Tag: Poultry farming

Since 2018, the preventive use of Category I and II antibiotics has been eliminated in the Canadian chicken sector, a significant step in the industry's responsible antimicrobial use strategy. This progressive approach aims to clarify the common question: are Canadian chickens fed antibiotics?.

A significant number of commercially available pasture-raised eggs come from hens whose supplemental feed contains soy. This means that to find truly soy-free pasture-raised eggs, you must look beyond the 'pasture-raised' label alone and investigate the farm's specific feeding practices.

Over 90% of commercially raised chickens consume a diet containing soy, but despite this, the answer to "Is soy found in eggs?" is more complex than a simple yes or no. The key lies in understanding the difference between soy proteins and other soy compounds, and how a chicken's digestive system processes its feed.

While free-range chickens have access to the outdoors, organic chickens are raised under a far stricter set of regulations governing their diet, space, and medical treatments. Deciding which is better, free range or organic chicken, involves understanding these core distinctions and what you value most as a consumer.

According to agricultural data, the use of meat and bone meal in animal feed significantly decreased after outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), leading to the rise of 'vegetarian fed' labeling. But what is vegetarian fed mean, and what does it actually reveal about the animals' diet and living conditions?

According to the National Turkey Federation, over 210 million turkeys were raised on US farms in 2022, highlighting the bird's widespread popularity and utility. The benefits of having a turkey extend far beyond the dinner table, encompassing nutritional advantages, sustainable farming practices, and even pest management.

According to a 2025 study from GoodRx, while all eggs share core nutrients, the difference between free range eggs and pastured eggs lies primarily in the hens' living conditions. This distinction affects not only the chickens' welfare but also the potential nutritional benefits and taste of the eggs you purchase.

According to USDA standards, all turkeys labeled 'certified organic' must also be free-range, meaning they have outdoor access. However, the reverse is not true, and a free-range turkey is not automatically organic, as the labels denote distinct standards.

According to a 2015 survey, 77% of Americans mistakenly believe chicken contains added hormones or steroids. The reality is that the answer to 'What brand of chicken has no hormones?' is every brand sold in the U.S., thanks to a federal ban on their use in poultry since the 1950s.

Overwhelmingly, the global consensus and legal definitions confirm that barn-raised hens do not have access to outdoor pastures. This means that the answer to 'Are barn eggs hen picked free-range?' is a straightforward no, a fact that helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions based on their values.