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Protein value of an outdoor area for poultry
Problem
Organic broilers require a high protein diet for fattening but these needs are hard to meet under organic regulation.
Solution
Establishing an outdoor areas for broilers can provide an important source of protein.
Description
This tools explains how to design outdoor area with different kind of ground cover and how that influences broiler behaviour and performance. Different ground cover with different species, pure or mixed, are tested. Broilers behaviour, intake and outdoor area utilization are monitored. Finally, lessons learned about the capacity of outdoor areas as an attractive source of protein for broilers are discussed. This depends on the outdoor areas design and the chickens appetite for the cover ground. A key point is to ensure a good plant establishment and maintain its quality with appropriate maintenance. The tool is aimed at farmers and farmers advisors in organic sector but it’s also practical in conventional farming.