep other food items separate as well.
Buy chicken only from trusted and licensed sellers.
Also include other options in your diet such as lentils, eggs, paneer, and fish. Maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
The biggest reason for the use of broiler chicken is this:
Broiler chicken is now being used because the world wants more protein at a lower cost. This demand has created a fast and efficient system, but now its side effects are also becoming visible. The solution is not to spread fear, but to promote better regulations, safer farming, and more aware consumers.
And the most important thing is, why is there even a need to eat broiler chicken, any chicken, or any animal for protein, when in our country there is lots of fruits, flowers, and vegetables for nutrition For taste, protein, and for health, pure vegetarian food is enough. After all, no living being has to be killed in order to eat pure vegetarian food. I believe that Consumers should focus on hygienic food, balanced nutrition, and informed choices rather than fear.
