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Alfalfa-silage silage after suitable preparation in organic poultry and pig feeding
Project
Project code: 2811OE077
Contract period: 01.03.2012
- 28.02.2014
Budget: 168,534 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The research project studied the suitability of alfalfa-silage from 'special use' and „technological processing' for its use in the feeding of organic poultry and pig production.
Promotion and quality of the feed
In the group of small grain legumes, alfalfa and white clover have the highest content in protein and amino acids (lysine, methionine) and the highest yields per ha. Alfalfa with the feature 'special use' achieved contents of protein, lysine and methionine about 300; 18 and 5 g/kg DM respectively. Such a starting material is possible to preserve with low losses, if the principles of ensiling are applied consistently. An additional extrusion of the pre-wilted material does not improve the silage results.
Feeding trials with alfalfa-silage
- Broilers intake high amounts of that alfalfa-silage (as a daily DM intake: rearing period 10 - 20 %, 30% fattening period). However, it must be noted that special feed mixtures ('Supplements') were considered to complement the nutrients and ME contents of the silage.
- Laying hens also consume significant amounts of alfalfa-silage/day (as a daily DM intake: 15 - 20%). This may also contributes significantly to the supply of the essential amino acids (lysine and methionine). Additionally, the offer of silage is attractive for the animals and promotes animal welfare (activities, prevention of feather pecking) and Animal Health (intestine, foot pads).
Laying hens and broilers fed with alfalfa-silage provided eggs and meat with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids than their counterparts without alfalfa-silage.
- Fattening pigs consume high amounts of alfalfa- silage/day along the fattening period (as a daily DM intake: initial fattening period 20 %, middle period 40 %, finishing period 50 %). Therefore it is possible to save about 100 kg of concentrate feed per pig. At the end of the fattening period the total requirement of protein was supplied for the alfalfa. The additional extrusion of the alfalfa shows in all feeding trials no benefit for the animal performance.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering Plant Production
- Animal nutrition
- Process engineering
Collaborative Project
Improved contribution of local feed to support 100% organic feed supply to pigs and poultry (ICOPP)
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Systems (AE)
