Broiler Production

Lesson Plans & Curriculum
90 minutes

This is a National FFA Organization and U.S. Poultry and Egg Association lesson plan on broiler production, part of a curriculum series teaching students about the commercial poultry and egg industry. Students learn the organization of the commercial broiler industry, broiler breeder management, the broiler production process, and how broilers are raised and managed, then apply their knowledge by creating a six-pane comic strip. The lesson integrates FFA and SAE activities and includes guided-notes and comic-strip worksheets plus teacher information sheets.

At a glance

Learning objectives: Identify the organization of the commercial broiler industry.

Describe broiler breeder management and its role in the commercial broiler industry.

Diagram the process of broiler production.

Explain how commercial broilers are raised and managed.
Time required: 90 minutes
Materials: A copy of the "Broiler Production — Farm to Fork" worksheet for each student

A copy of the "Broiler Comic Strip: Overview" worksheet for each student

A copy of the "Broiler Comic Strip: Character Sheet" worksheet for each student

A copy of the "Broiler Comic Strip: Template" worksheet for each student

A copy of the "Broiler Comic Strip: Setting Description" worksheet for each student

Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time

Computer access, ideal for students to work in pairs or small groups
Essential Questions: Where do broiler chickens come from? How are meat type broilers raised for food production?
Terms: Broiler; Ration; Starter; Grower; Developer; Uniform Flock; Deformity; Shank; Body Conformation; Hatchery; Setter; Hatcher; Sanitation; Cross Contamination; In Ovo; Lighting Program; Ventilation; Brooders; Litter Condition; Culling; Vertical Integration
Resources: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), http://www.usda.gov; "Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel," https://youtu.be/Z1BCujX3pw8; "Rogelio Ceja – SAE – Poultry," https://vimeo.com/195969921; "Broiler Production" PowerPoint, https://ffa.box.com/s/3fh3fdjfbeljgvvxludg2dr2aqs8cu1j
Created: 07/2019 by the National FFA Organization

Download Video

Rogelio Sja’s Journey in Agricultural Education

Rogelio Ceja, a junior at LM FFA in Alma, Michigan, raises chickens for the Michigan FFA broiler contest. He learns valuable lessons in patience, time management, and problem-solving through daily care of the chickens. Inspired by his mother’s experience, he emphasizes the importance of choosing SAEs that ignite passion and encourages students to research their projects for personal growth.

Downloads & Links

Lesson plan

Broiler Production (DOCX) (EN)

Presentation

Broiler Production (PPTX) (EN)

Aligned Standards

AFNR Career Ready Practices

CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.

AFNR Cluster Skills

CS.02Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.

AFNR Performance Element

AS.01Analyze historic and current trends impacting the animal systems industry.
AS.02Utilize best-practice protocols based upon animal behaviors for animal husbandry and welfare.
AS.03Design and provide proper animal nutrition to achieve desired outcomes for performance, development, reproduction and/or economic production.
AS.05Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance and animal health.
AS.06Classify, evaluate, and select animals based on anatomical and physiological characteristics.
CS.01Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the agriculture, food & natural resources career cluster.

Common Career Technical Core

AG-ANI1Analyze historic and current trends impacting the animal systems industry.
AG-ANI2Utilize best-practice protocols based upon animal behaviors for animal husbandry and welfare.
AG-ANI3Design and provide proper animal nutrition to achieve desired outcomes for performance, development, reproduction and/or economic production.
AG-ANI5Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance and animal health.
AG-ANI6Classify, evaluate, and select animal based on anatomical and physiological characteristics.
AG1Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster.
AG2Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Common Core – Speaking and Listening

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Common Core – Writing

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

FFA Precept

FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.

NASDCTEc

AGPC01.01Produce and/or manage animals in domesticated and/or natural environments using an application of knowledge regarding anatomy and physiology to enhance animal production.
AGPC01.02Recognize and interpret animal behaviors and execute protocols for safe handling to facilitate safety for both animals and humans.
AGPC01.03Provide proper nutrition using accepted protocols and processes to maintain animal performance.
AGPC01.05Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance to demonstrate an effective application of principles to optimize performance.
AGPC10.03Compare and contrast issues affecting the AFNR industry including biotechnology, employment, safety, environmental and animal welfare to demonstrate an understanding of the trends and issues important to careers in this industry.