In terms of Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), how much more feed does a Barred Rock rooster typically require compared to a specialized broiler to gain a pound of weight?
Answer
It uses roughly twice the amount of feed per pound of meat.
The economic viability comparison heavily favors the highly specialized Cornish Cross when examining feed efficiency. A CX bird is noted for its efficiency, often needing only about 2.5 pounds of feed to gain one pound of body weight. In stark contrast, the slower-growing Barred Rock rooster, taking over 15 weeks to reach roughly 4 pounds dressed weight, necessitates approximately 25 pounds of feed for that same weight gain. This places the dual-purpose bird at roughly double the feed cost per pound of harvested meat when compared directly to the specialty broiler.

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