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PodoOekoPu: Indicators for animal-friendly husbandry of fattening turkeys under the condition of organic poultry farming
Project
Project code: 2812OE030
Contract period: 01.09.2014
- 31.01.2017
Budget: 299,430 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
This project aims at investigation of husbandry influence on turkey welfare under the conditions of organic farming, thus leading to identification of factors affecting the health status of animals to the positive or the negative. In this process, analogous to conventional turkey farming, assessment of turkeys under organic farming conditions should point out criteria suitable as indicators of animal welfare-related issues. Special focus will rest on the judgment of foot pad health. An essential aspect of the research project is the transfer of knowledge into the practice of organic turkey farming.
In the scope of this study, it well be investigated to which extent indicators of animal-friendly turkey husbandry in the rearing- and fattening phase of conventional farming can be transferred to the judgment of conditions in husbandries corresponding to implementing provisions for organic farming (regulation (EG) Nr. 889/2008). Distinguishing marks potentially capable of compromising animal health and their prevalence
will be documented. Furthermore, the influence of husbandry conditions specifically requested in organic poultry farming will be evaluated. All in all twelve organic turkey farms will be included. Based on statistically evaluable questionnaires, in each farm two fattening periods with 60 turkeys at any one time will be investigated at pre-elected stages of life. Litter samples will be collected and examined thermogravimetrically at each farm visit. Additionally, feed samples will be analysed in order to evaluate the influence of feeding stuff used in organic turkey farming on the prevalence of foot pad dermatitis, cannibalism and feather picking, respectively.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal breeding
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal health
- Special animal species
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
