Challenges in achieving low-input, extensive broiler production

Publication date: 05-08-2026
Extent: 16 pages

Contributions by: Claire Bonnefous and Veronika Maurer, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Switzerland; and Elisabeth Duval and Anne Collin, Biologie des Oiseaux et Aviculture – INRAE and Université de Tours, France

Chapter synopsis:

Rearing low input, extensive broilers implies specific challenges related to the limited use of off farm resources and the provision of an outdoor space. Here, we present the challenges and potential solutions to achieve this production. From external factors such as weather and predators to unwanted behaviours via nutrition, factors that may limit the efficiency of this production are numerous. Within this chapter the authors expose an extensive set of solutions for each challenge. They conclude that rearing local strains is a key element to succeed in rearing low-input, extensive broilers. Indeed, thanks to a better resilience to diseases and weather variation but also a higher optimization of local resource such as grass, local strains seems to better perform under low-input, extensive system than commercial fast-growing strains. While an advantage in the feed/food competition dilemma, this production also requires higher land use and its sustainability is being called into question.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0165.16