FreeBirds - Optimising the use of the free range as the key to improve organic chicken production

Summary

The goal for FreeBirds is to develop more successful husbandry practices in organic poultry production in order to make the chickens be more outdoor, in accordance with the intentions of the organic concept.
The outdoor stay improves the bird welfare and consolidates consumer acceptance and marketing of the organic products.
The welfare of organic broiler and egg production can be improved all over Europe.
Main project activities
≥Different ranging patterns of the birds will be compared using an innovative automatic tracking system.
≥The relation between range use and parasite infections in organic broilers and layers will be investigated.
≥Environmental consequences of manure nutrients in the soil of the range area will be studied.
≥Suitability of different strains for meat or egg production will be evaluated regarding behaviour, health, performance and welfare.