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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fayetteville, Arkansas » Poultry Production and Product Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #318845
Title: Choice feeding of protein concentrate and grain to organic meat chickens

Author
item FANATICO, A - Appalachian State University
item BREWER, V - Appalachian State University
item OWENS-HANNING, C - University Of Arkansas
item Donoghue, Ann - Annie

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/27/2015
Publication Date: 1/12/2016
Citation: Fanatico, A.C., Brewer, V.B., Owens-Hanning, C.M., Donoghue, A.M. 2016. Choice feeding of protein concentrate and grain to organic meat chickens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 25(2):156-164.

Interpretive Summary: In alternative poultry production, such as free-range and organic, alternative feeding methods may be useful. Instead of a fully formulated diet, a “choice” method offers two feeds, a protein concentrate and a grain, between which birds self-select. This method was common in the past and may allow free-range birds that encounter different environmental conditions to adjust their diets to meet changing nutritional needs. A trial was conducted to study the impact of choice feeding meat chickens compared to fully formulated feeding. Chicks were raised to 64 d in an organic research facility with outdoor access. Birds in the choice treatment were offered cracked corn and, separately, a concentrate composed of roasted soybeans, fishmeal, and mineral and vitamin premix. We found that the birds selected a diet that was low in protein. Liveweight gains, as well as carcass and breast weights, were lower for birds in the choice treatment compared to formulated treatment; however, Feed Conversion Rate was superior for choice and yields did not differ. The cost of choice feeding was lower than formulated ($0.58/kg vs $0.66/kg). Results indicate that choice feeding may be useful in alternative and free-range poultry production, especially in organic production. It enables the use of farm-raised feeds, important for nutrient cycling and reducing the cost of expensive organic feed.

Technical Abstract: In alternative poultry production, such as free-range and organic, alternative feeding methods may be useful. Instead of a fully formulated diet, a “choice” method offers two feeds, a protein concentrate and a grain, between which birds self-select. This method was common in the past and may allow free-range birds that encounter different environmental conditions to adjust their diets to meet changing nutritional needs. A trial was conducted to study the impact of choice feeding meat chickens compared to fully formulated feeding. Chicks were raised to 64 d in an organic research facility with outdoor access. Birds in the choice treatment were offered cracked corn and, separately, a concentrate composed of roasted soybeans, fishmeal, and mineral and vitamin premix. We found that the birds selected a diet that was low in protein. Liveweight gains, as well as carcass and breast weights, were lower for birds in the choice treatment compared to formulated treatment; however, feed conversion rate was superior for choice and yields did not differ. The cost of choice feeding was lower than formulated ($0.58/kg vs $0.66/kg). Results indicate that choice feeding may be useful in alternative and free-range poultry production, especially in organic production. It enables the use of farm-raised feeds, important for nutrient cycling and reducing the cost of expensive organic feed.