Composition Of Chicken Feed How To Get Certified

According to the USDA, organic chicken growing must integrate cultural, biological and mechanical practices which incorporate the cycling of natural resources conserve biodiversity and promote an ecological balance.

The food should be obtained on the farm or from farms in the same region.

Non-organic feed of plant origin, feed additives and certain products used in animal nutrition may be used only if they have been authorized for use in organic production.

For example, synthetic amino-acids and growth promoters are prohibited.

Organic chickens have a balanced nutrition based on organic feed, they live in clean housings that provide enough space for movement, have outdoor access and are never treated with antibiotics.

Organic chicken farms are inspected by the competent authorities on regular basis to maintain their organic certification.

Some ingredient may be used to replace supplements or additives in foods, for example oyster shells may be used as a calcium supplement for egg laying chickens.

This includes hormones, but also other types of products that promote a forced growth.

This also applies to chick starters that are not organic and that often include antibiotics and other types of medication.

As a matter of fact, the use of arsenic is also prohibited for the productions of organic crops.

In addition, the organic chicken feed, additives and supplements used should not contain animal slaughter by-products, regardless if they come from poultry or mammals.

Its best to allow the chickens to forage in order for them to have healthy living conditions.

Several studies have shown that having outdoor access that doesnt provide satisfying natural conditions, such as having only access to cemented court yards is not enough for the chickens.

Chicken feed includes concentrates (grains), fodder and other types of products.

Pastures and land lots used for organic chickens must be certified, in order to provide chickens with 100 organic feed.

Chicken farmers need to check the lists of additives and supplements allowed in each country for organic chicken farming.

For example in the US, the only synthetic feed additive allowed for poultry is DL methionine.

Farmers interested in organic farming could consider covering a small portion of this market demand by starting an organic chicken farm.

Composition Of Chicken Feed How To Get Certified

Nevertheless, its important to carefully research the legal requirements in each country to start an organic chicken farm, how to get certified and what is allowed or not to be included in the feed of organic chickens.