Since you are trying to decide between free range vs caged poultry systems, you’ve come to the right place.
However, your decision will not be simple and straight forward. That is because you need to take a number of factors into consideration. Furthermore, you may need to consider factors beyond yourself. For instance, applicable regulations, market demand and perception.
Nonetheless, we hope you will get useful information to support your decision.
Free range vs caged poultry systems
If you’re not familiar with these systems, refer to poultry housing systems for an in depth description. In addition, note that these comparison is not exhaustive. However, it does provide a basis for understanding and pitting free range vs caged poultry systems.
| Free range | Battery cage | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Extensive poultry system | Intensive poultry system |
| Capital requirements | Low | High |
| Feed conversion ratio (FCR) | N/A | Applicable |
| Scientific method application | Low | High |
| Biosecurity measures | Low | Highly effective |
| Produce safety | Medium: birds may be preyed by predators. Eggs laid in pasture may be lost | High |
| Labor needs | Low | Very high / Automate-able |
| Animal welfare perception | High | Low |
| Market perception | High / Organic | Low / Conventional |
As mentioned above, note that this comparison is not exhaustive. Moreover, you may have to consider other factors such as applicable regulations, market perception and demand. Nonetheless, we hope this tabular comparison gives you a basis to make your decision.
You may also be interested in folding poultry systems.