Page 20 - 2021 October Parker Co. 4-H Connection

Mighty Proteins: Poultry
corie.ritter · Sep 8, 2020 ·

Did you know that poultry is more than just chickens? There are different types of poultry raised in Texas

including turkeys, geese, ducks, guineas, peafowl, pigeons, quail, and chickens. All of these different types of
poultry are raised in Texas, which makes poultry vital to the Texas economy. In Texas, broiler chickens and
turkeys are the primary poultry grown for meat production. Broiler is the name given to chickens raised for
meat. There are approximately 625 million broiler chickens and 6.5 million turkeys raised in Texas. These types
of poultry are primarily grown on family farms by farmers who have contracts with processing companies. There
are approximately 800 contract farms in Texas that grow broilers and turkeys. Modern poultry facilities provide
optimum conditions for the birds to grow. Broilers and turkeys are grown in poultry barns where temperature,
humidity, lighting, ventilation, air quality, litter, feed, and water are constantly monitored.

Fresh poultry is one of the healthiest animal protein sources you can add to meals! The USDA MyPlate
recommends that we consume 5-6 ounces per day of lean protein. Poultry, such as turkey or chicken is a great
way to meet this recommendation. Chicken is naturally low in sodium and a good source of protein and vitamin
B6, and turkey has the lowest number of calories and the least amount of fat per ounce compared to the top
eleven proteins consumed in the U.S. Poultry can be enjoyed in an endless variety of ways. Chicken or turkey

can be roasted, baked, boiled, or breaded and eaten as a main course with a side of vegetables and whole
grains, chicken, or turkey can be shredded and added to soups, pastas or casseroles, sliced turkey from a deli
can be enjoyed on sandwiches or rolled with a low-fat cheese and so much more!

20 PARKER COUNTY 4-H CONNECTION / OCTOBER