The potential move from 95% to 100% organic feed for poultry could damage bird welfare both in laying hens and poultry meat birds. This is because there is an insufficient balance of the critical amino acids available (notably methionine and lysine) in a 100% organic diet. These nutrients are essential for bird development and welfare. As an industry we are mindful that organic poultry feeds should not be oversupplied in some proteins in an attempt to compensate for the deficiency in amino acids as this can lead to a surplus of protein in the diet. Having a surplus of protein in an animals diet can contribute to welfare conditions such as hockburn and pododermatitis in addition to excess nitrogen excretion to the environment.
The NFU recognise that an organic diet is one of the fundamental principles of organic farming and we agree in principle that we should move towards 100% organic diets, however not at the expense of animal welfare. Currently in the UK there are insufficient organic raw materials which have the required levels of the correct amino acids needed to produce a nutritionally balanced 100% organic diet for pigs and poultry. The organic sector is committed to achieving 100% organic diets and has been carrying out research in this area but as yet no acceptable solution has been found. Development of such raw materials which shall provide the correct nutrition takes considerable time, research and cooperation of stakeholders both at domestic and international level in order to achieve a satisfactory situation.
The NFU have been lobbying the Commission to adopt a practical approach towards the implementation of a 100% organic diet which shall not compromise welfare and environmental standards. We await the formal draft proposal from the European Commission, which we understand to be released at the end of March 2014. We shall keep you updated with any progress.
If you are an NFU member and want more information or discuss Organic issues please contact Tom Lander – Food Chain Adviser | VG9tLkxhbmRlckBuZnUub3JnLnVr | T: 02476 858 612 | M: 07778489161