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Animal & aquatic

Poultry: what can it become?

Poultry value comes from clean processing, cutting, cold chain, egg handling and use of by-products.

  1. Raw poultry
  2. Processing
  3. Value-added products
  4. Packaging
  5. Markets
  6. Customers

Value is lost when birds and eggs are handled in unclean conditions, when poultry meat is left without refrigeration, or when eggs are exposed to temperature swings and condensation. Value is added by moving from whole birds to cut parts and convenience products, and by careful grading and packing of eggs. Manure and feathers can become useful inputs, but need careful handling.

What can poultry become?

Dressed and portioned poultry

Slaughtered, cleaned and chilled birds sold whole or as cut parts.

Processing
Birds are slaughtered in clean surroundings, defeathered, eviscerated, chilled, cut and packed. Cutting into parts and convenience products can add value compared with selling whole birds.
Equipment
  • Clean slaughter and dressing area
  • Defeathering tools
  • Evisceration table
  • Chilling facility or cold storage
  • Knives and cutting boards
Packaging
Clean, food-safe packs that keep the meat protected and cold, with clear labelling.
Storage
Keep chilled or frozen without breaks in the cold chain; poultry meat should not sit unrefrigerated.
Customer types
  • Households
  • Restaurants and caterers
  • Retailers and supermarkets
  • Institutions
Distribution
Direct to buyers, shops or caterers using cold or insulated transport.
Possible business models
  • Own small processing unit
  • Contract slaughter and dressing for farmers
  • Buy-process-resell

Further-processed poultry products

Products such as deboned chicken and sausage-type products made from poultry meat.

Processing
Poultry meat is deboned or processed into products such as polony and viennas. Shifting from whole birds to cut parts and convenience products is a recognised way of adding value.
Equipment
  • Deboning tools
  • Mixing or grinding equipment
  • Cooking equipment
  • Chilling or freezer storage
  • Cleaning and disinfection supplies
Packaging
Food-safe, sealed packs with clear labelling and protection from contamination.
Storage
Cold storage with an unbroken cold chain, and clean storage areas.
Customer types
  • Households
  • Retailers
  • Fast-food and catering businesses
  • Institutions
Distribution
Supplied to shops and caterers, or sold directly in cold or insulated containers.
Possible business models
  • Own processing unit
  • Contract processing
  • Supply to retailers and caterers

Graded and packed eggs

Eggs checked, sorted and packed so they arrive clean and undamaged.

Processing
Eggs are collected carefully, inspected for cracks and other problems, cleaned only if needed in a way that does not damage the shell, and graded and packed. Cracked or leaking eggs should not be sold for eating.
Equipment
  • Collection baskets or trays
  • Inspection area
  • Grading and sorting table
  • Egg trays or cartons
  • Cool storage space
Packaging
Egg trays or cartons that protect shells from damage and contamination.
Storage
Cool storage with little temperature change, to limit condensation and microbial growth.
Customer types
  • Households
  • Shops and market traders
  • Bakeries and restaurants
  • Institutions
Distribution
Delivered in trays to shops, traders and food businesses in clean vehicles, avoiding heat and rough handling.
Possible business models
  • Own egg collection and packing unit
  • Aggregate from several farms
  • Direct delivery to buyers

Poultry manure handling

Poultry manure collected and handled carefully as a nutrient source.

Processing
Manure has value as a nutrient source, but it needs careful handling because it can pollute groundwater and waterways.
Equipment
  • Collection and storage area
  • Shovels and handling tools
  • Covered holding area
  • Covered bagging area
Packaging
Bags or covered bulk loads kept dry and clean for handling.
Storage
Store covered and away from water sources and drainage paths.
Customer types
  • Crop farmers
  • Vegetable growers
  • Gardeners
  • Agro-input shops
Distribution
Sold directly to farmers and gardeners or through agro-input retailers.
Possible business models
  • Collect manure from poultry farms
  • Supply to crop farmers
  • Include in farm services

Feather by-products

Feathers collected and processed into protein for feed or pet food.

Processing
Feathers can be collected, then burned for heat or treated with heat to break down their protein. The resulting protein is low in value but can be used in animal feed or pet food.
Equipment
  • Feather collection bins
  • Heat-treatment equipment
  • Drying area
  • Grinding equipment
Packaging
Clean, dry, labelled bags.
Storage
Dry storage away from pests and damp.
Customer types
  • Feed makers
  • Pet-food makers
  • Livestock farmers
Distribution
Supplied to feed or pet-food producers by arrangement.
Possible business models
  • Collect feathers from processors
  • Process into feed ingredient

The customers, routes to market, business models and many practical tips on this page are suggestions, not findings. Know something better? Suggest an improvement →

Business opportunities around poultry

Sources and further reading

The handling, processing and storage information on this page draws on the sources below. The lists of customers, distribution routes and business models are practical suggestions, not findings from these sources. Links open in a new tab.

Examples describe possibilities, not guaranteed results. Prices, demand and rules vary by country and season — verify locally.