Completed Competitive Grant

A survey of broilers from organic, free-range and conventional systems for cooked meat yields, composition, relative value

Project ID: 2006-M01

Abstract

The project analyzed meat from broilers raised in three production systems to determine how they differed in terms of cost, yield, and various chemical and sensory qualities.

Key Question: Why were organic, free-range and conventionally-raised broilers compared for meat yield and composition?

Findings: There is a very large price premium currently paid for organic and free-range broilers and this study was intended to provide insight on the reasons for the price premiums. The results showed that the broilers do not differ greatly in composition or eating quality, and consequently the price premiums are probably the result of consumer perceptions of the environmental and animal welfare advantages associated with organic and free-range production systems.

Lead investigator: Joseph Sebranek, ISU Animal Science, et al

Year of grant completion: 2007

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Niche meat, dairy and poultry, Organic production practices and comparisons

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/2006-m01 on 01/21/2013