In this article, we do an extensive vs intensive poultry systems comparison. Essentially from this comparison, you should have a basis understanding of the differences between the two. Additionally, this should make it easier for you to choose between the two.
There are two main umbrella categories applicable to poultry housing systems: Extensive, and Intensive.
Extensive systems refers to farming methods where birds have access to the outdoors and vegetation. On the other hand, intensive systems refer to farming fine tuned to the application of scientific methods.
You may also be interested in how 3 extensive poultry systems compare.
Extensive vs intensive poultry systems grouping
Furthermore, there are subcategories under extensive and intensive poultry systems, as shown in the table below:
| Extensive poultry systems | Intensive poultry systems |
|---|---|
| Free range | Deep litter |
| Semi intensive | Slated / Wired floor |
| Folding units | Aviaries |
| (Battery / Traditional / Conventional) Cage | |
| Furnished / enriched cage |
Extensive vs Intensive poultry systems compared
A huge debate surrounds the comparison of extensive vs intensive poultry systems. While a conclusive winner is not clear, a number of factors will determine which system you adopt in your farm.
Moreover, personal preferences can play a huge part in your choice between the two. As long as making a choice is your goal, we can help by providing a quick one-to-one comparison.
| Extensive | Intensive | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital requirements | Low | High |
| Land requirements | High | Low |
| Coop size | Smaller: birds are only housed at night | Bigger: birds spend their lives indoors |
| Nutrition variety | Richer: birds access a variety of vegetation, bugs, etc | Dependent on feed provided |
| Body weight | Attuned to birds movement and pasture | Birds can gain and maintain higher body weight |
| Feed conversion ratio (FCR) | N/A | Calculable |
| Scientific method effectiveness | Limited | High |
| Biosecurity effectiveness | Low to medium | Medium to high |
| Produce safety | Risk of losing birds to prey | Safe – minimal risk of predation. |
| Eggs laid in pastures may be lost | Birds may prey on each other | |
| Labor needs | Low | High / Automate-able |
| Produce perception | Organic | Conventional |
| Animal welfare perception | High | Low |
Poultry systems choice: other factors
Your choice between extensive vs intensive poultry systems will depend on many factors. Moreover, some of those factors may be beyond your control. For instance, if the market demand tends toward organic poultry produce you may result to extensive systems and vice versa.
Furthermore, applicable poultry farming regulations are gradually tending toward increased animal welfare. Consequently, you may start out on intensive systems, but find yourself switching systems later on.
Nonetheless we hope this quick comparison enables you to make whatever decision you need for now.
What do you think? How did you pick your poultry system? Let us know in the comments section below.
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