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This educational site is sponsored by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) a private, nonprofit organization, with many contributions from Heifer International.
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Feeding
Diets in specialty poultry production are generally free of routine medications and animal by-products. Although ducks, geese, and turkeys generally consume more forage than chickens, poultry with access to pasture still need to have concentrated feeds available to them. In poultry diets, corn and soybeans are commonly used to provide energy and protein, respectively. Feeds may commercially available, custom-mixed or mixed by hand on the farm. Specialty poultry production may involve whole grain feeding, free-choice feeding, and specialty ingredients for finishing, as well as ingredients high in omega-3 fatty acids to enrich meat and eggs. In organic production, 100% organic feeds are used and alternative protein sources are of interest because synthetic amino acids are not generally permitted. In developing countries, by-products such as harvest wastes are especially important for poultry feed. Alternative feeds such as sprouted grains and dairy products are of interest and the role of forage/roughage in poultry diets.
Slow-growing birds are usually fed a lower energy and protein diet than fast-growing birds receive. Nutrient requirements are less understood when poultry have outdoor access because of variation in climates and forages.
Related Publications
Pastured Poultry Nutrition
Describes feedstuffs used in specialty poultry production and alternative feeding strategies such as whole grain feeding and choice feeding. Spreadsheet is provided for formulations. [PDF/1MB]
Organic Livestock Feed Suppliers Database
Lists suppliers of organic formulated feeds as well as organic ingredients. Self-listing.