OK-Net EcoFeed Knowledge synthesis of feed production (Deliverable 2.2 OK-Net EcoFeed Project)

The transition to 100% organic feed ingredients for organic livestock is expected to take effect from January \n1st 2020 in Europe. In order to contribute to the goal of 100% use of organic and regional feed for \nmonogastrics, this knowledge synthesis “Feeding monogastrics 100% organic and regionally produced feed“ \naims to describe: \n• the protein need for organic monogastric animals (pigs, layers and broilers), including different \nbreeds and rearing conditions \n• different protein feed resources, mostly new or not commonly used protein sources, their nutrient \ncontent, production prerequisites, and their potential feeding value \n• small-scale, on-farm equipment for feed processing \n• different feeding strategies. \nThe knowledge synthesis should enable participants in Innovation groups (IG) and Thematic groups (TG) to \nchoose feed materials, feeding strategies, breeds and perhaps even small-scale on-farm equipment for \ntesting when aiming at 100% organic and regionally produced feed for monogastrics. \nIn the knowledge synthesis it is concluded: When feeding pigs and poultry 100% organic and regionally \nproduced feed, getting enough protein and specific amino acids is a challenge. There are two ways to go and \nthey can be combined. One is to utilize by-products, for example waste from various productions, and explore \nnew protein sources e.g. marine products or to refine already known products such as grass. The other way \nis to feed the animals less intensively and for this feeding strategy slow-growing breeds fit better. Some slowgrowing \nbreeds are already known, some are rediscovered old breeds. The challenge with the slow-growing \nand less-yielding breeds is that the production is getting smaller and either the farmer will earn less or the \nprices of eggs and meat will increase. \nHowever, the possibilities for combinations of regionally grown feed, low-yielding breeds with different \nfeeding strategies are many and they need to be explored. \nFinally, the knowledge synthesis identify needs for new knowledge on: \n• nutritional requirements of alternative breeds. Precise nutrient recommendations for organically \nproduced pigs and poultry do not exist. \n• nutritional value of new protein sources for monogastric animals \n• various combinations of breeds, grazing and supplemental feed. \nSmall-scale on-farm equipment to refine locally produced raw materials needs to be developed.