Poultry is raising domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys to produce eggs and meat.

There are two types of Poultry one is called breeding farms where they raise poultry for meat and the second one is called the Layer farms where they produce eggs. Back in the days, poultry farming was just a family member either the wife or the children feeding chickens who are wandering around the yard. They would then find the eggs where they might be laid such as under the trees. Nowadays, poultry farming has expanded from the yard to becoming a business worldwide. It is now performed by someone who knows what they are doing to produce the best meat and eggs. They are referred to as breeders. Scientists are usually hired by the breeder to choose the best characteristics in the chicken, breeders wants something unique that will catch peoples attention for more business. This is referred to as selective breeding, where they mate animals so that they produce a baby that has the characteristics that the farmer or rancher wants. A food costs is very important to poultry farmers. 60% of the cost of raising poultry goes to food. Birds are usually fed a combination of maize, soy, rice bran and cereals. Poultry is not just used for meat and eggs; they are also used for Duck and goose feathers pillows and insulated clothing. Manure is also used as fertilizer. Eggs are used in paint and medical vaccines. California , Indiana , Iowa , Ohio , and Pennsylvania produce the most eggs in the U.S. Alabama, Arkansas , and Georgia produce the most chickens in the U.S. The highest turkey producers are Minnesota and North Carolina. CFIA or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are the one who is responsible for the inspection because they assure that the meat and poultry that enters into Canada are safe and healthy. They are responsible for monitoring if the establishments comply or past with the standards for meat quality and retail yield. They are responsible for the registration and inspection of slaughtered area and processing establishments of meat products that is imported to Canada. They also inspect those meat products that will be exported for interprovincial trade. They are aware on labelling policy and program development, even the registration and verification of the products. For advertising, they also check if they did the requirements. For the retail inspection, they put regulations. (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2011) A laying hen will start lying approximately 18 weeks of age and at the end of its first year. It can produce more than 200 eggs that are almost 25 pounds. Within four to six weeks after it begins to lay egg it will reaches its peak egg production. The hen should be managed carefully during its seventeen weeks of life. The first stage of the pullets life they are vaccinated to prevent them in diseases. (Poultry Production, 2007) Canadian Food Inspection makes sure that the food is safe and clean before the food is delivered to customers. Infected birds are the one who spread the virus to another birds and possible to humans. These viruses are transferred through contact with their nasal and respiratory secretions, through contact at the faeces of infected birds. Birds are contaminated through food and water and through contaminated equipment. Bird flu can be transferred to humans by close contact with the infected poultry like ducks, chicken, turkey etc. and their

droppings. To avoid contamination, hands must be washed with soap and water after handling poultry products. Second is to avoid having a close contact to the infected birds or animals, especially with their saliva. Meat must be cook thoroughly. To prevent the spread of contamination CFIA has launched a nation national standard for poultry producers on October 6, 2009 at Ottawa. It provides protection to the animals, suppliers and consumers. The National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard focuses on disease prevention and protection measures called Bio security. This will keep the consumers away from any type of illnesses and it will help business owners feel more comfortable to know that they are raising healthy animals. To many businesses this is an investment that will keep their business around for a long time. This national standard will guide producers on good biosecurity practices so that contaminations and diseases are prevented few examples of on-farm biosecurity practices that must be followed to prevent the spread of contamination are washing your hands and making sure to change into a different clothes and footwear after contact with animals. Barns and equipment used to feed and care for the animals must be always kept sanitize. Also, animal visitors must be controlled. The Bio security Standard was settled between the poultry marketing boards, producers, non-supply- managed and supply- managed industry, processors, the poultry service industries, veterinary associations and academia. The consumer needs to be aware as well. They must practice hand washing before and after handling food. They must wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Raw fruits and vegetables must be clean with clean, running water before you prepare and eat them. Use a brush to scrub produce that has firm or rough surfaces, such as cantaloupes, carrots, oranges, and potatoes. Food must be kept above 60 degree Celsius or 140 degree Fahrenheit. Sauces, soups, and gravy must reach a boiling point when heated. Digital food thermometer can be used to check that the temperature of cooked foods has reached the safe temperature. These can help bacteria from spreading and food contamination. Poultry has been around on earth for many years which now include ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, and chickens in the list of species under the general term poultry. Poultry provide with a close relationship with humans, food, and fibre in the form of eggs and meat. Many people raise animals such as chickens for shows. Some love to raise them for backyard pets and for fresh meat and eggs. In almost every country in the world has poultry. For example, Japan is increasing in their production of producing meat. People will always rely on poultry for food. People would not be able to survive without meat and eggs. It will be around for many more years and will expand continuously all around the world. Poultry will provide food and jobs as well. The importance of poultry in our lives Michael J. Darre, Ph.D., P.A.S. Department of Animal Science University of Connecticut http://web.uconn.edu/poultry/4H%20Poultry/importanceofpoultry.html http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/consumer-centre/food-safety-tips/food-safety/safe-foodhandling-practices/eng/124961577629/1324961665805

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/meat-and-poultryproducts/eng/1300124955992/1300125034322 Johnston, N. Paul. "Poultry." World Book Encyclopedia. 2000 ed. http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312380/poultry.htm