DARCOF · Research > Darcof I > Egg production systems

Egg production systems


Interest in organically managed poultry has increased markedly in Denmark in recent years. This interest has been stimulated by a widespread aversion to the production of eggs in cages. Organic poultry production is, however, not without its problems, difficulties arising with regard to both health and welfare in some cases.

The most common problems faced in organic poultry production relate to feather-pecking, cannibalism, and parasite infections. The solutions to these point in different directions. The breeding material available to the organic farmer is not particularly well suited, because the birds appear to have lost some of the heritable characteristics which enable them to function well in organic production systems. In this project solutions to this dilemma are being sought, partly by screening commercial and non-commercial breeds and lines to identify those most suited to organic production, and partly through the development of breeding methods to find tools for producing the right type of bird.

In addition to the availability of suitable breeding material, there are a variety of management-related conditions that are expected to improve welfare and contribute to a more stable form of organic egg production. The project also examines the question of parasite infections in relation to feeding technique, bird density, and site rotation, as well as alternative handling methods.

Different factors in the rearing period are being be studied, with particular regard to the problems of feather pecking and cannibalism. The project focuses on the significance of rearing in an organic environment as compared to the conventional approach, taking regard to the time at which the chickens are given access to an outdoor environment, as well as light intensity.

At the nutritional level, worries have been expressed concerning the possibility that organic feeds contain too little methionine. This question is also being examined.

Summary
Publications


Project title
II.6 Egg Production systems

Project leader
Poul Sørensen, Danish Institute of Agricultural Science, Research Centre Foulum, P.O. Box 50, DK 8830 Tjele
Tel: +45 8999 1303, Fax: +45 8999 1300
E-mail: Poul.Soerensen@agrsci.dk

Project participants
Jørgen B. Kjær and Sanna Steenfelt, Danish Institute of Agricultural Science
Anders Permin, Peter Nansen and Allan Roepstorff, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University