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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Big chickens, big problems

Monday, March 7, 2016

The market in the United States for chickens weighing more than six pounds accounts for about 55 per cent by head count and about 70 per cent by pounds of meat produced as the industry gears up to meet high demand for boneless breast meat while reducing labour costs in plants. But the big bird trend has run squarely into a problem with so-called "woody breasts," defined as meat that is hard to the touch.

There is also a concern about a phenomenon called "white striping," which appears on raw meat. One out of five birds in commercial plants appears to be affected, according to meatingplace.com, and quality, as defined by decreased water-holding capacity, increased fat and lower protein, is affected.

There is no indication of this being a problem in Canada, where the percentage of birds raised as "roasters" remains relatively small. BF

Current Issue

June/July 2026

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Cherries are Ready to Eat

Monday, July 13, 2026

Ontario Cherry Season Begins Across Key Fruit-Growing Regions Ontario's cherry season is officially underway, bringing one of the province's mostanticipatedsummer fruits to farm markets, grocery stores, and roadside stands. Harvest activity typically begins in July and continues through... Read this article online

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