Nutrition and feeding of organic poultry

279 Pages·2018·3.06 MB·English

by  Blair

Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry
2nd Edition

Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry
2nd Edition
By
Robert Blair
University of British Columbia, Canada
CABI is a trading name of CAB International
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A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library,
London, UK.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Blair, Robert, 1933- author.
Title: Nutrition and feeding of organic poultry / by Robert Blair.
Description: 2nd edition. | Boston, MA : CABI, [2018] | Includes
bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018014423| ISBN 9781786392985 (hardback) | ISBN
9781786392992 (epdf)
Subjects: LCSH: Poultry--Feeding and feeds. | Organic farming. |
Feeds--Composition.
Classification: LCC SF494 .B57 2018 | DDC 636.5/0852--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018014423
ISBN-13: 9781786392985
Commissioning editor: Alexandra Lainsbury
Editorial assistant: Tabitha Jay
Production editor: Ali Thompson
Typeset by SPi, Pondicherry, India
Printed and bound in the UK by Bell & Bain Ltd, Glasgow
Contents
Acknowledgements vii
1. Introduction and Background 1
2. Aims and Principles of Organic Poultry Production 3
3. Elements of Poultry Nutrition 14
4. Approved Ingredients for Organic Diets 50
5. Diets for Organic Poultry Production 174
6. Choosing the Right Breed and Strain 201
7. Integrating Feeding Programmes into Organic
Production Systems 219
8. Conclusions and Recommendations for the Future 252
Index 257
v
This book is enhanced with supplementary resources.
To access the computerized system of on-farm feed formulation please visit:
www.cabi.org/openresources/92985
Acknowledgements
I wish to acknowledge the help and advice received from Alexandra Lainsbury and Sarah
Hulbert (formerly) of CAB International in the production of my trilogy of books on the
Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Pigs, Poultry and Cattle. Any success that the books have
achieved in translating and summarizing the scientific and practical findings on organic
production into readable texts are due in part to their efforts.
vii

1
Introduction and Background
In recent years there has been a rapid increase A major challenge facing the organic
in organic livestock production in many coun- poultry industry at present is a global short-
tries. This development is a response to an age of organic feedstuffs, exacerbated by the
increased consumer demand for food that is objective in Europe of requiring the feed to
perceived to be fresh, wholesome and fla- be 100% organic by 31 December 2017 and
voursome, free of hormones, antibiotics and a 110-fold increase in the global production
harmful chemicals, and without the use of of GM crops since 1996 (ISAAA, 2017). Due
genetically modified (GM) crops. Consumer to the shortage, this objective could not be
research indicates that ethical concerns achieved, resulting in the EU Commission
related to standards of animal welfare also play taking the decision to prolong the feed der-
a significant role in the decision to purchase ogation for organic pigs and poultry that
organic food. In addition there is evidence had been due to expire at the end of 2017
that animal welfare is used by consumers (see Chapter 2). At present most coun-
as an indicator of other product attributes, tries consider the feed to be organic with a
such as safety and impact on human health. maximum 5–10% of the ingredients being
European data show that organic eggs non-organic.
represent 10–20% of total egg sales and there This volume sets out guidance for pro-
is a willingness of consumers to pay a relatively ducers on nutrition and feeding practices
high price premium for these eggs. Another that relate to the standards for certification
development showing a change in consumer of organic poultry. Details on permitted feed
behaviour is that many supermarkets in ingredients, with an emphasis on those
North America now sell organic products. grown or available locally and on suitable diet-
Organic feed is generally more expensive ary formulations, are included. Although
than conventional feed, often resulting in eggs aspects of these topics have been presented
and meat being twice as costly as the conven- at conferences and in trade and scientific
tional products. Therefore while there is an publications, no comprehensive text has
increasing market for organic eggs and meat, been published to date.
they will have to be supplied at a price It is clear that the idealism set out ini-
acceptable to the consumer. This will be a tially in the principles of organic agriculture
particular challenge for northern regions has had to be tempered by practical consid-
that have harsher climates and a lower sup- erations. The standards adopted have to aim
ply of organic feedstuffs than southern, more for a balance between the desire of consum-
productive, regions. ers for organic products and considerations
© R. Blair 2018. Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry (2nd edn) 1