Nutrition And Feeding Of Organic Poultry Guide
Diets must be adjusted as birds age to meet changing physiological needs.
: Access to grass, clover, and insects promotes natural behaviors (dust bathing, pecking) and improves gut health.
: Calcium is critical, especially for laying hens to ensure strong eggshells; sources include oyster shells or limestone . Nutrition and feeding of organic poultry
Poultry need six classes of nutrients to thrive: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water.
: Pasture foraging can provide up to 25% of calcium and 70% of limiting amino acids like methionine and lysine. Diets must be adjusted as birds age to
: Moderate protein (15–17%) to focus on steady skeletal development.
Formulating organic diets presents unique hurdles due to ingredient restrictions. Nutrition and feeding of organic poultry
: High protein (18–20%) for rapid growth and immune support.