- 40-Days-I.mp3
- 40-Days-I.mp4
- 40-Days-II.mp3
- 40-Days-II.mp4
- 40-Days-Interlude.mp3
- 40-Days-electric-riff.mp3
[Intro]
40 days to reach market weight
Was a lifetime I had to wait
[Verse 1]
From egg to table
In about 6 weeks
Surprised she’s able
To reach what we seek
[Bridge]
40 days to reach market weight
Was a lifetime I had to wait
[Chorus]
How long is a lifetime
(How short the lifespan)
Till the dinner bells chime
(And we feast again)
[Verse 2]
That chick gets thigh
(Two breasts, too)
Then the axe, she’ll die
(Her time is through)
[Bridge]
40 days to reach market weight
Was a lifetime I had to wait
[Chorus]
How long is a lifetime
(How short the lifespan)
Till the dinner bells chime
(And we feast again)
[Bridge]
40 days to reach market weight
Was a lifetime I had to wait
[Chorus]
How long is a lifetime
(How short the lifespan)
Till the dinner bells chime
(And we feast again)
[Outro]
They say it’s that time
(Dinner bells chime)
(Chime)
(Chime)
A SCIENCE NOTE
The journey of a roasting chicken from egg to kitchen table involves several carefully managed stages. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Egg Production
- Breeding Farms: Fertilized eggs are produced by broiler breeder hens and roosters. Broiler chickens are specifically bred for rapid growth and efficient meat production.
- Egg Collection: Eggs are carefully collected and sent to hatcheries under controlled conditions.
2. Incubation
- Hatchery: Fertilized eggs are incubated at around 99.5°F (37.5°C) with controlled humidity.
- Hatching: After 21 days, chicks emerge from their shells. They are inspected, vaccinated (if needed), and sorted.
3. Growing
- Broiler Farms: Chicks are transported to broiler farms, where they are placed in climate-controlled barns.
- Feed and Water: The chickens are provided with a high-protein diet to support rapid growth, as well as clean water.
- Environment: The barns are carefully monitored for temperature, ventilation, and lighting to ensure optimal conditions.
- Growth Period: Over approximately 40 days, broiler chickens grow rapidly to reach market weight, typically around 5-6 pounds (2.3-2.7 kg).
4. Processing
- Transportation: Chickens are transported to processing facilities in compliance with animal welfare guidelines.
- Slaughter and Processing: At the facility:
- Chickens are humanely slaughtered.
- Feathers, organs, and inedible parts are removed.
- The carcasses are cleaned, inspected, and chilled to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cutting and Packaging: Chickens are butchered into whole birds or parts (e.g., breasts, thighs) and packaged for distribution.
5. Distribution
- Packaged chicken is transported via refrigerated trucks to grocery stores, restaurants, or other retail outlets.
- Some chickens are frozen for long-term storage, while others are sold fresh.
6. Kitchen Preparation
- Consumers purchase the chicken from retailers.
- It is then cooked and prepared in various dishes, from roasted chicken to soups, salads, and more.
Ethical Considerations and Improvements
- Animal Welfare: Modern practices emphasize humane treatment and minimal stress for the animals.
- Sustainability: Efforts include improving feed efficiency, reducing waste, and exploring plant-based or lab-grown meat alternatives.
From start to finish, this tightly controlled process ensures that chickens reach the kitchen table in a safe, efficient, and consistent manner.