feathers

by product

2.3 billion

duck down

goose, because of availability

-can be harvested at slaughter -can be plucked near molting-some companies refuse to purchase down harvested this way

(shaft)-primary stalk

-individual strands emerging from rachis in v like pattern -vary in length

velcro like hooks and loops on the edges of barbs -allows feathers to join together

Inner medulla, outer cortex, 80% keratin, air filled cells allow flexibility and heat trapping qualities

Wing, down, tail, contour, semiplume, bristle, filoplume

-stiff, flat -wind and water proofing come from the barbules -wing and tail feathers

-loosely arranged barbs, no rachis -long barbules -trap heat close to the body -Down, semi-plume feathers

feather structure, function and appearance

-curled feathers caused by rachis mutation -decreases ability to maintain body temperature

-thin rachis -long barbules -appear and feel; more like hair than feathers -almost like down over the whole body

-like hair feathers cannot be repaired if damaged -molting-process of shedding and regrowing all feathers -slow process, they do not become completely bald overnight -can be a partial molt in that not all feathers are lost

molt

slow process of shedding and regrowing all feathers (can be a partial molt)

slows down or stops

keep chickens under light (15hrs/day) and increase protien intake

by restricting energy intake and create a 30% weight loss