Domestic Fowl
Fowl is a term used for virtually any type of bird. This includes both domestic and wild birds, although some consider these two groups separate from one another.
The word fowl originates from the Old French word 'foul', meaning "domestic bird" or "game bird". In late Middle English, it came to be used as the specific term for "domestic chicken" or "hen". By the sixteenth century, it had also come to be used as the general term for all birds. There are many terms with overlapping meanings, such as game birds and waterfowl.
Since the domestication of chickens became widespread in about 1000 BC, fowl have been used as food across the world. In many cultures, bird meat is considered taboo, with that prohibition frequently extending to poultry. In some regions, birds are not commonly consumed due to their perceived lack of flavor or tenderness compared to other meats.
In contrast, many countries have a significant number of people who consume large quantities of fowl in forested areas. In some forests, wild birds are a source of income through the hunting and selling of games.
In Italian cuisine, chicken is often cooked with dry white wine or a light red one. When preparing a dish that includes both chicken and rabbit, the two types of meat are usually cooked separately to keep the flavors from blending too much. Fowl is often prepared as an ingredient of various dishes, particularly soups and casseroles.
Fowl can be prepared in many different ways. It can be cut into smaller pieces to make stew or kebabs, or grilled whole for a barbecue. Roasting fowl is also possible but may take longer than comparable meats with less fat content. This is because fowl have very little fat, about half of what's found in chicken, so its tendency to dry out is increased.
Fowl meat is leaner than red meat but not as lean as poultry such as turkey or ostrich. It has a high protein content. Interestingly, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that one serving of fowl meat a day does not affect cholesterol levels. In fact, it might even increase them slightly.
Global domestic fowl production
The world's total production of chicken meat in 2013 was estimated to be 84.6 million tonnes, an increase of 3 percent from the previous year. The top producers of chicken meat were China, the United States, Brazil, the European Union, and Thailand.
China is by far the largest producer of chicken meat, accounting for more than 30 percent of the world's total in 2013. The country has a long tradition of chicken husbandry and consumption, and its production has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2013, China produced more than 25 million tonnes of chicken meat, an increase of 6 percent from 2012.
The United States is the second largest producer of chicken meat, with an estimated production of 9.3 million tonnes in 2013. The country has a strong poultry industry, and chicken is a popular meat choice among American consumers. Production has been relatively stable in recent years but is expected to grow in the coming years.
Brazil is the third largest producer of chicken meat, with an estimated production of 4.5 million tonnes in 2013. The country has a large and well-developed poultry industry, and chicken is a staple of the Brazilian diet. Production is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The European Union is the fourth largest producer of chicken meat, with an estimated production of 3.5 million tonnes in 2013. The EU's poultry industry is well-developed, and chicken meat is a popular choice among European consumers. Production has been relatively stable in recent years but is expected to grow in the coming years.
Thailand is the fifth largest producer of chicken meat, with an estimated production of 2.5 million tonnes in 2013. The country has a large poultry industry, and chicken is a popular meat choice among Thai consumers. Production has been growing rapidly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.