Valorisation of the outdoors for organic pig and poultry production systems

General introduction

The BIO-UITLOOP project asks two research questions: 1) What is the nutritional value that laying hens or pigs can obtain from their outdoor area, according to the season and the nature and/or management of the outdoor area? And 2) which insights do we gain about the magnitude of intake of the nutrients eaten outside, in order to then optimize the total feed composition (outside and inside)? This knowledge can be used by the farmers involved to optimize the management of the animal's outdoor space.

Research approach

ILVO works with four organic pig farmers and four organic layer farms. On the farms we make an analysis of the outdoor run, in terms of plant choice (or trees), animal behaviour and use of the outdoor space, management practices, rotation, and nutritional composition. We examine the variation in both nutritional value and intake by the animals. We look for the influencing factors for the observed variation in the type of outdoor area and its management, in the seasons and in the animal categories.

Relevance/Valorisation

We expect to gain a deeper understanding of the nutritional importance of the outdoor run, for the animals. This makes it more feasible to nutritionally value, optimize, and thus encourage the use of the outdoor space in organic farms. Adjusting feed to optimal levels is likely to become easier.

Funding provider(s)
Agentschap Landbouw & Zeevisserij