Feldstudie zu Futtereigenschaften bei federpickenden Legehennen

Summary

Feedstuffs were analysed from 9 conventional and 12 organic farms which previously reported feather pecking in their laying hen flocks. Essential amino acid contents were significantly higher in conventional than in organic diets, while the latter matched suggested nutrient contents. Declared amino acid contents and results of analyses were in good agreement. Particle size of mash feedstuffs deviated from suggested values: percentages of coarse and medium particles were higher and lower, respectively, than suggested. Severity of feather pecking slightly correlated with dietary methionine content and with methionine:ME.