This week’s blog post on Chicken Check In helped to debunk the myth that chickens are genetically modified. To cut to the chase, no chicken commercially available in the U.S. is genetically modified.

But before we get into the details, let’s get some background. GMO stands for genetically modified organism, these are plants, animals or microorganisms that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed.

While there are GMO crops commercially available in the United States, salmon is the only genetically engineered animal approved by the FDA. With many GMO crops on the market, animals raised for consumption may be fed GMO ingredients, but it is not possible for the GMO in the feed to transfer to the animal that eats it.

Now that we’re up to speed, we’ll take a look at how broiler chickens are raised, what they are fed and how this contributes to larger, healthier birds.

But your eyes aren’t fooling you, chickens today may be bigger than before. For years, farmers have been breeding birds with the most desirable qualities to ensure the healthiest and strongest flocks possible without creating GMO chickens.

Chickens raised for meat in the U.S. are traditionally bred through the process of selecting and cross-breeding birds with the most desirable qualities, which can result in larger birds, strength and growth rates.

New technology in chicken farming including improved housing, climate controls, good husbandry and continuous training and communication between farmers and poultry veterinarians all contribute to raising larger, healthier birds.

Interested in learning more about GMOs, read our GMO Feed FAQ here.