Organic Poultry Farming
- Part 2 -

Dr K Rashbehari Singh *

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

vi) Health management: Keeping the birds healthy is crucial for their overall well-being in organic farming. Take preventive health care measures such as good sanitation and disinfection to reduce the occurrence and spread of diseases, establishment of suitable housing and pasture conditions, choosing birds that are resistant to common diseases, and providing enough nutrients to meet the birds’ nutritional requirements.

In case of organic farming, avoid use of antibiotics. Vaccinations can be done only when the diseases are expected to be a problem or can’t be controlled by other managemental practices.

The natural antibiotics alternatives including pro-biotics, prebiotics, sym- biotics, organic acids, essential oils, enzymes, immuno stimulants, and phytogenic including herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and oleoresins are the most common feed additives that acquire popularity in poultry industry following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters.

Prebiotics, probiotics, and plant extracts can be used to improve the health and growth status of the birds.

Due to recent ban on the use of antibiotics growth promoters in poultry feed, use of medicinal herbs as a new class of additives to animal and poultry feeds is becoming interest area of research. These feed additives have positive properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, immune modulator as well as anticoccidial. Natural insect repellents like neem oil can be used to control external parasites.

Aloe vera, fenugreek, astragalus, mo-ringa oleifera, cinnamon, tulsi, garlic, pepper, and other herbs have been provided by researchers. Her- bal remedies are thought to be risk free, affordable, eco-friendly, and without any side effects.

vii) Waste management: Managing poultry waste is crucial in organic poultry farming to maintain a heal-thy and sustainable farming system. Poultry manure contains nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and pota- ssium, which are beneficial for crop growth.

Farmers can reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and utilize poultry waste as fertilizer, thus promoting organic farming practices. Control application of organic waste to fields helps improve soil fertility and enhance crop productivity.

Compliance with environmental regulations

In organic poultry farming, farmers must adhere to environmental regulations set by the local and national authorities. The aim of these regulations is to protect natural resources, minimize pollution, and promote sustainable farming practices. To ensure compliance with these regulations, regular inspections, record keeping, and documentation are essential.

Organic poultry farmers contribute to the preservation of the environment for future generations by complying with environmental regulations.

Marketing of organic poultry products

Market research should be conducted to understand preferences of potential customers and location of the target market. Lifestyle choices, such as health-conscious individuals or environmentally conscious consumers should be considered.

To reach a broader audience and engage with potential customers, utilize social media platforms. Participation in local farmers’ market or food festivals is necessary to build brand awareness and create direct customer connections. Customers should be allowed to test and experience the superior quality of your organic poultry products.

Packaging and labeling requirements

Packaging should reflect the organic nature of the organic poultry products. Eco-friendly packaging materials like recycled or biodegradable materials should be used. To build customer trust, clearly label the products with a certified organic seal. Detailed information about the organic standards followed in poultry farming practices should be included.

Mention any additional certificates or accolades your product have attained, approach local stores, restaurants, local grocery, health food stores, or organic markets to stock your organic products and develop mutually beneficial agreements with those establishments to continuously promote and sell the organic products.

Record keeping: It is critical in organic poultry farming to keep records in order to provide them to the certifying organization for inspection.

The records,
regarding source of animals,
organic feed ingredients,
feed supplements and feed additives purchased,
organic feed formulation,
treatment,
breeding details,
organic poultry pasture,
inventory of health care products,
sanitation products,
monthly flock records of organic egg layers,
organic meat poultry,
organic poultry slaughter /sales,
monthly organic egg packing / sales,
and other management and materials used,
can be maintained.

Constraints of organic poultry farming

i) Poor knowledge: Poor knowledge of the poultry farmers regarding organic poultry farming practices can hinder their ability to transition successfully into organic production.

ii) Customer awareness: Demand of organic poultry will be impacted by the lack of knowledge among consumers about benefits of organic poultry products.

iii) Supporting infrastructure: Adequate infrastructure including access to financial support, certification agencies, and marketing channels are required for organic poultry farming and their absence can pose challenges for organic poultry production.

iv) Training facilities: Training facilities for poultry farmers to learn about organic practices are not adequate and this can hinder the adoption of organic poultry farming practices.

v) Stringent regulations:, Strict sanitary conditions and quality standards are followed in developed countries and this poses challenges for small and marginal poultry farmers to enter the organic export market.

vi) Lack of government support: Poultry farmers face financial challenges during transition to organic farming practices due to the absence of government subsidies and support for organic production.

Conclusion

Organic poultry farming method focus on promoting the health of agroecosystem, biodiversity and soil biological activity through the use of on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods.

In recent years, driven by concerns over the quality of egg and meat products and the desire for sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and animal welfare, organic poultry farming has emerged as a promising approach.

Concluded....