Stationsprüfung von Herkünften für die ökologische Hühnermast

According to the EU regulation for organic agriculture minimum slaughter age for broiler is 81 days unless slow growing strains are used. Aim of the study was to compare broiler strains of different growing intensities with regard to performance, animal health and animal welfare. 7 broiler strains were compared (20 – 65 g daily gain). First results show a decrease of health parameters and behavioural activities with increasing growing intensity

Status Quo der Ökologischen Rinderhaltung in Deutschland

A survey was carried out to get key features of the organic cattle production in Germany. Questionnaires were evaluated from 750 farms with dairy or beef-suckler cows. Furthermore, 101 farms were visited to get more detailed information in the fields of housing, feeding, breeding, health, economy. Dairy farms were more specialized than beef farms. 30 dairy cows respective 15 beef cows were kept on average per farm. Most dairy farmers hold the typical regional breeds. About 10 % kept old, endangered breeds. One third of dairy farmers had still stanchion barns, but less than 10 % of beef farmers. Main health problems on dairy farms were mastitis, claw or fertility disorders. Milk production averaged on 6.150 kg per cow and year. In many dairy farms, improvements are possible with regard to animal welfare, animal health or productivity. About one fifth of the milk and one third of the beef produced still had to be sold conventionally. Beef producers are dependent on subsidies

Organic poultry production in Germany – key features, housing, feeding, breeds, perform-ance, health

Aim of the project was to find out key features of organic poultry production in Germany and to identify possible problems. Questionnaires of ca. 300 farms were evaluated and farm visits made on 100 farms. Hybrids were dominating on most farms. Most farms kept only small flocks. In bigger farms, aviaries were more common. Hens on most farms had access to pastures. In many cases, housing conditions or health prevention measures were not in accordance with current recommendations. Performance was low in many farms and indicators for feather pecking often found. Relationships between husbandry conditions and health or performance parameters were often found. Therefore, improvements seem to be possible on many farms