Limitations

Limitations PRODUCTION COST IS TOO HIGH MAY BE REGARDED UNFIT/ LESS FIT FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES LIKE INDIA

Effect of organic production system on broiler carcass and meat quality (Castellini et al.,2002)

Effect of organic production system on broiler carcass and meat quality (Castellini et al.,2002) Conventional housing Indoor pen 0.12 sq.m No grass paddock Organic housing (4.0 + 4.0 sq.m) High breast and drumstick % Low abdominal fat Low water holding capacity High cooking loss High lightness value High shear value High iron High PUFA N3 series Better sensory quality

How long will it take to convert my land?

How long will it take to convert my land? Most arable, horticultural and grass-based farms may take a 24-month conversion period when the land must be managed to full organic standards Land used specifically for poultry and pigs may be eligible for a reduced conversion period.

What are prohibited inputs under organic rules?

What are prohibited inputs under organic rules? synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and synthetic pesticides. Prohibited inputs for livestock include all organophosphate treatments, the unauthorised use of routine veterinary treatments, such as routine worming, and the unauthorised feeding of non-organic feedstuffs which might contain genetically modified (GM) material.

Do I have to convert all my land?

Do I have to convert all my land? You are not required to convert all land on a holding. However, the area should be large enough to be a viable and sustainable production unit. If you are thinking of converting only part of the holding, you will need to make sure the organic area is physically separated from any non-organic land on the same holding by means of

stock-proof fences or hedges. You will also need to maintain separate records, invoices and accounts for the organic business.

What stocking rate is allowed?

What stocking rate is allowed? Maximum outdoor stocking rates (birds/hectare): Layers Broilers Turkeys Ducks Geese Guinea fowl 1,000 2,500 800 2,000 600 2,500 However, EU regulations prohibit manure applications in excess of 170kg N/ha per year on the whole agricultural area used. For

poultry, this effectively sets a maximum stocking density equivalent to 230 laying hens/ha, and 3.5 batches of 580 table birds/ha over the farm as a whole.

What type of feed is required?

What type of feed is required? Organic poultry must be fed on a ration that contains a minimum of 60% certified organic feed. The balance can be made up of ‘in conversion’ feeds, which are harvested during the second year of organic conversion, or additional certified organic feed. Most feed companies registered with SA Certification will sell acceptable

rations under the SA standards.No more than 15% of the ration should come from approved non-organic feeds. The maximum non-organic feed allowance is: 15% until 31 December 2007, 10% from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009, 5% from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011. These percentages are calculated on an annual dry matter basis of feeds from agricultural origin. The maximum daily non-organic allowance remains at 25%.

Can fish meal be a part of the ration?

Can fish meal be a part of the ration? Due to the ban on synthetic amino acids in organic rations under the EU organic livestock regulation, fish meal can now be included in all poultry rations.

Does the land ranged by poultry have to be rested?

Does the land ranged by poultry have to be rested? For table birds there is a requirement to rest the pasture for eight weeks in any one calendar year. For laying birds the pasture should be rested for at least nine months after each batch of birds.

How does a flock of laying hens become organic?

How does a flock of laying hens become organic? Producers must use organic pullets (reared organically from less than three days old to point of lay) where available.

Which breeds are best?

Which breeds are best? Producers can use commercial hybrids or traditional breeds as they wish. In many cases the quality of the rearing is more important than the breed.

What system of management can be used?

What system of management can be used? Free range. Mobile houses are preferred, as they allow grazing areas to be rotated, and because fixed houses tend to have less pasture in close proximity However, fixed houses are permitted if other management requirements are met.

What sort of housing is suitable?

What sort of housing is suitable? Houses should provide enough space for birds to move around freely. SA standards favour buildings which house not more than 500 birds and are mobile. However, over 500 – and up to 2,000 birds – may be allowed in one housing group on a ‘restricted basis’;