“The reason for the rapid growth (in chicken weight) is the tremendous progress made in poultry genetics, nutrition, housing, management practices, disease control and disease eradication,” a PPA spokesman said in a statement on Friday.
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He pointed out that there would be a massive increase in the import of hormones, had the poultry industry been using them.
“Imports will be reflected in the Customs data as Pakistan produces over 1.2 billion broiler (meat-type) chicken annually and is the 11th largest producer in the world,” he said.
“On the basis of rapid weight gain, the consumers jump to the conclusion that they are fed hormones. Since the chicken gain weight faster in the US, it should be asked whether they too give hormones and steroids. If they did, the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) will take serious action.”
He insisted that the chicken available in Pakistan was genetically the same as that available in the US, Europe, India, Brazil, Argentina, China and elsewhere in the world.
“Because of low prices of edible oils and feed grains, the US, Brazil and Argentina produce feed with much higher energy content than that being produced in Pakistan; as such, a broiler chick gains more than 2.2 kg weight in five weeks in these countries,” he said.
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In Pakistan, the chick takes about six weeks to gain the same weight. “The chicken once considered a luxury has now become the cheapest source of animal protein in Pakistan,” the spokesman remarked.
He pointed out that worldwide only three major poultry genetic companies were constantly doing research and selecting breeds for better weight gain, disease resistance and improved digestive system for better absorption of nutrients to reduce the feed cost.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2016.
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