Development of Chicken Production on Free-Range System

Abstract

<p class="awabstrak2">The free-range system is a currentmodel of chicken production according to the concept of Animal Welfare. This article aims to discuss how the free-range system was implemented and its effect on health, performance and quality product as well as free-range development strategies as an alternative to chicken production systems. The free-range system must have access to outdoor to express their natural behavior. Based on regulation, the density of chickens in outdoor is a maximum of 10,000 birds/ha. Chickens reared using the free-range system show better welfare indicators, as evidenced by the Heterophil/Lymphocyte (H/L) value and the frequency of their natural behavior. Chicken eggs from the free-range system contain higher levels of protein and carotenoid. It also contains omega-3 & 6, DHA, vitamins A and E and have lower cholesterol level. Chicken meat from the free-range system contains higher protein and lower fat levels. However, the performance of chicken production using free-range system was still not consistent and was greatly influenced by the type of forage in the pasture. The introduction of grazing land with superior forage such as <em>Indigofera zollingeriana</em> and choosing kampung or local type of chickens may become development strategies of chicken production in the free range system.</p>