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Feeding strategies for laying hens in free-range systems with pasture
Problem
Which feeding system best meet hens' nutritional needs and what laying performance can be expected? How do pasture areas contribute and what are their effect on the optimal feed composition?
Solution
Combining pasture into the hens’ feeding strategy increased the laying performance compared to those who had no pasture access.
Description
This final report provides information for organic and non-organic farmers who keep their animals in free-range systems. Two feeding strategies were investigated for organic feeding. In the first part of the experiment, two groups with pasture runs were compared. One group was fed with a complete feed, while the other group was fed with a combined feed, where the animals were free to choose daily between wheat (60 g/bird) and ad libitum supplementary feed. In the second part of the experiment, both groups were switched to combined feeding and one group was kept in the outdoor run to evaluate the influence of pasture on laying performance.
This tool is relevant for organic egg producers and can be applied everywhere.