Possibilities and limitations of protein supply in organic poultry and pig production

Organic poultry and pig production has to face severe restrictions in the availability of feedstuffs of high quality protein. The objective of the project was to assess by meta-analysis of the literature whether the restrictions can be compensated by others measures without jeopardizing the goal of a high level of product- and process-related quality. Calculations showed that, in general, it is possible to formulate diets for poultry and pigs without the use of non-organic feedstuffs. However, there is a huge variation between farms on the local, regional or national level in their ability to provide organic diets. Several measures are outlined that are at the organic farmer's disposal to adapt to the restricted availability of high protein feedstuffs. The risk of the occurrence of diseases and welfare problems in organic livestock production due to suboptimal nutrient provision by the farmer is compa-rably low, and can be handled by a proper manage-ment. Intensification of meat production, however, encloses a system-related increase in the risks of animal health disorders. From the animal health and welfare point of view, organic farming should be protected towards the negative side effects of an intensified meat production by setting limits with respect to the intensification process

Possibilities and limitations of protein supply in organic poultry and pig production. Summary of Results from EEC 2092/91 (Organic) Revision

One of the main objectives of organic agriculture is to establish a largely closed nutrient cycle within the farm system. To limit the input of nutrients in quantity and quality is relevant both to plant and livestock production. If nutrient input is unavoidable to ensure an adequate supply for the farm animals, this should preferably originate from organic systems, while the input of conventional feed stuffs should be restricted to a minimum, and synthetic products are banned. Dealing with limited availability of feed and nutrient resources is therefore a main feature of organic livestock production. The organic approach stands in contrast to the situation in conventional livestock production where the use of feeds and nutrients is restricted primarily by the purchase price. While conventional production has to face various local, regional and global problems caused by excess import and use of concentrated feeds, problems of organic livestock production are primarily related to a lack of nutrients at the farm or herd level. Due to these system-related conditions, there is concern about been able to formulate adequate rations for the nutritional-physiological needs of livestock, especially in relation to essential amino acids in the feeding of poultry and pigs. Nutritional imbalances encountered in practice might lead to deteriorating animal health and welfare. On the other hand, there is also concern that allowing conventional feedstuffs to be fed in organic livestock production. This could result in intensification of production, causing the same problems in organic as in intensive livestock production, such as animal health problems, risk of residues and GM contamination. Thus, extending the derogation for conventional feed in the EU regulation may have a damaging effect on consumer confidence in organic animal products. Work within an the EU funded research project “Organic Revision” (Research to support the revision of the EU Regulation on Organic Agriculture) has the aim to provide knowledge on how to achieve 100% organic feed rations for livestock and simultaneously avoid negative effects on the farm animals. The first step in the project is to obtain an overview of the many different and system related aspects of the protein supply in organic poultry and pig production. The nutritional-physiological effects of a variation in protein supply with respect to growth performance and protein accretion in broilers, turkeys, laying hens and pigs are examined by literature review. Furthermore, the potential effects of the supply with amino acids on product quality and animal health and welfare are addressed. Many different aspects are taken into account to discuss the question of whether extending the derogation concerning the use of non-organic feedstuffs should be considered with respect to the objectives and framework conditions of organic livestock production

Organic Centre Wales Factsheet 22: Feeding to organic standards

This factsheet states the general principles of feeding to organic standards. Issues surrounding the use of conventional feedstuffs, supplements and the feeding of young animals are also covere

Greenhouse gas emissions of regionally produced alternative feedstuffs rich in protein for Austrian dairy production

The aim of this study was to analyse the potential greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) of locally and regionally produced, alternative protein‐rich feedstuffs (APRFs) which can be utilised in dairy cattle feeding as compared to extracted soybean meal (SBME) in a complete life‐cycle chain for Austria. In addition to GHGE from soil (N2O), from the production of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, industrial processes (oil milling, distillery, and drying plant) and use of fuels, the effects of land use change (LUC) were included in the calculation of GHGE. Currently, SBME, which is mainly imported from South‐America, is the most important protein feedstuff for livestock in Austria, but recently it was started to replace it by APRFs in diets for dairy cows for various reasons. In this study, the GHGE of SBME was compared to those of regionally cultivated and locally processed APRFs. Furthermore, mixtures of APRFs were evaluated which provided energy and available protein equivalent to one kg of SBME. In conclusion, utilisation of more locally produced APRFs shows clear advantages in terms of GHGE. Balanced mixtures of APRFs may offer specific benefits in this regard. On average of all four balanced mixtures of APRFs presented in this study, they result in a reduction of GHGE of about 55% as compared to SBME

Einfluß der Futterversorgungsbasis auf den Preis von 100% Bio- Legehennen-Alleinfutter in Abhängigkeit von der Preisentwicklung von Einzelfuttermitteln in den Jahren 2005, 2007 und 2008

Four layer-mash rations based on 100% agricultural feedstuffs of organic origin and with different levels of energy content were tested at the University of Kassel some years ago. The rations had different parts of inland feedstuffs (grain, grain legumes, grass meal) and components from foreign countries (soybean, sesame cake). High energy compositions had a larger part (ca.28%) of foreign feedstuffs. The part of foreign components could be reduced about 10% by decreasing energy content. Ascending costs for the feedstuffs resulted in greater increase of costs for those mixtures with greater amounts of foreign feedstuffs. It would be necessary to search for more solutions in order to strengthen inland feedstuff production and regional organic energy consume

Taro leaf and stylo forage as protein sources for pigs in Laos

Existing forage plants may have applications as alternative protein resources for pigs in smallholder farming systems. This thesis examined the effect of harvesting/defoliation interval on the yield and chemical composition of taro leaves and stylo forage and analysed appropriate ensiling methods for these materials. The effect of replacing soybean crude protein (CP) with ensiled taro leaf and stylo forage CP on growth performance and carcass traits of LY (Landrace x Yorkshire) and ML (Moo Lath) pigs was also examined. Taro leaf and petiole dry matter (DM) yield increased with increased harvesting frequency in the two years studied, but there was no effect on tuber yield. The leaves contained 160-260 g CP kg¹ DM. Stylo leaf DM yield was unaffected by harvesting interval in the first year, while leaf DM yield was larger with the most frequent harvesting in the second year. The leaves contained 170-235 g CP kg¹ DM, which was much higher than in the stems or forage (leaves+stems). Use of cassava root meal, sugar cane molasses and taro tuber meal as silage additives affected pH and the DM, ash and NDF content of stylo forage and taro leaf silage, and the NH₃-N content of stylo forage silage. Level of additive affected pH and DM, NH₃-N, CP, ash and NDF content in taro silage, but not NH₃-N, CP and NDF content in stylo forage silage. Increasing duration of ensiling reduced pH and DM content in stylo forage and taro leaf silage. Dry matter intake (DMI) and CP intake (CPI) in growing LY and ML pigs were unaffected by increasing replacement (25 and 50%) of soybean CP by taro leaf silage CP in the diet, whilst for stylo forage silage DMI and CPI were highest when 25% of soybean CP was replaced. Average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight, back fat thickness and dressing percentage were unaffected by increasing replacement of soybean CP with taro leaf or stylo forage CP in the diet. LY pigs had higher intake and better carcass traits than ML pigs. The work confirmed that stylo forage and taro leaves can be used as protein sources in smallholder pig production systems without negative effects on the performance of growing LY and ML pigs

OK-Net EcoFeed: Organic Knowledge Network for Monogastric Animal Feed

When feeding organic farm animals, the goal is to offer balanced diets that are fully organic and from home-grown or regionally-sourced feedstuffs. For monogastrics, pigs and poultry, updated European legislation will come into force in 2021 which will require that “at least 30% of the feed shall come from the farm itself or, if this is not feasible or such feed is not available, shall be produced in cooperation with other organic or in-conversion production units and feed operators using feed and feed material from the same region.” (Regulation EU, 2018). Achieving diets containing 100% organic feed for monogastrics is problematic, and current EU Regulations acknowledge this difficulty by allowing the use of 5% non-organic feed. However, this will cease when the updated legislation comes into force. Senior Livestock Researcher Lindsay Whistancereports on progress being made by the OK-Net EcoFeed project to address the issues

Elm Farm Research Centre Bulletin 78

Regular newsletter and technical update

Possibilities and limitations of protein supply in organic poultry and pig production

It is one of the general recommendations in animal nutrition that the diet should be formulated according to the specific requirements of animals at the various stages of their development. To which degree the farmer can adapt the nutrient supply to the specific requirements of the animals depends primarily on the production goal and on the availability of nutrient resources. This report gives a general introduction to the present situation for dietary protein supply to poultry and pig production in relation to the principles for organic agriculture and husbandry production. Furthermore it includes partly literature based on research from conventional animal production, as the requirements on the level of the animals are not different in both systems. Moreover, there only few research projects of organic production systems available. This report is primarily focussing on the question whether a nutrient supply of 100% organic feed can and should be realised. In this context, it is not possible to cover all aspects in detail as the report cannot replace a textbook. The main emphasis is laid on a coherent argumentation based on the leading ideas of organic agriculture. Concerning further relevant aspects it is referred to the report ”Supply and demand for concentrated organic feed in the EU in 2002 and 2003” by Susanne Padel as part of the same EU-project: ‘Research to support the EU-regulation on Organic Agriculture’ (www.organic-revision.org) and to the project “Availability of organically reared livestock” (S. Gomez, JRC, Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, this study is expected to be completed in November 2005). In conventional animal production, a nutrient supply that is closely related to the requirements is an important tool in the performance-oriented production (FLACHOWSKY, 1998). The objective of animal nutrition is to adapt the nutrient supply as accurately as possible to the requirements resulting from maintenance and performance need. Soybean meal, due to the high protein content and high protein quality, has developed into the most important protein source in the nutrition of monogastric animals. Additionally, synthetic amino acids (DL-methionine) and industrial amino acids (produced from microbial fermentation, L-amino acids) are used to balance the supply of essential amino acids. While the use of soybean meal and synthetic amino acids is normal practice in conventional animal production, the Council-Regulation No. 2092/91, amended by Council Regulation No. 1804/99 on organic livestock production bans the use of chemically extracted soybean meal and synthetic amino acids on organic farms as livestock must be fed primarily on organically produced feedstuffs (Annex 1, paragraph 4.2). By way of a derogation from paragraph 4.2, for a transitional period expiring on 24 August 2005, the use of a limited proportion of non-organic feedstuffs is authorised where farmers can show to the satisfaction of the inspection body that they are unable to obtain feed exclusively from organic production (paragraph 4.8). The derogation, although with a declining percentage of non-organic feedstuffs over the next years, has been prolonged in July 2005. The preferable use of home-grown feedstuffs and limitations in the choice of boughtin feedstuffs can be the cause of considerable variation in the composition of the diets, and considerably restrict the possibilities for the adaptation of the feed ration to the specific requirements. Due to the limited availability of essential amino acids in particular, there is concern that nutritional imbalances encountered in practice might lead to deteriorating animal health and welfare. On the other hand, there is also the concern that allowing conventional feedstuffs to be fed in organic livestock production will result in intensification of production. The intensification might cause the same problems in organic production as conventional production already shows (animal health problems, risk of residues and GM contamination etc.). Thus, the use of non-organic feedstuffs may have a damaging effect on consumer confidence in organic products of animal origin. In the following the nutritional-physiological effects of a variation in protein supply with respect to growth performance and protein accretion in broilers, turkeys, laying hens, and pigs are examined by means of a literature review. Additionally, the potential effects of the protein content in the diet on product quality, animal health and environmental damage are addressed. It is the aim of the report to provide an overview of the many different aspects of the protein supply in organic poultry and pig production. Many different aspects are taken into account to elaborate possibilities to handle the use of organic and non-organic feedstuffs with respect to the objectives and framework conditions of organic livestock production. However, due to the complex interactions not all aspects can be covered. There is room and need for explanation and for further research