Broiler vs. Cockerel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 19, 2024
Broilers are chickens bred specifically for meat production, featuring fast growth and high feed conversion efficiency, whereas cockerels are young male chickens, distinguished by their gender and role in breeding or egg production.
Difference Between Broiler and Cockerel
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Key Differences
Broilers are chickens engineered for rapid growth and high efficiency in converting feed into meat, typically slaughtered around 5 to 7 weeks of age. Whereas, cockerels are simply young male chickens, less than a year old, not specifically bred for meat production. Their growth rate and feed efficiency vary depending on the breed.
Broilers are usually part of a highly controlled farming environment optimized for meat production, including specific diets and living conditions. Cockerels, on the other hand, might be raised in a variety of conditions, from free-range farms to backyard coops, with their purpose ranging from meat to breeding or even as pets.
The diet of broilers is carefully formulated to promote fast growth and includes high-protein feed. Whereas cockerels might eat a more varied diet, reflecting their less specialized role in poultry farming, which can include grains, insects, and greens found in their environment.
Broilers are typically of specific breeds or hybrids like the Cornish Cross, known for their meat yield and quick maturity. Cockerels can belong to any chicken breed, with their breed determining their size, temperament, and the quality of meat or eggs they produce.
While broilers are almost exclusively kept for their meat, cockerels have a broader range of purposes including breeding, egg production (through the fertilization of hens' eggs), and sometimes for cockfighting in countries where it is legal.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Bred for meat production
Raised for meat, breeding, or pets
Age at Slaughter
5-7 weeks
Varies, often older than broilers
Diet
High-protein, optimized for growth
Varied, not specifically optimized
Breeds
Specific breeds like Cornish Cross
Any chicken breed
Environment
Controlled farming conditions
Varies, from free-range to coops
Compare with Definitions
Broiler
Broilers are typically slaughtered at about 5 to 7 weeks of age.
Broilers are ready for slaughter much earlier than layers.
Cockerel
A cockerel is a young male chicken, under one year of age.
The cockerel is starting to crow, marking its maturity.
Broiler
Broilers are part of a specialized segment of poultry farming.
Raising broilers is a major part of the agricultural industry.
Cockerel
They can be used for breeding purposes.
That cockerel has been selected for breeding because of his fine characteristics.
Broiler
A broiler is a chicken bred for meat production.
The farm raises broilers in large, climate-controlled barns.
Cockerel
Cockerels may be raised for meat or as pets.
We're raising this cockerel for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Broiler
They grow quickly and efficiently convert feed into meat.
Broilers reach market weight faster than any other chicken breed.
Cockerel
Their diet is less specialized than that of broilers.
The cockerel pecks at grains and whatever it finds on the ground.
Broiler
They require specific diets high in protein.
The broilers are fed a diet designed to maximize their growth.
Cockerel
Cockerels belong to various chicken breeds.
This cockerel is a Rhode Island Red, known for its hardiness and temperament.
Broiler
A broiler is any chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) that is bred and raised specifically for meat production. Most commercial broilers reach slaughter weight between four and seven weeks of age, although slower growing breeds reach slaughter weight at approximately 14 weeks of age.
Cockerel
A young domestic cock.
Broiler
A young chicken suitable for roasting, grilling, or barbecuing.
Cockerel
A young rooster.
Broiler
A gridiron, grill, or special part of a stove for cooking meat or fish by exposure to direct heat.
Cockerel
A young male chicken.
Broiler
One that broils, especially a small oven or the part of a stove used for broiling food.
Cockerel
A young cock.
Broiler
A tender young chicken suitable for broiling.
Cockerel
A young domestic cock; not older than one year
Broiler
A person who broils, someone who cooks by broiling.
Broiler
A device used to broil food; part of an oven or a small stove; known as a grill in British English.
Broiler
A chicken raised for meat.
Broiler
Specifically, a young chicken 6 to 10 weeks old, as contrasted with a roaster.
Broiler
(archaic) One who engages in or promotes noisy quarrels, or broils.
Broiler
One who excites broils; one who engages in or promotes noisy quarrels.
What doth he but turn broiler, . . . make new libels against the church?
Broiler
One who broils, or cooks by broiling.
Broiler
A gridiron or other utensil used in broiling, or the compartment in a stove where such a utensil is located.
Broiler
A chicken or other bird fit for broiling.
Broiler
An oven or part of a stove used for broiling
Broiler
Flesh of a small young chicken not over 2 l/2 lb suitable for broiling
Common Curiosities
Can cockerels be used for meat production?
Yes, cockerels can be raised for meat, but they are not specifically bred for this purpose like broilers.
How long does it take for a broiler to reach slaughter weight?
Broilers are typically ready for slaughter at about 5 to 7 weeks of age.
Are broilers and cockerels the same breed?
No, broilers are specific breeds or hybrids bred for meat production, whereas cockerels can be any breed of chicken.
Can a cockerel be a broiler?
While a cockerel can technically be raised for meat, the term "broiler" specifically refers to chickens bred for that purpose, so they are not typically classified as such.
What are the main differences in diet between broilers and cockerels?
Broilers are fed a high-protein diet optimized for rapid growth, while cockerels may have a more varied diet depending on their environment and purpose.
What defines a cockerel?
A cockerel is a young male chicken, under one year of age, distinguished by its gender and potential roles in breeding, meat production, or as a pet.
Why are broilers raised in controlled environments?
Broilers are raised in controlled environments to optimize growth, health, and meat production efficiency.
What is a broiler chicken?
A broiler chicken is specifically bred for meat production, characterized by rapid growth and high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency.
Are all male chickens considered cockerels?
Only young male chickens under one year of age are considered cockerels; older males are known as roosters.
What role do cockerels play in poultry farming?
Cockerels are valuable for breeding, meat production, and sometimes as pets or for exhibition.
How does the growth rate of broilers compare to that of cockerels?
Broilers grow at a significantly faster rate than cockerels due to selective breeding for meat production.
What happens to cockerels in egg-laying breeds?
Cockerels in egg-laying breeds may be raised for meat, used for breeding, or sold as pets.
How is the meat quality of broilers compared to that of cockerels?
Broilers are bred for tender, flavorful meat, whereas the meat quality of cockerels can vary widely based on their breed and age.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
