Sustainable fish and invertebrate meals for methionine and protein feeds in organic poultry production

Authors: FANATICO, ANNE - Appalachian State University; ARSI, KOMALA - University Of Arkansas; UPADHYAYA, INDU - University Of Arkansas; Morales Ramos, Juan; DONOGHUE, DANIEL - University Of Arkansas; Donoghue, Ann - Annie

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2018
Publication Date: 12/1/2018
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/6501444
Citation: Fanatico, A.C., Arsi, K., Upadhyaya, I., Morales Ramos, J.A., Donoghue, D., Donoghue, A.M. 2018. Sustainable fish and invertebrate meals for methionine and protein feeds in organic poultry production. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 27(4):437-448.

Interpretive Summary: Organic poultry production is based on natural processes, such as nutrient cycling and reducing the use of synthetic inputs. High-quality protein feeds are needed to provide essential amino acids, particularly methionine. Although synthetic methionine is currently allowed in organic poultry feed, sources that are natural are needed. Fishmeal is a high-quality feed option; however, sources are limited and may not be sustainable or local. A possible source of fishmeal in the U.S. is Asian carp fishmeal. Asian carp have invaded the Mississippi river basin with negative impacts on native fish and riparian ecosystems, and harvesting the carp may be a management strategy to help control it. Additional high-quality protein feeds include dry meals from insects, such as black soldier fly, and earthworms. These can be raised sustainably for poultry feed by using crop wastes or recycled food wastes. Alternative feeding methods may be helpful in organic poultry production, to utilize these innovative feeds. Alternative protein feeds can contribute to ecological poultry production and have an important role under certified organic standards.

Technical Abstract: Organic poultry production is based on natural processes, such as nutrient cycling and reducing the use of synthetic inputs. High-quality protein feeds are needed to provide essential amino acids, particularly methionine. Although synthetic methionine is currently allowed in organic poultry feed, sources that are natural are needed. Fishmeal is a high-quality feed option; however, sources are limited and may not be sustainable or local. A possible source of fishmeal in the U.S. is Asian carp fishmeal. Asian carp have invaded the Mississippi river basin with negative impacts on native fish and riparian ecosystems, and harvesting the carp may be a management strategy to help control it. Additional high-quality protein feeds include dry meals from insects, such as black soldier fly prepupae, and earthworms. These can be raised sustainably for poultry feed by using crop wastes or recycled food wastes. Alternative feeding methods may be helpful in organic poultry production, to utilize these innovative feeds. Alternative protein feeds can contribute to ecological poultry production and have an important role under certified organic standards.