Progress 09/15/04 to 08/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The team has shared findings with the scientific community at annual Poultry Science Association meetings and abstracts have been published in Poultry Science. The team has placed a summary of findings on the www.sustainablepoultry.ncat.org website (see Organic Poultry Production under Projects/Partners). The team has extensively shared findings of this project. Fanatico has maintained regular contact with leaders of the Methionine Task Force (including Dave Martinelli of Coleman Natural Meats, specifically Petaluma Poultry, and David Bruce of Organic Valley). Fanatico made the following presentations 2008: 1. Organic Poultry Production, Univ. of Arkansas Food Science Seminar, Fayetteville, AR, February 25, 2008. 2. Genetics for Alternative Poultry Production. Midwest Poultry Federation, St. Paul, MN, March 19, 2008. 3. Organic Broiler Production in the U.S., Natural and Organic Poultry Symposium, Poultry Science Association Annual meeting, Niagara Falls, Canada, July 20, 2008. 4. Organic Poultry Production. International Organic Inspectors Association, Organic Livestock training, Warren, VT, August 19, 2008. Fanatico has also been in contact with the Livestock Committee Chair of the National Organic Standard Board on the subject of methionine in organic poultry production. Fanatico has been in contact with others by email. PARTICIPANTS: University of Arkansas Jason Emmert, Ph.D. Casey Owens, Ph.D. Anne Fanatico, Ph.D. Tanika O'Connor-Dennie West Virginia University Joe Moritz, Ph.D. Amanda Rack Nancy Buchanan National Center for Appropriate Technology Holly Born Methionine Task Force Chair Dave Martinelli (Coleman Natural Meats, Petaluma Poultry) TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic community, organic poultry producers Large organic poultry producers are very concerned about the upcoming ban on synthetic methionine and have no viable alternative. Small producers are increasingly using alternative genetics; they usually do not produce meat birds year round. Scientific community PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The team has met yearly at the Poultry Science Association meetings and has also maintained contact with the Methionine Task Force throughout the project to keep them appraised of findings and search for new alternatives to synthetic methionine in organic poultry production. These findings are key in helping the organic poultry community plan for the upcoming ban on synthetic methionine in diets. The NOP had planned a ban in October 2005 but extended it to October 2008. The ban will now be effective in October 2010. The organic poultry community needs alternatives. Because neither synthetic amino acids nor animal by-products are permitted in organic poultry production, significantly higher levels of protein will be needed if only plant proteins are used. It is not advisable for birds to receive a diet that is too high in protein because of the additional stress on their kidneys to excrete the excess nitrogen (N), and in addition the birds experience more heat stress in summer. In addition, high N in the poultry house contributes to higher ammonia and excess nutrients in the environment, including emissions. Animal proteins such as fishmeal are high in methionine and can help provide methionine in the diet; however, there is little available without prohibited substances such as exthoyquine and the amount that can be used is limited due to fishy taint. There is interest in alternative sources such as algae, earthworms, and larvae. A natural methionine product would be helpful but currently there is none available commercially for use in agriculture. Although some European literature encourages the use of slow-growing broilers due to lower protein requirements, our research has not shown that slow-growing broilers have lower methionine requirements than fast-growing. It is important that when the ban becomes effective, organic broilers and layers have sufficient methionine with no negative effects on bird health, welfare, and performance.
Publications
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, L. C. Cavitt, J. L. Emmert, J. F. Meullenet, and C. M. Owens. 2006. Evaluation of slower-growing broiler genotypes grown with and without outdoor access: sensory attributes. Poultry Sci. 85:337-343.
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, T. OConnor-Dennie, and J. L. Emmert. 2006. Methionine requirements of alternative slow-growing genotypes. Poultry Sci. 85: (Suppl. 1):110 (Abstr.)
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, J. L. Emmert, J. F. Meullenet, and C. M. Owens. 2006. Impact of alternative broiler genotype and production system on sensory attributes. Poultry Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):198 (Abstr.) Fanatico, A.C., T. O'Connor-Dennie, C. M. Owens, and J. L. Emmert. 2007. Performance of alternative meat chickens for organic markets: impact of genotype, methionine level, and methionine source. Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):522-523 (Abstr.)
- Rack, A.L. , N. P. Buchanan, J. M. Hott, S. E. Cutlip, J. S. Moritz. 2007. The effect of genotype and choice-feeding on organically-reared broilers fed diets devoid of synthetic methionine. Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):398 (Abstr.)
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, C. M. Owens, J. F. Meullenet, and J. L. Emmert. 2007. Sensory attributes of slow-and fast-growing chicken genotypes raised indoors or with outdoor access. Poultry Sci. 86:2441-2449.
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, J. L. Emmert, and C. M. Owens. 2007. Meat quality of slow-and fast-growing broiler genotypes fed low-nutrient or standard diets and raised indoors or with outdoor access. Poultry Sci. 86:2245-2255.
- Fanatico, A.C., C.M. Owens, and J.L. Emmert. 2009. Organic poultry production in the United States: Broilers. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 18:355-366.
- Fanatico, A. 2009. Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine. ATTRA publication. National Center for Appropriate Technology, Fayetteville, AR
- Rack, A.L., K.G.S. Lilly, K.R. Beaman, C.K. Gehring and J.S. Moritz, 2009. The Effect of Genotype, Choice-Feeding and Season on Organically-Reared Broilers Fed Diets Devoid of Synthetic Methionine. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 18: 54-65
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The team has shared findings with the scientific community at annual Poultry Science Association meetings and abstracts have been published in Poultry Science. The team has placed a summary of findings on the www.sustainablepoultry.ncat.org website (see Organic Poultry Production under Projects/Partners). The team has extensively shared findings of this project. Fanatico has maintained regular contact with leaders of the Methionine Task Force (including Dave Martinelli of Coleman Natural Meats, specifically Petaluma Poultry, and David Bruce of Organic Valley). Fanatico made the following presentations 2008: 1. Organic Poultry Production, Univ. of Arkansas Food Science Seminar, Fayetteville, AR, February 25, 2008. 2. Genetics for Alternative Poultry Production. Midwest Poultry Federation, St. Paul, MN, March 19, 2008. 3. Organic Broiler Production in the U.S., Natural and Organic Poultry Symposium, Poultry Science Association Annual meeting, Niagara Falls, Canada, July 20, 2008. 4. Organic Poultry Production. International Organic Inspectors Association, Organic Livestock training, Warren, VT, August 19, 2008. Fanatico has also been in contact with the Livestock Committee Chair of the National Organic Standard Board on the subject of methionine in organic poultry production. Fanatico has been in contact with others by email. Manuscripts from trials conducted in the grant period have been prepared with expected publication in 2009. PARTICIPANTS: University of Arkansas Jason Emmert, Ph.D. Casey Owens, Ph.D. Anne Fanatico, Ph.D. Tanika O'Connor-Dennie West Virginia University Joe Moritz, Ph.D. Amanda Rack Nancy Buchanan National Center for Appropriate Technology Holly Born Methionine Task Force Chair Dave Martinelli (Coleman Natural Meats, Petaluma Poultry) TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic community, organic poultry producers Large organic poultry producers are very concerned about the upcoming ban on synthetic methionine and have no viable alternative. Small producers are increasingly using alternative genetics; they usually do not produce meat birds year round. Scientific community PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The team has met yearly at the Poultry Science Association meetings and has also maintained contact with the Methionine Task Force throughout the project to keep them appraised of findings and search for new alternatives to synthetic methionine in organic poultry production. These findings are key in helping the organic poultry community plan for the upcoming ban on synthetic methionine in diets. The NOP had planned a ban in October 2005 but extended it to October 2008. The ban will now be effective in October 2010. The organic poultry community needs alternatives. Because neither synthetic amino acids nor animal by-products are permitted in organic poultry production, significantly higher levels of protein will be needed if only plant proteins are used. It is not advisable for birds to receive a diet that is too high in protein because of the additional stress on their kidneys to excrete the excess nitrogen (N), and in addition the birds experience more heat stress in summer. In addition, high N in the poultry house contributes to higher ammonia and excess nutrients in the environment, including emissions. Animal proteins such as fishmeal are high in methionine and can help provide methionine in the diet; however, there is little available without prohibited substances such as exthoyquine and the amount that can be used is limited due to fishy taint. There is interest in alternative sources such as algae, earthworms, and larvae. A natural methionine product would be helpful but currently there is none available commercially for use in agriculture. Although some European literature encourages the use of slow-growing broilers due to lower protein requirements, our research has not shown that slow-growing broilers have lower methionine requirements than fast-growing. It is important that when the ban becomes effective, organic broilers and layers have sufficient methionine with no negative effects on bird health, welfare, and performance.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: According to the Organic Trade Association's 2007 Manufacturer Survey, organic foods are one of the fastest growing segments in the food industry with sales growing at an annual rate of 21% in 2006. Poultry accounts for about 75% of the total organic meat market. In light of the impending ban on synthetic methionine in organic poultry diets, researchers have focused on finding alternative strategies to supply this amino acid. A study was conducted to assess performance and carcass characteristics of a slow-growing and fast-growing broiler genotype fed diets devoid of synthetic methionine, and to determine the impact of choice feeding on performance and carcass quality. Inclusion of fish meal and high percentages of soybean meal enabled the specific genotype methionine requirement to be met. All diets were certified organic. Slow-growing broilers (Gourmet Black) were raised from 1 to 83 days, and fast-growing broilers (Cobb 500) were raised from 1 to 54 days, both on the West
Virginia University certified organic farm. Broilers had access to pasture for at least eight hours daily, and were exposed to natural fluctuations of environmental conditions. Choice or no choice feeding management was implemented in the grower and finisher periods. Choice-feeding management was defined as providing one feeder of ground corn and one feeder of the remaining complete diet ingredients in each pen. No choice-feeding management was defined as providing two feeders of complete diet in each pen. A second study was conducted with the objective of evaluating performance and production cost of choice-feeding management using one of two different grains. Three hundred one-day-old broilers were reared from 0 to 3 weeks in floor pens and fed a certified organic diet that met all nutrient recommendations. On day 21, broilers were transferred to houses located on the West Virginia University certified organic farm. Broilers had access to pasture 12 hours daily and were exposed to
natural fluctuation in environmental conditions. Experimental grower diets were certified organic and consisted of two feeding strategies (choice or no choice) arranged in a factorial structure with two grains (corn or oats). Diets were formulated to contain 30% grain and 70% of a complementary grain-specific premix. Findings have been shared with the scientific community at annual Poultry Science Association meetings and the team has placed a summary of findings on the www.sustainablepoultry.ncat.org website (see Organic Poultry Production under Projects/Partners). The team has maintained regular contact with leaders of the Methionine Task Force, and project member Fanatico attended a Tufts University meeting on Animal Welfare and Health in Organic Livestock Production in 2007 and shared findings with other attendees. Fanatico has also been in contact with the Livestock Committee Chair of the National Organic Standard Board on the subject of methionine in organic poultry production.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Due to a high level of concern regarding avian influenza nation-wide, the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas made a decision not to conduct the free-range poultry research portion of the trial. Northwest Arkansas is one of the highest poultry producing areas of the country and there were concerns that free-range poultry could contract AI from wild birds. Instead collaborator West Virginia University carried out this portion of the trial. West Virginia is a less intense area of poultry production and therefore there was less concern.
Impacts
In the first study, birds on no-choice management showed higher weight gain compared to choice managed birds. Slow-growing broilers had higher feed conversion ratios than the fast-growing genotype. Slow-growing birds also had lower breast yield than the fast-growing genotype. The fast-growing no-choice birds had higher breast yield than the choice birds of the same genotype. Fast-growing genotypes were superior in performance and carcass characteristics. Choice-feeding management did not improve performance and carcass characteristics. In the second trial, broilers with the no-choice feeding option exhibited improved live weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and carcass weight compared to broilers with a choice feeding option. Broilers fed oats exhibited improved feed conversion ratios and smaller fat pad weights compared to broilers fed corn. Grain type did not affect weight gain. When utilizing a choice-feeding system, broilers fed oats consumed a grain to premix
ratio more similar to formulated values (oats, 21.3 to 78.7 vs. corn, 58.1 to 41.9). However, the cost of the oat premix was approximately twice that of the corn premix. These results demonstrate that utilizing oats, a grain that may be produced on-farm, can improve broiler performance. However, choice-feeding may not be a viable economic option for small-scale poultry producers. These findings are key in helping the organic poultry community plan for the upcoming ban on synthetic methionine in diets. The NOP had planned a ban in October 2005 but extended it to October 2008. The organic poultry community needs alternatives. Because neither synthetic amino acids nor animal by-products are permitted in organic poultry production, significantly higher levels of protein will be needed if only plant proteins are used. It is not advisable for birds to receive a diet that is too high in protein because of the additional stress on their kidneys to excrete the excess nitrogen, and in addition
the birds experience more heat stress in summer. Moreover, high nitrogen in the poultry house contributes to higher ammonia and excess nutrients in the environment, including emissions. Animal proteins such as fishmeal are high in methionine and can help provide methionine in the diet; however, little fish meal is available without prohibited substances such as exthoyquine, and the dietary amount that can be fed is limited due to fishy taint of the resulting meat. There is interest in alternative sources such as algae, earthworms, and larvae. A natural methionine product would be helpful but there is none available commercially for use in agriculture. Although some European literature encourages the use of slow-growing broilers due to lower protein requirements, our research has not shown that slow-growing broilers have lower methionine requirements than fast-growing genotypes.
Publications
- 1. Fanatico, A.C., T. OConnor-Dennie, C. M. Owens, and J. L. Emmert. 2007. Performance of alternative meat chickens for organic markets: impact of genotype, methionine level, and methionine source. Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):522-523. Abstr. 2. Rack, A.L. , N. P. Buchanan, J. M. Hott, S. E. Cutlip, J. S. Moritz. 2007. The effect of genotype and choice-feeding on organically-reared broilers fed diets devoid of synthetic methionine. Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):398. Abstr. 3. Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, C. M. Owens, J. F. Meullenet, and J. L. Emmert. 2007. Sensory attributes of slow-and fast-growing chicken genotypes raised indoors or with outdoor access. Poultry Sci. 86:2441-2449. 4. Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, J. L. Emmert, and C. M. Owens. 2007. Meat quality of slow-and fast-growing broiler genotypes fed low-nutrient or standard diets and raised indoors or with outdoor access. Poultry Sci. 86:2245-2255.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Interest continues to grow in natural and organic poultry products, and in particular there is growing interest in the U.S. in raising poultry on pasture, with small independent producers reporting good local market conditions and an interest in expansion. There is an upcoming ban on the use of synthetic methionine (MET) in organic poultry diets, but the use of MET in traditional commercial poultry diets has facilitated the formulation of lower-cost diets that do not compromise growth performance or bird health. Slower-growing broiler chickens are less heavily muscled than commercial broiler chickens, which could impact their requirement for MET. The objective of this project was to assess the MET requirements of slow-growing broiler chickens so that in the future when synthetic MET is no longer available nutritionists may still formulate diets that meet the needs of organic broilers. Six trials were conducted to determine the MET requirements of commercial and
slow-growing broiler chickens during the starter (7 to 21 d), grower (28 to 42 d), and finisher (49 to 63 d) phases. In each trial, five graded levels of MET were added to diets that were deficient in MET. For each genotype, weight gain and feed efficiency increased with the addition of MET to the experimental diets. The MET requirements for each genotype during each period were assessed, and were very similar among genotypes, although the requirements for the commercial birds appeared to be lower than previously thought. These data indicate that despite substantial differences in body composition, the MET requirements of slow-growing and commercial broiler chickens are similar. Specifically, MET requirement values (for slow-, medium-, and fast-growing genotypes, respectively) were 0.33, 0.30, and 0.33% for the starter phase and 0.28, 0.29, and 0.28% for the grower phase. In the finisher phase, the estimated MET requirement for the S genotype was 0.25%; no weight gain or feed
efficiency response occurred in the M genotype in response to DL-MET addition, indicating that the basal diet contained adequate MET (0.22%). For the starter and grower periods estimates of SAA requirements ranged from 0.57 to 0.60%, regardless of genotype; extreme variability prevented the estimation of SAA requirements during the finisher phase. These data indicate that the MET and SAA requirements of the various genotypes are similar during the starter and grower phases.
Impacts
Evaluation of slow-growing and commercial broiler chickens should help small producers with decisions about production systems and marketing efforts. These data indicate that MET requirements of slow-growing broiler chickens are similar to commercial birds, but were lower than previously assumed. These results will be used to assess diets formulated to meet the MET requirement for slow-growing broiler chickens without the use of supplemental MET. This information will be of interest to poultry producers that are seeking the most cost-effective means of raising organic broilers
Publications
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, L. C. Cavitt, J. L. Emmert, J. F. Meullenet, and C. M. Owens. 2006. Evaluation of slower-growing broiler genotypes grown with and without outdoor access: sensory attributes. Poultry Sci. 85:337-343.
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, T. OConnor-Dennie, and J. L. Emmert. 2006. Methionine requirements of alternative slow-growing genotypes. Poultry Sci. 85: (Suppl. 1):110. (Abstr.)
- Fanatico, A. C., P. B. Pillai, J. L. Emmert, J. F. Meullenet, and C. M. Owens. 2006. Impact of alternative broiler genotype and production system on sensory attributes. Poultry Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):198. (Abstr.)
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
One of the greatest challenges in the transition to organic poultry production is finding viable solutions to the elimination of supplemental methionine (MET) as an available feed ingredient for organic broiler diets. The long-term goal of this project is to investigate means of minimizing the impact of eliminating supplemental MET as a dietary feed ingredient for organic broiler production. The potential use of slow-growing broilers and alternative feeding strategies will be evaluated and economic assessments will be conducted. Information will be disseminated to policy makers and stakeholders (including producers). With this goal in mind, the proposal addresses several key areas identified in the request for applications, including developing a scientific basis for improving current organic standards, analyzing potential economic costs, returns and risks of organic production systems, analyzing regulatory barriers and developing solutions to these challenges,
conducting advanced on-farm research and development, including research related to production and marketing, and conducting long-term, interdisciplinary systems research.
Impacts
There are impending limitations on the utilization of synthetic methionine in organic poultry diets. Synthetic methionine is routinely utilized in the commercial broiler industry to provide a low- cost means of meeting the relatively high methionine requirement of broilers. Without availability of synthetic methionine it is important that alternatives be sought for formulating organic broiler diets. This research provides valuable methionine and cysteine requirement estimates for three types of birds (fast-, medium-, and slow-growing) that could be used in organic poultry production. With accurate requirement estimates available nutritionists can begin to work on diet formulations that meet broiler nutrient requirements while adhering to organic poultry diet restrictions.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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