Israeli scientists have been working to perfect cross-bred chickens so they don’t produce feathers. The result is a naked bird that won’t have to be plucked once it is killed for food. The scientists argue that many warm-weather countries can’t grow chickens because of the heat and this breed would solve that problem in addition to reducing processing costs due to their lack of feathers.
Animal rights advocates object to the naked chicken, saying that feathers help protect chickens’ tender skin from bruising and sunburn. They also object to the idea of advocating factory farming in developing nations.
I find the entire project disturbing and shall have to purchase some veggie burgers immediately—a chicken offset credit of sorts.
Breeding Featherless Chickens
Naked Birds Like Hot Weather, Are Prone to Sunburn
Trend Themes
1. Featherless Chicken Breeding - The development of featherless chickens presents an opportunity to reduce processing costs and allow for chicken farming in warm-weather countries.
2. Alternative Protein Sources - The controversy surrounding featherless chicken breeding highlights the potential for alternative protein sources such as veggie burgers.
3. Animal Welfare Advocacy - Animal rights advocates raising concerns about featherless chicken breeding indicates an opportunity for companies to prioritize animal welfare standards.
Industry Implications
1. Poultry Farming - Featherless chicken breeding has the potential to disrupt the poultry farming industry by reducing processing costs and enabling farming in warmer climates.
2. Plant-based Protein - The veggie burger industry aligns with the trend of alternative protein sources and may benefit from the ethics concerns surrounding featherless chicken breeding.
3. Animal Rights Activism - The controversy surrounding featherless chicken breeding highlights the opportunity for companies to invest in animal welfare standards and advocacy efforts.