Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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Specific Management Challenges
Organic Broiler Management Issues
Although organic poultry-management principles may be used across the board for many dif-
ferent poultry enterprises, some specific problems or issues face growers of pastured organic
broilers. For example, birds have a slower growth rate in free-range systems, and they may
consume extra feed to stay warm, cool down, walk to feeders, or escape predators; thus farmers
sometimes see no reduction in feed consumption with birds out on pasture.
On the other hand, the primary advantages of growing organic broilers in a free-range sys-
tem include the fact that the birds' slower growth rate prevents health problems such as ascites
(water belly) 1 ; and free-range exercise and slow growth reduce leg problems.
Barred silver cockerel meat breed.
So, although free-range birds tend to grow slower and potentially consume more feed, they
are generally healthier and more properly developed than confined birds. This can be a balan-
cing act for the organic producer who is trying to grow a healthy vigorous bird on as little ex-
pensive organic feed as is appropriate. Most producers recommend careful monitoring of feed
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