Research for the Dutch Organic Poultry Sector

There are more than one million laying hens on about 164 organic egg farms and 16 organic poultry meat farms in the Netherlands. The market share of organic eggs was 7.6% in 2009. The sale of organic poultry meat rose by 5.1% in 2009. Supermarkets have taken organic (poultry) meat into their standard assortments.

Current research focuses on optimal feeding strategies for both organic laying hens and broilers. Quality protein ingredients are rare but very important, especially for growing animals.

kip-1Dutch organic laying hen farmers are obliged to buy organically reared young hens. The demand for these young hens is large, which results in waiting times for new flocks.

Health issues will continue to be important. It is difficult to produce a robust young hen in the current situation. This is mainly due to the many vaccinations that are necessary in a country full of poultry, such as the Netherlands.

Projects

Production costs of organic eggs Calculated yearly, based on technical and economic data.

Energy-release and digestibility of organic feed Project determines Metabolisable Energy content and faecal digestibility.

Energy and protein requirements for organic laying hens Organic circumstances are different, leading to different feed requirements.

Feeding roughage to organic hens This study looks at benefits and practice of feeding roughage.

Breeds, protein and moulting Impact of breed, feeding regimes, moulting and prolonged use on welfare, health, performance and egg quality.

Prevention of predation by raptors Hens in outdoor runs containing trees have a higher risk of predation.

Natural health Guidelines for the use of natural products at the farm level.

Poultry and eggs