Organic Poultry Farming
- Part 1 -

Dr K Rashbehari Singh *

A Poutry Farm at Nongpok Sanjenbam village in March 2019 :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

“Organic farming” refers to the way livestock and agricultural products are raised and processed, avoiding agrochemicals such as synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic poultry production focuses on animal health and welfare, good environmental practices, and product quality and focuses less on economic measures such as reducing costs and maximizing production.

Organic farming has grown quickly in recent years across all agricultural and livestock sectors, including poultry production. Nowadays, there has been an increase in health concerns over the quality of egg and meat products due to the presence of numerous medications and pesticide residues in traditional products.

Organic poultry farming strives to improve the health of the birds and environmental sustainability with a focus on holistic health management and a biologically active soil. Due to these qualities, there is a great demand for organic products among the educated and health concerned consumers.

Advantages of organic poultry farming

i) Demand for organic poultry products: There is an increased demand for organic poultry products due to growing health-conscious consumer trends. Organic poultry products often command premium prices in the market and ensure higher profit.

i) Sustainable use of resources: In organic poultry farming, the resources are utilized efficiently, minimized environmental im- pacts, maintained biodiver-sity, enhanced soil quality, and promotes sustainable practices.

ii) Space requirement: Compared with conventional methods, the organic poultry farming requires less space as the birds have access to outdoor areas.

iii) Chemical usage: In organic poultry farming, chemicals are avoided or used minimally. Use of pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics are avoided and promotes healthier and natural farming practices.

iv) Toxins: Compared with commercially raised poultry, organic birds contain fewer toxins as the birds are not exposed to hormones, antibiotics, or trace amounts of pesticides commonly found in conventional poultry.

v) Organic Waste recycling: By composting and recycling organic waste, the farmers can convert poultry waste into valuable fertilizers for their crops.

vi) Health benefits: Organic chicken have a better taste and nutritional profile than non-organic chicken and is considered healthier. Further, organic farming practices help reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, promoting overall food safety.

vii) Profit margin: Organic poultry products often command premium prices in the market and yield higher profit margins.

viii) Animal welfare: In organic farming, chickens live in conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours, providing access to the outdoors, sufficient space to move and roam freely, and a ban on inhuman practices such as beak trimming or forced molting. These animal welfare related activities not only leads to a better quality of life for the chickens but can also result in higher quality meat and eggs.

Requirements of organic poultry farming

i) Permits and regulations: Obtain necessary licenses and permits required by local, state, and federal authorities. Organic farming regulations, including organic feed sourcing and health management practices should be followed. Comply with industry-specific guidelines, such as organic poultry standards set by certifying organizations.

Farm activities should be documented to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Routine inspections conducted by certifying bodies should be participated to ensure adherence to organic standards. To avoid penalties or loss of certifications, stay updated with any changes or updates in organic farming regulations.

ii) Selection of breed or strain: For organic farming, local breeds are preferred as they can adapt to the natural environment with ease and are disease resistant. Factors such as adaptability to local climate, resistance to diseases, and market demand should be considered. Choose breeds that are known for their good egg production or meat quality.

Natural breeding techniques are preferred over artificial breeding. Purchase the parent stocks from organizations that have received an organic certification.

iii) Housing management: Allowing birds to express all of their natural behavior with little stress is the fundamental goal of organic housing. Adequate protection should be provided to the birds from predators.

A poultry housing layout that allows for proper ventilation, ample space, and easy cleaning should be designed. Features such as nest box, perches, and separate areas for feeding and watering should be incorporated. Cages are not permitted.

The birds should be provided access to sunlight, good drinking water, shade, and open spaces for exercise. Birds should be kept in a deep litter system using clean and dry litter material like paddy husk, straw, wood shaving etc. In organic poultry farming, the birds must typically be grown for a period of 81 days. Green forage enhances the quality of egg yolks.

In organic farming, an adult laying bird should have a minimum space of 2ft2 per bird in a confined space and 3 ft2 per bird in a foraging area. Always keep the litter dry. Provide enough space for feeding and watering to prevent competition among the birds. Regular water quality testing should be done to prevent spread of diseases by contaminated water.

Use artificial light in farms according to the time prescribed by the certification agencies. Poultry houses should be well ventilated and rat proof. In organic farming, beak trimming and debeaking are often prohibited, but some certifying organizations still allow them. The upper beak shouldn’t be debeaked if more than 5 mm of it is removed.

iv) Outdoor space: Sufficient outdoor space should be allocated to allow the birds to engage in natural behaviours and forage for food. The outdoor area should be securely fenced to protect the birds from predators and unauthorized access. Provide shaded areas and shelters to protect the birds from excessive heat, cold, or inclement weather. Avoid the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers to the outdoor environment.

v) Nutritional management: Organic poultry feed must contain grains grown organically i.e. grown without using pesticides, or chemicals of any kind. These grains cannot be grown from genetically modified seeds or contaminated by them. Although synthetic amino acids are not permitted, synthetic methionine is permitted for feeding poultry. No drugs, antibiotics, growth promoters or hormones can be added in the feed.

The diet can be supplemented with vitamin and mineral supplements. Organic peas and beans can be added as a source of protein. For meat birds and laying hens, peas can be added at the rate of 250-300 g/kg and 150-200 g/kg respectively.

Sprouted pulses should be utilized instead of synthetic amino acids whenever possible and they are a good source of vitamins. Feeding organic soybeans, skim milk powder, potatoes, maize gluten, etc. can satisfy the requirement of essential amino acids. Pre-biotics, probiotics, and non- synthetic enzymes should be included in the diet. Avoid excessive feeding.

To be continued....