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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fayetteville, Arkansas » Poultry Production and Product Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #288054
Title: Free-choice feeding of free-range meat chickens

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

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2013
Publication Date: 12/11/2013
Citation: Fanatico, A., Brewer, V.B., Owens-Hanning, C.M., Donoghue, D.J., Donoghue, A.M. 2013. Free-choice feeding of free-range meat chickens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 22:750-758.

Interpretive Summary: Alternative feeding methods should be considered for free-range, organic, and other alternative poultry production. The number of small- and medium-scale producers raising specialty chickens for local and regional markets is growing and many of these producers do not have access to the nutritional services that large producers do and, in addition, may have specific goals in regard to nutrition, such as using pasture forage as much as possible to provide nutrients. Outdoor access is required for poultry and livestock in the organic programs of most countries and many do not permit the use of synthetic amino acids; some may even phase out the use of synthetic vitamins. Free-choice feeding is a method that offers birds separate feedstuffs, such as grains, protein concentrates, natural vitamin and mineral sources, from which they can self-select a diet suited to their changing needs. Nutrient needs change widely with birds raised with open housing due to temperature fluctuations and bird activity. In extensive production systems, forage plants hold potential to contribute significant protein and vitamins. Free-choice methods have had a historic use and can be useful for alternative producers, making use of farm-raised feeds to improve feed efficiency and savings. A trial was conducted with the objective of determining the impact of free-choice feeding on performance of free-range chickens.

Technical Abstract: Alternative feeding methods should be considered for free-range, organic, and other alternative poultry production. The number of small- and medium-scale producers raising specialty chickens for local and regional markets is growing and many of these producers do not have access to the nutritional services that large producers do and, in addition, may have specific goals in regard to nutrition, such as using pasture forage as much as possible to provide nutrients. Outdoor access is required for poultry and livestock in the organic programs of most countries and many do not permit the use of synthetic amino acids; some may even phase out the use of synthetic vitamins. Free-choice feeding is a method that offers birds separate feedstuffs, such as grains, protein concentrates, natural vitamin and mineral sources, from which they can self-select a diet suited to their changing needs. Nutrient needs change widely with birds raised with open housing due to temperature fluctuations and bird activity. In extensive production systems, forage plants hold potential to contribute significant protein and vitamins. Free-choice methods have had a historic use and can be useful for alternative producers, making use of farm-raised feeds to improve feed efficiency and savings. A trial was conducted with the objective of determining the impact of free-choice feeding on performance of free-range chickens.