Poultry
Domesticated birds raised for meat, eggs, and feathers.
Poultry are domesticated birds kept by humans for the purpose of harvesting animal products such as meat, eggs or feathers. The practice of raising poultry is known as poultry farming. These birds are most typically members of the superorder Galloanserae (fowl), especially the order Galliformes (which includes chickens and turkeys) and waterfowls of the family Anatidae (ducks and geese).
- field
- Domesticated birds for food production
- known_for
- Primary source of meat and eggs worldwide
- domestication_origin
- Southeast Asia
- global_meat_share_2012
- Over 70% combined with pork
Lore & Background
The process may have originally occurred as a result of people hatching and rearing young birds from eggs collected from the wild, but later involved keeping the birds permanently in captivity. Domesticated chickens may have been used for cockfighting at first and quail kept for their songs, but people soon realised the advantages of having a captive-bred source of food. Selective breeding for fast growth, egg-laying ability, conformation, plumage and docility took place over the centuries, and modern breeds often look very different from their wild ancestors. They were still used for fighting and were regarded as symbols of fertility. The Romans used them in divination, and the Egyptians made a breakthrough when they learned the difficult technique of artificial incubation. Since then, the keeping of chickens has spread around the world for the production of food with the domestic fowl being a valuable source of both eggs and meat.
Reader's Guide
The term encompasses chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and sometimes guinea fowl, squabs, Japanese quail, and pheasants. Poultry farming ranges from small flocks in extensive systems to intensive commercial enterprises that supply most market birds today. The word 'poultry' derives from Middle English and Old French, while 'fowl' is of Germanic origin. Poultry meat is widely consumed globally, often alongside pork, and provides high-quality protein with low fat. Proper handling and cooking are necessary to reduce food poisoning risk. Semi-vegetarians who eat only poultry meat are called pollotarians. The domestication of chickens likely began with hatching wild eggs and later permanent captivity, with early uses including cockfighting. Selective breeding over centuries has produced modern breeds optimized for egg production, meat yield, or both. The white Leghorn breed, for example, shows a mosaic of ancestries from red junglefowl subspecies. Poultry remain a vital agricultural resource worldwide.
Did You Know?
- The word 'poultry' comes from Middle English 'pultry' or 'pultrie', derived from Old French/Norman 'pouletrie'.
- Cockfighting is said to be the world's oldest spectator sport and was extremely widespread in Island Southeast Asia.
- A bantam is a small variety of domestic chicken, named after the town of Bantam in Java.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Poultry in the Cuisine And Condiments series?
Poultry refers to domesticated birds that humans raise specifically to harvest their meat, eggs, or feathers for consumption. The practice of cultivating these birds is commonly called poultry farming, and the species involved span chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.
Which bird families does Poultry include?
Most poultry species belong to the superorder Galloanserae, split between the Galliformes order (chickens, turkeys) and the Anatidae family of waterfowl (ducks, geese). These are the birds most commonly raised in commercial farming operations.
Why is Poultry considered so important in the series?
Poultry's significance lies in its dual role as a versatile protein source and a nutritional staple that has sustained civilizations for millennia. Its widespread availability and adaptability make it a cornerstone of global cuisine.
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