We do not use any meal originating from terrestrial animals, also known as meat meal, in our
products.
The only animal product we use is fish protein in the early stages of the breeding process. Chickens
are omnivores, and their natural diet consists of plants, complemented with certain animals like
insects and worms which provide amino acids that are essential to their growth. This is what we try
to replicate by feeding them small portions of fishmeal, which happens to be a protein that is
extremely high quality, and therefore rather expensive. In fact, fishmeal is a rich source of
omega-3 for chickens and is known to protect them from diseases.
We do not use any meal originating from terrestrial animals, also known as meat meal, in our
products.
The only animal product we use is fish protein in the early stages of the breeding process. Chickens
are omnivores, and their natural diet consists of plants, complemented with certain animals like
insects and worms which provide amino acids that are essential to their growth. This is what we try
to replicate by feeding them small portions of fishmeal, which happens to be a protein that is
extremely high quality, and therefore rather expensive. In fact, fishmeal is a rich source of
omega-3 for chickens and is known to protect them from diseases.
We do not use any hormones to boost the growth of our chickens. This practice is strictly prohibited at Avipro. In fact, this practice is strictly prohibited in Mauritius and simply does not exist. We choose breeds that are fast-growing and that naturally reach maturity after an approximate period of 42 days. That being said, we appreciate you asking this question as it allows us to clear things up on this hormone issue. We realise that false information is rampant and that people continue questioning this matter. This is why the Qualité Volaille label was introduced in 2017. We called upon an independent body, AFNOR, to come and audit our entire production chain every year. This is an additional guarantee for the consumer (renewed on an annual basis) that our poultry conforms to strict quality standards at every stage of production. This also guarantees that our poultry is free of hormones and antibiotics.
Our chickens are primarily fed corn, wheat and soybeans. Vegetable oil, fibre and certain minerals and vitamins are also included in their diet, thus meeting all their physiological requirements.
This breed of hardy chickens typically matures after 81 days. It is raised in a hen house with outdoor access.
Chantecler’s free-range chicken conforms to the same quality standards as Chantecler’s traditional chicken. Standards that are recognised by the independent body AFNOR and certified by the label Qualité Volaille, renewable on an annual basis. Factors like nutrition, made up of corn and soybeans, biosecurity standards and traceability are also taken into account by this label. This only goes to show the robustness of our foundation and the extent of our know-how in breeding poultry!
Needless to say, a real free-range chicken conforms to very specific norms. Norms that we did not invent. They were established and legally defined in France, a country known for its superior varieties of poultry, and our source of inspiration since our beginnings.
All our farms were built in a way that ensures that the birds are comfortable, that we respect biosecurity measures and that we minimise our impact on the environment. We follow strict European norms, and even go further in certain cases. The breeding farms were conceived to maximise natural lighting and optimal fresh air and ventilation. And as you can see, we have plenty of space between the buildings to control biosecurity on site.
We limit the number of birds in our buildings to make sure they have adequate space to move around freely. To do this, we conform to European standards, which are some of the strictest in the world.
All our chickens are floor-raised on litter made from wood chips, in buildings with stringent hygiene and sanitary measures where they are provided with ample space to move around freely. Chantecler adheres to the established international norms.
The breeding farms were designed to allow for optimal fresh air and ventilation. Our hen houses are also equipped with systems to supplement lighting and ventilation as and when needed. In fact, a daily summary enables us to closely monitor the temperature and air quality within the buildings and adjust the ventilation when required.
At the end of the cycle, all our buildings are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during what is called the “rest period” to ensure our poultry is reared in optimal hygienic conditions to protect them against diseases.
Firstly, it must be noted that there are different breeds of chickens: slow-growing ones and others fast-growing ones.
We opted for the fast-growing breeds of poultry as they not only meet our goals, but also the needs of our customers. It is therefore natural for our poultry to attain +/- 2kg in 42 days.
Under no circumstances do we artificially modify our poultry for increased growth in the rearing process.
In a nutshell, yes, we respect the natural growth rate of our poultry.
All our chickens are reared on litter floors made of wood chips, in buildings with stringent hygiene and sanitary measures. They have ample space to move around freely. Our livestock buildings were designed to maximise natural lighting and adequate fresh air and ventilation. Our hen houses are also equipped with systems to supplement lighting and ventilation as and when needed. In fact, a daily summary enables us to closely monitor the temperature and air quality within the buildings and adjust the ventilation when required.
At the end of the cycle, all our buildings are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during what is called the “rest period” to ensure our poultry is reared in optimal hygienic conditions to protect them against diseases.
The cold chain refers to a series of measures aimed at maintaining a product at an ideal temperature to preserve its quality. The cold chain begins from the packaging workshop, through to refrigerated or frozen transportation, to the final point of sale.
The information displayed on the label aims to provide the consumer with details on:
- product description
- batch or lot number
- date of production
- date of expiry
- weight
- identification of producer (name, address, telephone number)
- storage methods
The batch number guarantees the traceability of the product as it allows for the date of slaughter to be known and thus be traced back to the farm and the reference number assigned to the breeding cycle.
The product is fully traceable from farm to slaughterhouse, as shown in its labelling.
Upon their arrival on site, the origin of the chickens is recorded to trace each chicken back to the specific farm and breeding batch it comes from.
Indeed, the product label ensures both its origin and traceability from the production process to the consumer, and provides accurate information to the public.
Yes. All products from the slaughterhouse and used throughout the chain are certified Halal.
The chickens are transported in a way that limits their exposure to stress factors, thanks to diligent catching techniques that minimise their fear.
A minimum loading time is observed, and the transport time between the farm and the slaughterhouse is kept as short as possible.
Finally, the birds are stunned prior to slaughter to render them insensitive to pain and avoid suffering.