Raised with the optimum standards of health and safety in mind, chickens produced on Springer Mountain Farms are not fed feed with antibiotics or byproducts. Instead, the poultry are given corn and soybeans – a vegetarian diet that is 100% natural and pesticide-free. The chickens are given fresh mountain water as well, derived from where farm is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain area. While Springer Mountain Farms does not advocate antibiotic use, some chicken operations make it a practice, all which causes consumers to question the necessity.
Why Antibiotics are Included in Poultry Feed
Some chicken operations regularly feed their poultry antibiotics in order to stimulate and encourage growth. However, this practice has also led to overuse of the infection-fighting medications. While antibiotics normally are intended to prevent disease, companies in the poultry industry use the additives to promote faster growth as well as compensate for crowding or unsanitary conditions. Farm operations, like Springer Mountain, place an emphasis on sensible animal husbandry instead of antibiotic use. Therefore, chickens are raised in larger spaces where sanitation is emphasized and the levels of stress are significantly reduced.
The Use of Antibiotics in Raising Animals for Meat Consumption
Scientists have estimated that antibiotics are used 70% of the time in feeding animals used for meat consumption. Therefore, the substances are included in the feeds of poultry as well as pigs and cattle. In all instances, the use has become a standard practice. In fact, antibiotics have been added to the feed of animals since 1946. Big CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) rely on antibiotics for use in starter, grower, and finishing feeds.
How Springer Mountain Farms Raises Poultry Differently
Springer Mountain Farms is unique as it raises chickens with a diet that features soybeans and corn. Therefore, the company does not use antibiotics or growth-type stimulants of any kind in their feed. Not only that, the corn and soybeans that they do use are rigorously examined with respect to nutrition and product grade. In addition, scientists run tests on the level of contaminants. Quality assurance is a hallmark of the company, which has received an endorsement from the AFIA (American Feed Industry Association) for safe feed.
The Living Conditions for Poultry at Springer Mountain Farms
Chickens at the Springer Mountain Farms facility are raised in conditions that emphasize good care and sanitation. Because of this emphasis, Springer Mountain Farms is recognized as being the first poultry company that has been approved and endorsed by the AHA (American Humane Association). The certification shows that the company takes additional measures to make sure that chickens are raised in an environment that stresses quality care.
Raising Chickens Organically
Although you might think otherwise, Springer Mountain Farms does not raise poultry by organic means. That’s because organic farms do permit the use of antibacterials or byproducts in starter feed and do not advocate the testing of the feed or water used to raise poultry. Using this frame of reference, chickens produced by Springer Mountain Farms are considered to meet standards that are above those set for organic poultry.
Biosecurity Ensures Safer Health Practices
Springer Mountain Farms has biosecurity measures in place that prevent the introduction of certain agents that could threaten either the health of humans or poultry. The company takes precautions to make sure that the chickens they raise do not come into contact with viruses, chemicals, or organisms that could result in illness.
A Gluten-free Product
The poultry that is produced and sold by Springer Mountain Farms is safe for people who are allergic to gluten.
The Nutritional Value of Springer Mountain Farms Chickens
The chickens produced by the Springer Mountain Farms Company are a good source of protein and iron. A four ounce serving of chicken contains 240 calories, 150 calories of which is derived from fat. However, the bird contains no trans fat and only possesses 5 grams of saturated fat. The chicken contains just over 40% protein and 6% iron. So, if you are seeking a nutritional and safe source of protein, the chicken produced by the company comes highly recommended by dieticians and cooks alike.
Types of Chicken Cuts
You can buy one of a variety of cuts thorough Springer Mountain Farms and other chicken companies. The Springer Mountain Farms line features such products as a whole chicken and giblets, thin-sliced boneless chicken breasts, drumsticks, thighs, chicken wings, and boneless skinless thighs.
A Versatile Meat Product
Chicken that is free of additives and which is considered natural is an ideal ingredient in a number of cuisines. Use chicken in one of a number of entrees that feature Italian, Caribbean, Indian, Southern, Southwestern, or Asian influences.
The difference between a naturally-raised and organic chicken product is emphasized in the Springer Mountain Farms product offerings. Not only is the meat safer to eat, it also tastes better than poultry that has been raised in a large feeding operation. The kind of feed you give a chicken does impact how it will taste. That’s why the use of antibiotics detracts from the quality and taste of the chicken you buy.
About Author: Laura Channing is an agricultural writer who is also an investigative journalist. She recently visited the Springer Mountain Farms Chicken operation to see how naturally-raised poultry compared with chickens raised organically and in large commercial facilities. To obtain further information about the Springer Mountain Farms product, contact the company in Mt. Airy, Georgia at 877-826-2322.
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