Organic Broiler Research Articles

Longitudinal study of ESBL Escherichia coli carriage on an organic broiler farm.

To determine the molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E) collected during a longitudinal study on an organic broiler farm in order to investigate clonal expansion and horizontal gene transfer. Isolates were obtained from a longitudinal study performed previously on an organic broiler fattening farm. Samples from individually followed-up broilers, the broiler house, the transport van and persons that took the samples, taken at several timepoints (days 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, 42 and 70) within a production round and during the consecutive one (days 1, 2, 3 and 70), had been investigated for the occurrence of ESBL-E. In the current study, ESBL genes and MLST STs of these ESBL-E were determined. Plasmids were characterized and subtyped. On arrival in round_1, ESBL-E of ST88 predominated, while on days 3, 4, 7 and 10 ST10 was most often found and at slaughter age ST155 and ST1551 prevailed. A shift in STs was also observed in round_2. None of the 35 individually selected broilers followed up in round_1 was positive for the same ESBL-E ST at all sampling times. All isolates carried CTX-M-1 group genes, confirmed as blaCTX-M-1 in 158 isolates. Further analysis of 36 isolates of different STs showed blaCTX-M-1 on IncI1/ST3 plasmids. The rapid dissemination of ESBL-E on this broiler farm was not due to the spread of one specific E. coli clone, but most likely the result of horizontal transfer of an IncI1/ST3 plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-1 resulting in a shift in the predominant ESBL-E population in broilers.

PEMANFAATAN TANAMAN HERBAL SEBAGAI PHYTOBIOTIK PADA KELOMPOK PETERNAK BROILER DI DESA AKEKOLANO KECAMATAN OBA UTARA UNTUK MENDORONG KETERSEDIAAN DAGING BROILER ORGANIK DI PROVINSI MALUKU UTARA

The purpose of the is to maximize the use of agricultural and fisheries wastes in North Maluku as broiler feed in order to reduce the price of feed, as well as utilizing herbs such as turmeric nutmeg leaf (Myristica frangrans Houtt) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum L) as a substitute for phytobiotic antibiotics for organic broiler to obtain a healthy and safe for consumption. Extensive use of antibiotics lead to residues in livestock products. Microbial resistance in human pathogens to antibiotics is a major public health problem. The livestock industry must reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production and seek other alternatives for disease control to replace the use of antibiotics. Herbs can be used as a substitute for antibiotics phytobiotic. The results showed that the use of waste of agriculture and fisheries activities as well as herbs in broiler feed can increase productivity and reduce production costs Keywords: organic broiler, phytobiotic, antibiotics, feed plan

Welfare assessment of conventional and organic broilers in Denmark, with emphasis on leg health

The aim of this study was to survey and report the walking ability in broilers housed in both conventional and organic production systems in Denmark. To this end, the authors...

Physical and chemical characteristics of meat from broilers raised in 4 different rearing systems, stored under freezing for up to 12 months

This study evaluated the effects of freezing (-18°C) for 12 mo on attributes related to the texture of breast, drumstick, and thigh from broilers raised in 4 different rearing systems. Five-hundred carcasses of male broilers raised in 4 rearing systems (Antibiotic-free, Cobb 500, n = 125; Free-range, Hubbard ISA, n = 125; Conventional, Cobb 500, n = 125; Organic, Cobb 500, n = 125) were divided into breast, drumstick, and thigh and stored under freezing (-18°C) for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Breast, drumstick, and thigh meat from broilers raised in all studied rearing systems showed reduction (P < 0.001) of water-holding capacity (WHC) during freezing for up 12 months. It was observed an increase (P < 0.001) of cooking loss in breast samples from antibiotic-free, conventional, and organic broilers, and in thigh samples from broilers raised in all rearing systems studied. Breast meat from alternative broilers showed an increase in shear force values, while breast meat from conventional broilers became tenderer during the freezing storage. In general, alternative broilers had harder thigh meat than conventional broilers. A reduction (P < 0.001) in myofibrillar fragmentation index and total collagen concentration was verified in breast, drumstick, and thigh samples throughout the experiment. The freezing for up to 12 mo affects characteristics related to the succulence of chicken meat. Freezing chicken meat cuts for long periods, regardless of the rearing system, may interfere with the meat texture during preparation and consumption and, consequently, influence the consumer decision in a next purchase.

Evaluation of the Danish footpad lesion surveillance in conventional and organic broilers: Misclassification of scoring

Danish legislation prescribes surveillance of footpad dermatitis (FPD) at slaughter as an indicator of on-farm broiler welfare. The 3-point scale being used was originally developed in Sweden to score feet from conventional broilers, but the extent and causes of misclassifications have not been investigated, neither in conventional nor organic broilers. Hence, we investigated the performance of the official Danish FPD scoring system in conventional and organic broilers by assessing agreement between official scores from the slaughterhouse and consecutive scoring of the same feet by a reference method. We also investigated the impact of performing an incision of the footpad during scoring. In total, 902 conventional and 897 organic broiler feet (∼100 per flock from 18 flocks) were collected at a large Danish slaughterhouse for the official FPD surveillance system. Laboratory scoring, according to predefined criteria for visual and invasive investigations of the feet derived from the official system, was compared to the official scores assigned at slaughter. Footpad lesions were primarily chronic, representing a wide range of severity. Marked differences in color, shape, and degree of papillary hypertrophy and hyperkeratosis of organic and conventional feet were observed. Low agreement primarily regarding score 2 lesions was observed when comparing official and reference foot scores in conventional (0.31) and organic (0.05) broilers. Variation in agreement when comparing flock scores suggested a non-systematic bias, which might be attributed to differences among official raters. The very low agreement in feet from organic broilers shows that these were more difficult to score than conventional. This might be due to a mismatch between lesion characteristics and scoring criteria, or because the lesions were less severe. Strictly visual examination detected 3 out of 4 score 2 lesions identified by the reference method. This study indicated that a large proportion of severe FPD lesions go unnoticed in the official Danish scoring system. The results further suggested that the complexity and impracticality of the scoring criteria impede uniform scoring among raters and production systems.

How does feeding organic broilers high levels of alfalfa silage affect the meat quality?

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of young harvested alfalfa silage as a protein source in the diet of organic broilers on the meat quality. Four groups were formed: In control group A, animals received a complete feed mixture (CFM); in the next three groups, animals received a supplemental feed mixture (SFM) and alfalfa silage as chopped (group B), extruded (group C) and pelleted (group D). Alfalfa meal (12%) was integrated into the CFM and rapeseed oil into the SFM (3.75%) and also into the pellets (3%). The broilers consumed up to 30% of silage of their daily dry matter intake. Silage improved the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly n-3. High levels of silage consumption and consequently high ratios of alfalfa/fat in the diets of groups B and C were related to the low content of cholesterol in the meat. Sensory characteristics were not affected and sensory abnormalities were not detected. Alfalfa silage altered the meat colour; however, the yellow intensity (b*) depended on the ratio of fat/silage of the diet. Group D showed the lowest silage intake but the highest b* due to the highest fat/silage ratio of the diets. The applied processes (chopping, extrusion or pelletisation) for the obtainment of silage had no effect on the quality of the meat. The production of organic meat with the mentioned positive characteristics using alfalfa silage for the market is possible.

Feed efficiency, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of a fast- and a slower-growing broiler hybrid fed low- or high-protein organic diets

Organic poultry meat production in Sweden is characterized by diets based on organic and locally produced feedstuffs, roughage allowance, a long rearing period (>10 weeks), outdoor access for the birds, and ban of synthetic amino acids and prophylactic use of antibiotics and anthelmintic. Until recently, the main hybrids used in organic broiler chicken production in Sweden were the same as used in conventional broiler chicken production. These birds are bred to reach market weight at 5 to 6 weeks on a high-protein quality non-organic diet. In this study, organic high- and low-protein diets were fed to fast- and slower-growing hybrid broiler chickens with 5 pens per genotype × diet treatment and 21 to 22 broiler chickens per pen. Weight gain, feed conversion, health, and mortality were recorded during a 71-day rearing period. The fast-growing hybrid birds grew faster (55.4 ± 0.7 versus 38.3 ± 0.5 g/day, P = 0.001) and had a better feed conversion ratio (2.6 ± 0.1 versus 2.9 ± 0.1 kg feed/kg body weight, P = 0.001) than the slower-growing hybrid birds. The fast-growing hybrid birds grew slower when fed the high-protein compared to the low-protein diet (55.3 ± 0.5 versus 57.8 ± 1.4 g/day, P = 0.050), while the slower-growing hybrid birds grew faster when fed the high-protein compared to the low-protein diet (39.4 ± 0.7 and 37.2 ± 0.4 g/day, P = 0.038). A higher proportion of fast- compared to slower-growing hybrid birds had sticky droppings at 1 week of age (18.8 ± 1.6 versus 3.8 ± 1.6%, P = 0.001) and were culled because of leg weakness during the 10-week rearing period (10.0 ± 2.0 versus 3.3 ± 2.0%, P = 0.031), indicating poorer welfare among fast-growing hybrid birds when reared for 10 weeks on organic diets.

It’s never too late to join the revolution! – Enabling new modes of production in the contemporary Danish food system

ABSTRACTThe Danish food system has undergone a transition in the past 10–20 years, in which new quality conventions have evolved. Examples include increasing organic production and consumption, and increasing interest in local food, experience, community, taste and gastronomy. This article explores what influences if and how these new food trends are expressed in the food system. We conduct a comparative case study involving three product categories: craft beer, specialty flour and organic broilers. Craft beer and specialty flour have undergone a revolution, in which new flavours, products, practices and social relations are generated; by contrast, organic broilers have remained a relatively stable product category. The case studies demonstrate that the revolution is not just taking place in one domain, but it implies a multidimensional reconfiguration of the food system where an emphasis on multiple quality aspects and diversification of the product category is important. However, food trends are not the invention of the individual producer, but serve as common conventions that products can be related to, although their interpretation is not pre-given. In addition, a transition presupposes a shared vision and a coordination of activities among the actors in the food system or the mobilization of new actors who share this vision.

Determining the energy usage efficiency and economic analysis of broiler chickens raised under organic conditions

This study was conducted to determine the energy usage efficiency of broiler chickens raised under organic conditions. To accomplish this goal, the energy input-output of every 1,000 broiler chickens raised in organic conditions was calculated. Efficiency of energy use, energy productivity, specific and net energy for broiler chickens were calculated as 0.30, 0.03 kg/MJ, 35.36 MJ/kg and –75557.96 MJ/1,000 bird, respectively. If we were to categorize the energy input total that was consumed, 9.57% was direct, 90.43% was indirect, 89.57% was renewable and 10.43% was non-renewable. In this sense, organic broiler production cannot be deemed as economically viable considering the energy usage. Feed energy was observed as the highest rate of total energy input. To reduce feed energy input, chicks should not be kept under stress and total output energy should be increased by increasing bird production number. Benefit-cost ratio was determined as 2.41.

The Effects of Alfalfa Flour Added To The Mixed Feed on Meat Quality of Organic Broilers

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &amp;nbsp;&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Bu çalışma, organik yonca ununun yavaş&#x0D; gelişen organik etlik piliçlerin karma yemlerinde kullanılmasının et kalitesi&#x0D; üzerine etkileri belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada, toplam 225 adet&#x0D; günlük yaşta erkek ve dişi karışık&#x0D; cinsiyette Red JA ırkı broyler&#x0D; civciv kullanılmıştır. Civcivler canlı ağırlık (CA) farklılıkları istatistiki&#x0D; olarak önemsiz olacak şekilde 3 muamele grubuna 5 tekerrürlü (n=15) olarak&#x0D; dağıtılmıştır. Deneme süresince (77 gün) muamele gruplarında %0, 5 ve 10&#x0D; düzeylerinde yonca unu içeren yemler kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada et kalitesi&#x0D; parametrelerinden fiziksel, kimyasal ve duyusal özellikler incelenmiştir.&#x0D; Deneme sonunda karma yemlerine yonca unu ilave edilen etlik piliçlerin et&#x0D; kalite kriterleri açısından gruplar arasında göğüs etinde pişirme kaybı,&#x0D; çözdürme kaybı, parlaklık (L), kırmızılık (a), sarılık (b) renk değerleri, kuru&#x0D; madde ve ham protein değerlerinde; but etinde pH, a, b renk değerleri ve ham&#x0D; protein değerlerinde; göğüs ve but eti duyusal özelliklerinde önemli&#x0D; farklılıklar saptanmıştır (P&amp;lt;0.05). Yapılan duyusal analizde ise, organik&#x0D; sistemde yetiştirilen etlik piliçlerin karma yemine ilave edilen yonca ununu&#x0D; tüketen grup hayvanların etlerini tüketicilerin tercih etme eğiliminde olduğu&#x0D; anlaşılmıştır.&amp;nbsp;

The Effects of Alfalfa Flour Added to the Mixed Feed on Carcass Characteristics, Relative Organ Weights, Intestinal Viscosity, Shank and Foot Color of Organic Broilers

Bu çalışma organik yonca ununun yavaş gelişen organik etlik piliçlerin karma yemlerinde kullanılmasının karkas özellikleri, nispi organ ağırlıkları, bağırsak viskozitesi, incik ve ayak renk değeri üzerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada, toplam 225 adet günlük yaşta erkek ve dişi karışık Hubbard Red JA etlik civciv kullanılmıştır. Civcivler canlı ağırlık (CA) farklılıkları istatistiki olarak önemsiz olacak şekilde 3 muamele grubuna 5 tekerrürlü (n=15) olarak dağıtılmıştır. Deneme süresince (77 gün) muamele gruplarında %0, %5 ve %10 düzeylerinde yonca unu içeren yemler kullanılmıştır. Deneme sonunda karkas ağırlığı, pankreas, bezel mide, taşlık, duodenum, ileum + jejenum ve kalın bağırsak ağırlıklarında önemli farklılıklar saptanmış (P&amp;lt;0.05), karkas randımanı, göğüs, but, abdominal yağ, karaciğer, kalp, dalak, pankreas, bursa fabricius ve kör bağırsak nispi ağırlıkları ve bağırsak viskozitesi ise değişmemiştir (P&amp;gt;0.05). Yonca unu ilavesi incik parlaklık ve sarı rengi ile ayak sarı rengini etkilemezken (P&amp;gt;0.05), incik kırmızılık değeri ile ayak parlaklık ve kırmızılık değerini (%5 yonca grubunda) artırmıştır (P&amp;lt;0.05). Organik üretimde kanatlı kümes hayvanlarının beslenmesinde gerek yem karmasının içinde gerekse gezinme alanında yararlanılacak kaba yemlerin etkilerinin incelenmesi ve uygun düzeylerinin saptanması için bu konuda yapılacak araştırmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.

Silage from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) harvested at an early stage as home-grown protein feed for organic broilers

Summary In the context of a research project, alfalfa was harvested at a very early stage of maturity, severely chopped and ensiled. A subset of the crop was additionally treated with a twin-screw extruder prior to ensiling. The aim of this treatment was to open vegetal tissues, then maximise the release of sugar and amino acids and consequently improve the digestibility of amino acids and the ensiling process. The obtained silages were of good quality and the extrusion process brought no additional advantages. In a feeding trial with broilers, the aim was to test the suitability of this alfalfa silage as a protein source in the feed for broilers. Therefore growth and carcass yield of slow growing broilers (genotype ISA 957) fed with chopped and extruded silage was evaluated. The trial involved three feeding phases and four feeding groups: In the control group (A) animals received a complete feed mixture, in groups B and C they received a supplemental feed mixture with an energy and protein content adapted to a previously assumed silage intake (Phase 1: 7,5%, Phase 2: 12,5%, Phase 3: 20%). Additionally group B and C received chopped and extruded silage, respectively. For the experimental group D the supplemental feed mixture and the extruded silage were mixed and then pelletised. The animals consumed both silages without problems. The achieved growth performance of all feeding groups was lower than those of comparable genotypes in previous studies. This fact is potentially related to the low lysine availability in the used concentrates. As a consequence, animals of groups B and C attained higher silage intakes than expected (up to 30% of the daily dry matter consumption), presumably compensating in this way the lack of lysine with the consumption of additional amino acids from the silages. This was reflected in a significantly higher growth performance in comparison to the control group. Extrusion as a pre-ensiling process had no benefits for the performance of the animals. From the results it can be deduced that alfalfa harvested in an early stage has a high potential as a protein source for the feeding of poultry.

Transmission dynamics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in a broiler flock without antibiotic use

Extended-spectrum and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL/AmpC-EC) are found throughout the broiler production pyramid. Transmission of resistance between broilers and humans could occur at any point, representing a potential public health issue. Insight in farm transmission dynamics could provide a basis for control, leading to fewer contaminated broilers. The aim was quantifying transmission rates and routes of ESBL/AmpC-EC, and specific phylogenetic groups, in an organic broiler flock without antibiotic use. In each of two consecutive production rounds, 80 randomly chosen broilers were followed individually. Cloacal swabs from these, 20 other randomly chosen broilers, and 11 environmental samples were taken at several moments from arrival till slaughter. ESBL/AmpC-EC were isolated by selective pre-enrichment, and ESBL/AmpC-genes and E. coli phylogenetic groups were determined. Transmission parameters (β) were estimated using a Generalised Linear Model with a susceptible-infectious-susceptible model. Effect of direct broiler contact as compared to contact through the environment and previous carriage c.q. infectious status and their interaction were included as explanatory variables. Multiplying β by the length of the infectious period gives the reproduction ratio (R). On day 1, prevalence was 28.8% (95%CI 19.2–40.0%) and 0.0% (95%CI 0.0–4.5%) among individually followed broilers, in round 1 and 2 respectively. In round 2, the environment was positive before arrival of day-old chicks. After 3 days, almost 100% of broilers and environmental samples were positive in both rounds. Most samples were positive for CTX-M-1 group genes, and A1 and B1 were predominant phylogenetic groups. From day 3 there was a shift towards more phylogenetic groups. R was 1.70 (95%CI 0.55–5.25) for total ESBL/AmpC-EC. Risk for broilers to become infectious was lower if previously infectious (βpreviously infectious=0.02 vs. βnot previously infectious=3.41; P<0.0001). For phylogenetic groups separately, R was 0.88 (95%CI 0.38–2.07), 0.51 (95%CI 0.27–0.98), 0.99 (95%CI 0.65–1.51) for A1, B1 and rest (i.e. A0, B2, D1, D2) groups, respectively. The interaction effect for A1 and B1 was reflected in the fact that when broilers were previous infectious, the environment was relatively more important for transmission of the A1 group, while this was direct contact between broilers for the B1 group. Positive day-old chicks and the environment both play a role in introduction and transmission of ESBL/AmpC-EC in flocks. These results suggest that, even without selective pressure from antibiotics, total ESBL/AmpC-EC persistence, and resulting endemic situation, seem to be caused by shifts in carriage of different phylogenetic groups. It implies that contaminated broilers enter the slaughterhouse.

The Prevalence of netB Gene in Isolated Clostridium perfringens From Organic Broiler Farms Suspected to Necrotic Enteritis

The Prevalence of netB Gene in Isolated Clostridium perfringens From Organic Broiler Farms Suspected to Necrotic Enteritis

The Prevalence of netB Gene in Isolated Clostridium perfringens From Organic Broiler Farms Suspected to Necrotic Enteritis

Background: Clostridium perfringens causes necrotic enteritis (NE) and NetB is a critical pore-forming toxin in the development of this disease in chickens. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of C. perfringens in organic broiler farms and to assess the presence of netB gene among isolates and its occurrence with respect to NE disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 intestinal samples (from eight farms clinically suspected to NE) were collected and evaluated by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Genotyping results showed the prevalence of 43.69% (n = 45) for C. perfringens. All isolates belonged to type A, and other toxinotypes of bacterium were not detected. Eight isolates (17.78%) from four farms were positive for netB gene. The present study represented the prevalence of the netB gene for the first time in organic broiler farms. Conclusions: The results indicate that the role of netB in the induction of NE needs to be further investigated, to clarify the role of C. perfringens as commensal or pathogenic and to authorize a much better correlation between gene expression of netB toxin and the pathogenic capacity of C. perfringens strains from organic systems.

Insect and legume-based protein sources to replace soybean cake in an organic broiler diet: Effects on growth performance and physical meat quality

AbstractProtein sources other than soybean for the diets of poultry are needed for agricultural systems in temperate regions to help avoid some negative social and ecological impacts of large-scale soybean imports from overseas. The aim of the present study was to test the suitability of alternative protein sources in diets for slow-growing organic broiler chicken. Four experimental broiler diets were tested against a commercial feed for organic broiler chicken fattening (control), containing 255 g kg−1 soybean cake. Each experimental diet was based on the control diet, but 130 g kg−1 of soybean cake was replaced with alternative feeds. The diet ‘HermAlf’ contained 78 g kg−1 Hermetia meal (dried larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens) and 52 g kg−1 alfalfa (Medicago sativa) meal. Diet ‘HermPea’ contained 78 g kg−1 Hermetia meal and 52 g kg−1 pea (Pisum sativum) groats. Diet ‘AlfPea’ contained 78 g kg−1 alfalfa meal and 52 g kg−1 pea groats. Diet ‘PeaAlf’ contained 78 g kg−1 pea groats and 52 g kg−1 alfalfa meal. Both diets containing Hermetia meal had the same amount of crude protein (CP) concentration as the control, while CP concentration was lower in diet AlfPea (by 2.7%) and in diet PeaAlf (by 3.5%) compared with the control. Over the course of the experiment, 15 broilers each (slow-growing Hubbard S757) were fattened with one of the five diets ad libitum from days 7 to 82. Additionally, all broilers received water and wheat grains (Triticum aestivum) ad libitum. Feed intake was measured by group. Daily gains, live weights, carcass weights and meat quality were analyzed individually. Compared with the control, feed intake, daily weight gain, carcass weights and feed efficiency were equivalent for all experimental diets. Regarding quality parameters, only cooking loss was increased with the HermPea diet compared with the control. The results indicate that the alternative feeds tested could replace part of the soybean products in broiler diets while achieving equivalent feed efficiency and product quality.

Dietary Supplementation of Alternative Methionine and Choline Sources in the Organic Broiler Production in Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of natural and alternative sources of methionine and choline which can be allowed to use in organic livestock systems to feed broilers produced in Brazil. Seven hundred and twenty one-d-old male Cobb broilers were randomly allocated to four treatments with six replicates of 24 birds each. The treatments consisted in substituting the commonly used DL-methionine 99% by a vegetable source of methionine and cholinechloride 60% by alternative source of choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine. The following treatments were evaluated: I) feed with DL-methionine 99% and choline chloride 60%, II) feed with an vegetable methionine source and choline chloride 60%, III) feed with DL-methionine 99% and choline as phosphatidylcholine, and IV) feed with vegetable methionine source and choline as phosphatidylcholine. Daily weight gain, body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were evaluated for the periods of 1 to 21 and 1 to 42 days of age. During both periods, broilers fed the vegetable methionine source presented lower daily gain and lower body weight. When only choline chloride was substituted by the alternative choline source, broiler performance was not different compared with that of the control group. The group fed the diet with substitution of both DL-methionine 99% and choline chloride 60% by natural sources presented lower daily weight gain, final body weight, and feed intake. Further research on alternative nutrient sources are required for the development of the organic production chain.

Influence of season and outdoor run characteristics on excretion behaviour of organic broilers and gaseous emissions

Two organic broilers rearing systems, each associated with a broiler house of 75 m2 and an outdoor run of 2500 m2, were studied. In the first system, the outdoor run consisted of grassland (GRASS) but in the second, the outdoor run was planted with oaks (TREE). Two batches of broilers were studied from winter to spring (WS) and from summer to autumn (SA). Indoor and outdoor airborne concentrations of NH3, N2O, CH4, CO2 and H2O were measured using a photoacoustic infrared analyser. Air flow rate through the broiler house was estimated using SF6 tracer gas. The final amount and composition of the manure was determined. A mass balance was determined for N, P and water. Results showed that in SA, more nutrients were excreted in the outdoor run (41%) compared with WS (11%). During the WS season, outdoor excretion was greater in the TREE system but this was not observed during SA. Ammonia indoor emissions were higher during WS (200–283 mg [NH3] d−1 bird−1) than during SA (99–116 mg [NH3] d−1 bird−1). Total emissions from the systems (indoor + outdoor) were assessed using our values and data from the literature for outdoor emissions. This confirmed that total NH3 emissions were in the same range as emissions of broilers reared in closed houses. N2O emissions were higher during WS but represented less than 0.5% of indoor N excretion. Total CH4 emissions were very low (40–60 mg [CH4] d−1 bird−1), particularly in comparison with emissions in other species.

100% Organic Poultry Feed: Can Algae Replace Soybean Expeller in Organic Broiler Diets?

Current EU regulations allow 5% of feed for organic poultry to come from non-organic production. This is due to concerns about a 100% organic diet meeting the requirements for specific amino acids such as methionine. This exception is due to end on 31st December 2017. While this may match consumer expectations, protein sourced from global organic production may have a negative impact on perceptions of organic poultry in other ways. Soybean is a commonly used ingredient in poultry feed but soybean production has negative environmental and social impacts. Consumers may also prefer organic poultry to have been fed on locally produced feed and, indeed, this would be in line with organic principles. Preliminary feasibility feed trials were carried out during a summer and a winter season using organic broilers in the UK to test three 100% organic feeds: a control diet with globally sourced ingredients including soybean expeller, a diet based on locally sourced (i.e. within Europe) organic ingredients, and a diet based on locally sourced organic ingredients and algae (a good source of methionine). The results of the summer feed trial showed that there were no significant differences in broiler weight gains. In the winter feed trial differences were found. There was a significant difference ( P = 0.034) in weight gain between the local feed (lower weight gain) and the local feed with algae but no significant difference between the control diet with soybean and the two local diets. These preliminary feed trials indicate that there is no significant impact on broiler performance or animal welfare parameters when replacing soybean with European protein sources, possibly including algae, suggesting that, although the research is still at a very early stage, such feeds may be a viable option for 100% organic poultry feed in the future.

Economic value as a functional unit for environmental labelling of food and other consumer products

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the debate on environmental labelling by exploring the potential of economic value as a functional unit (FU) for the environmental labelling of food and other consumer products. We used life cycle inventory (LCI) data for organic and conventional pigs and broiler chickens from the public French AGRIBALYSE LCI database and the CML 2001 method to calculate impacts per ton of animal live weight at the farm gate, per hectare (ha) of land occupied and per 1000 Euro of animal live weight. We also examined the relationship between carbon footprint (CF) and price for 24 food product groups representative of French food consumption. When using the FU live weight, organic animals had larger impacts than conventional animals. Per ha of land occupied, organic animals had smaller impacts than conventional animals, but production was lower. Per 1000 Euro of value, organic animals had similar or lower values for eutrophication, lower values for climate change and higher or similar values for land occupation. These results illustrate that the choice of FU is crucial when comparing products from highly efficient conventional systems to products from less intensive organic systems. For the 24 food product groups CF per product mass was positively correlated with product price; CF per product economic value was not correlated with product price. This suggests that a rebound effect may occur: consumers that choose foods with lower CFs per mass will tend to spend less money on food, leaving them with more money to buy other products which may compensate the reduced food CF. This type of correlation has not been observed for non-food sectors of the economy. Nevertheless, the FU economic value is attractive, as it considers product quality through the product's price. An economic-value-based FU will be more favourable to systems producing products of superior quality. More generally, an economic-value-based FU is well suited for environmental labelling of consumer products. A consumer has a certain budget to spend; an economic-value-based FU may guide the consumer towards reduced impacts per Euro spent. We recommend the use of an FU based on economic value for the environmental labelling of food and other consumer products. This FU will be a complement to currently used FUs. It will guide consumers towards lower impacts for a given expenditure.