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Foraging of broilers in outdoor areas (OK-Net Ecofeed Practice Abstract)

{Tool} Foraging of broilers in outdoor areas (OK-Net Ecofeed Practice Abstract). Creator(s): Steenfeldt, Sanna. Issuing Organisation(s): AU - Aarhus University. OK-Net Ecofeed Practice Abstract, no. 006. (2019)

[thumbnail of Foraging of broilers in outdoor areas] PDF - English (Foraging of broilers in outdoor areas)
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Document available online at: https://orgprints.org/35469


Summary

• Select plant species that are robust and adjusted to the climate such as caraway (Carum carvi), red clover (Trifolium pratense), chicory (Cichorium intybus), plantain (plantago major (broadleaf)/Plantago lanceolate (lancetleaf), ryegrass (Lolium perenne), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), lu-cerne/alfalfa (Medicago sativa). 
• Fencing off part of the plants might be necessary until they have reached a size that makes them less vul-nerable to birds eating leaves and smaller branches.
• Planting some trees in rows from the broiler houses will encourage the birds to leave the house and spread far into the outdoor areas.
• Combine trees and bushes with smaller open areas with grass/herbs or even crops that encourage foraging activity and other natural behaviour such as dustbathing, which is good for animal welfare.
• Choice of genotype is important. Very fast growing genotypes are not suitable for establishing a population with active animals.
• During cold winter periods, broilers are less motivated to go outside; a veranda system (winter garden), where silage can be provided, is recommended.


EPrint Type:Practice tool
What problem does the tool address?:Access to outdoor areas is mandatory in organic poultry production. Stimulating organic broilers to use outdoor areas can be a challenge if there is only sparse vegetation without trees and bushes outside the houses.
What solution does the tool offer?:Establishing attractive areas is necessary to increase the number of broilers going outside. A combination of smaller open areas with grass and herbs as well as areas with different bushes and trees, where the broilers can feel safe, will stimulate the chickens to use a larger part of the outdoor areas (see figure 1). Choice of geno-types can be important, as some genotypes are more active than others.
Country:Denmark
Type of Practice Tool:Practice abstracts
Keywords:broiler chickens, feeding, rations, outdoor areas, poultry production
Agrovoc keywords:
Language
Value
URI
English
broiler chickens
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_9435
English
feeding
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_2838
English
rations
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_6461
Subjects: Animal husbandry > Feeding and growth
Animal husbandry > Health and welfare
Animal husbandry > Production systems > Poultry
Research affiliation: European Union > Horizon 2020 > OK-Net EcoFeed
European Union > Horizon 2020 > OK-Net EcoFeed > OK-Net Ecofeed Tools
Denmark > AU - Aarhus University > Faculty of Science and Technology > Department of Animal Science
Related Links:https://international.au.dk/, https://orgprints.org/35469, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/35469, https://www.facebook.com/organicfarmknowledge/photos/a.341364110046066/564029667779508, https://twitter.com/farm_knowledge/status/1206955040809857024
Project ID:ofk
Deposited By: Willer, Dr. Helga
ID Code:35469
Deposited On:16 Dec 2019 11:44
Last Modified:16 Feb 2022 12:31
Document Language:English
Status:Published

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