Design and multicriteria evaluation of regionalized test cases in organic crops without animal production

What are the performances of different stockless organic crops systems? And more specifically, are there rotations more efficient than other for economic, technical and / or environmental criteria? This work aims to present the method of co-construction of simulated cases for an evaluation of economic, environmental and technical performances, at rotation and production system scale. Fifteen «test cases» have been defined in the partner regions of CASDAR projects ROTAB and ProtéAB and evaluated with a set of quantitative and non-aggregated indicators (tool Systerre ®). The results provided many references at different scales. In the current context, profitability was ensured for all cases studied, but the production environment had a major impact on the overall performance. Long rotations with multiannual crop rotation (often alfalfa), sometimes less economically efficient, had strong advantages regarding agricultural sustainability. They also seemed to be less sensitive to changes in economic conditions and provided that the crop harvest was performed by a company, (it requires less work time). The typical cases are upgradeable tools to be adapted to different simulations or prospective studies

Valorisation de matières premières locales pour l’alimentation des poulets en agriculture biologique

100 % organic feeding for monogastrics is a challenge for poultry value chain and feed industry. 100 % organic diets without including conventional protein concentrate is a challenge : this might increase the importation of organic proteins (soya) and involve risk on technical and economical performances. This article is a synthesis of different research projects lead in France and in Europe. Nutritional value of organic raw material is highly variable, especially oleaginous meal (whatever the process). Increasing knowledge about nutritional value of organic raw material is needed to support 100 % organic feeding. Even if different organic raw material could be used in diets, this material is not sufficiently available with regard to their quantity (French soya, organic maize gluten, sesame meal), their price (nuttle, hempseeds, spirulina, etc…) and/or there is regulation lock-in (fish meal, insect meal, etc…). In turn, 100 % organic feeding could increase the organic soya needs and importation. Experimental results showed supplementary explained by an increase of feeding costs and potentially an increase of feed conversion ratio. This negative impact could be counterbalanced with feeding strategies (less protein in finishing) combined with a high protein value of free range area. Increasing local raw material quality and availability and improving free range as nutrient source are promising options but would require additional experiment

Epidemiological study concerning the characteristics of organic pig farming in selected European countries

Interviews and on-farm assessments were conducted in a total of 101 organic pig farms in different European countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden) to gain knowledge about farm management and health status of organic pigs in Europe. 66 farms kept at least one age group outdoors while 35 farms kept their pigs exclusively indoors, for the most part with a concrete outside run. Housing and feeding conditions were characterised by a large heterogeneity within and between European countries. On many farms, the feeding regimes seemed suboptimal, leaving ample room for easily feasible improvements. With respect to the health management, some farms made comprehensive use of the various options, whereas many farmers neglected the implementation of preventive measures, including appropriate hygiene and disinfection measures. On the majority of organic farms with indoor housing, the options for disinfection were hindered by the fact that many farms were not able to implement an all-in all-out concept. In correspondence with the large variation in the living conditions for pigs, also production data and mortality rates differed widely between organic pig farms. According to the estimation by the farmer concerning the occurrence of selected animal health problems, mortality of suckling piglets and weaners and weaning diarrhoea were named as the most relevant disease problems. Although dedicated to the same minimum standards, it can be concluded that organic pig farming does not provide the same living conditions or a homogenous outcome of animal health parameters but, like all systems, also depends on the quality of management. Differences in management practices, housing conditions, restrictions in the availability of resources (labour time, financial budget etc.), and a lack of feedback and control mechanism within the farm system appears to be a main reason for the substantial variation between farms

Knowledge synthesis: Animal health and welfare in organic pig production - Final Report COREPIG

This report reviews the available information on the welfare of pigs when maintained according to organic standards in Europe. It begins by overviewing the populations of organic pigs in different countries at the time of writing (2007), the organic standards which govern their management and the systems in which they are typically kept. It then reviews for each stage in the production cycle (sows, suckling piglets, weaned pigs and fattening pigs) the available literature on health and welfare problems which might be experienced by the animals and the hazards which might give rise to these problems. Finally the report reviews the methods current available for the measurement of pig health and welfare and the extent to which monitoring systems currently exist in different countries, or might be developed. The information gathered in this review formed the basis for the subsequent development of tools for use in a HACCP based management and surveillance system for organic pig herds. These tools will assist the organic pig farmer to prevent selected pig diseases and welfare problems by monitoring and controlling the risk factors. Further details can be found on the COREPIG project website www.icrofs.org/coreorganic/corepig.htm

Foraging of organic finishing pigs on protein-rich fodder (OK-Net EcoFeed Practice abstract)

Well organized foraging, with good quality fodder, re-duces the amount of concentrates consumed and in-creases the food autonomy of the farm. Access to fresh fodder is valuable for pig health and wel-fare and for the nutritional quality of the meat (fatty acid profiles). • Carry out a provisional grazing schedule, based on a diversity of crops (figures 1 and 2), with the aim of having fodder at the optimum stage throughout the year. • Adapt the amount of concentrates fed according to the amount and quality of fodder available on the plots. Feed rationing leads to lower fat carcasses but can also decrease the carcass weight if too little concentrate is fed. • On farm trials show that If concentrate feed is reduced by 30%, the fattening should be extended by 30 days maximum. Similarly, a 15% reduction in rations will require a maximum of 12-day extension. • Graze the fodder at its optimum stage to avoid waste. Woody forage will not be very palatable. When there is an excess of forage, it can be harvested and preserved for feeding during the housing period. • Position a water trough and feed troughs on the pastured plot to facilitate moving the pigs (figure 4). • Create corridors around the paddocks, by crushing a strip of vegetation (figure 3): this encourages the movement of animals and facilitates the installation of mobile fences and their visualization by the pigs (particularly in tall crops). • Aim for a balance between annual and perennial crops to limit the cost of sowing fodder. • Take care to preserve the state of the soil and crops, especially for perennial crops: give priority to paddock grazing management. • The choice of fodder species and varieties should be considered for their cost, their agronomic performance and their nutritional value. Legumes are preferred by pigs

Towards 100 % organic diets for poultry

The website includes scientific articles and slide presentations of each project’s main results. This tool is specific to organic farming. Target groups are researchers, farmers, feed producers and all actors of the organic sector interested in 100% organic feed for poultry production. Topics covered are: - Availability and quality of raw materials for organic poultry farming - Testing solutions for formulating 100% organic feeds for broilers and laying hens - Agronomic issues regarding seed legumes for poultry feed - Experiences from farmers and feed producer

Introducing maize, bean and courgettes into the diet of foraging pigs (OK-Net EcoFeed Video)

The video shows the experience of an organic pig farmer located in Pays de La Loire region in the west of France implementing grazing in parcels. Integrating a diverse range of mixed protein-rich forages into the feeding plan can reduce the amount of concentrates needed. The farmer, who rears 45 sows, reduced the amount concentrate fed by a third to encourage foraging. His experience with the “three sisters” crops, maize, beans and squash, shows a well-consumed vegetation and a preserved soil. This tool is aimed at the target group of new and experienced farmers who hope to increase the use of local feedstuff and move towards closing their nutrient cycles. Organic and conventional farmers could benefit from this tool. This tool is relevant to pig farmers around the world, although the specific of its application are more adapted to central Europe

Farm system evaluated: pig farm in Centre region of France

First, this tool is based on one farm system, it is an example and it has not to be consider as recommendations for all pig farming system. Features of the farm are presented: cropping system, pig breeding, feeding system and economics results. On this base, several ways of improvements are identified about protein autonomy and crop rotation. The objective is to consider points for modification in the whole system; for example, diversified crop rotations change what is available for pig feed. Simulations show how the system can be modified to integrate more legumes in the crop rotation. New feed formulations are made considering the new available feedstuff. Specifics equipment requirements are also described. These specifics allowed the evaluation of economic impacts of such practical changes on the farming system. The conclusion showed an economic gain, increased protein autonomy, and a more resilient crop system. This tool can be used by farmers and advisors to find inspiration related farm system changes. Although the example is specific to France, the principles are not site specific and can be applied to other farming systems

Using local raw material for broiler feed in organic farming

The article summarises the results of French and European research projects. It presents the vegetable protein market for animal feed, the nutritional values of various high-protein raw materials and the results of testing formulation strategies (diversification of raw materials and foraging). New raw materials are interesting, but not available and/or expensive. The tests reveal additional costs related to feed price and increased consumption indices. Formulation strategies with lower levels of protein in the finishing period make it possible to limit these obstacles. This article is mainly interesting for advisors. It is specific to organic farming, but not limited to a geographical area