Organic Poultry Production in the United States

1. Organic Poultry Production
ATTRA in the United States
A Publication of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service • 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org
By Anne Fanatico, Ph.D. In organic poultry production systems, birds are raised without cages in housing that allows outdoor
NCAT Agriculture access, are fed organic feed and managed with proactive practices and natural treatments. This pub-
Specialist lication discusses organic husbandry including living conditions, health, genetics and origin, feed and
© 2008 NCAT processing as specified under the livestock requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National
Organic Program.
Contents
Introduction ..................... 1
Living conditions and
housing .............................. 2
Health ................................. 4
Origin of birds and
genetics ............................. 6
Feed .................................... 7
Processing ......................... 8
Recordkeeping ................ 9
Economics......................... 9
Resources ........................ 10
References ...................... 10
Appendix: Highlights of
the Organic Poultry
Programs ......................... 11
Photo by Sergio Venturi. Courtesy of stock.xchng, www.sxc.hu/index.phtml
Introduction and maximizing production through
weight gain, feed efficiency and more
Organic refers to the way livestock and (Sundrum, 2006).
agricultural products are raised and
ATTRA – National Sustainable processed, avoiding agrichemicals such Since USDA established the National
Agriculture Information Service is
managed by the National Center for as synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic Program in 2002, the organic
Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Although non-chemical farming is a food market has grown by almost 20
and is funded under a grant
from the U.S. Department of good working defi nition, avoiding syn- percent annually. The organic meat indus-
Agriculture’s Rural Business- thetic inputs is just one feature. Organic try is a relatively young one, although
Cooperative Service. Visit the
NCAT Web site (www.ncat.org/ production focuses on animal health and organic production has been practiced
sarc_current.php) for welfare, good environmental practices and for decades in the United States. This
more information on
our sustainable agri- product quality. In contrast, conventional publication is written for U.S. producers
culture projects. production focuses on reducing costs who are complying with the NOP.

2. Living conditions and housing
Basic requirements for organic Housing should protect birds from the
poultry include: elements, maintain a comfortable tem-
perature, provide ventilation and clean
• Appropriate housing that permits
natural behavior, including outdoor
bedding and allow birds to exercise and
access conduct natural behaviors. Cages are not
permitted. In addition, the birds must have
• Certified organic feed, including access to the outdoors for exercise areas,
pasture
Related ATTRA fresh air and sunlight and must be able
Publications • No antibiotics, drugs or synthetic to scratch and dustbath. Combining free-
parasiticides ranging poultry with ruminant production
ATTRA materials
• Organic processing of meat and eggs can help manage the forage for the poul-
provide information
on best practices in try and reduce mowing for the producer.
• Recordkeeping system to allow tracking
sustainable poultry Shelters such as pastured poultry pens or
of poultry and products (audit trail)
production. Many field pens are questionable because they
practices can also be • Organic system plan including descrip- may not provide adequate housing or
used in organic tion of practices to prevent contami- permit birds to express natural behavior
nation, monitoring practices and list
production. due to confi nement. The NOP does not
of inputs
• Alternative Poultry specify if ponds are required for water-
Production Systems • Production that does not contribute to fowl; check with your certifier.
and Outdoor Access, contamination of soil or water
which covers using The NOP does not specify indoor or outdoor
• No genetically modified organisms,
cage-free systems stocking densities, but many organic certi-
ionizing radiation or sewage sludge
and outdoor access fiers look for a lower stocking rate than the
• Poultry House
industry average of 0.7 square feet (0.07
Management square meters) per bird. Most look for at
for Alternative
The NOP regulations are available on the least 1.5 square feet (0.14 square meters)
Production, which Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/nop. The per bird. There is no limit on the number
covers housing, regulations are broken down into subparts, of birds that may be raised in one house;
ventilation, tem- and subpart C deals with crops, livestock nor is there a requirement for the amount
perature, lighting, and handling. Sections 205.236 through of bird exits or popholes that should be
litter management, 205.239 deal specifically with livestock, provided. The NOP also does not specify
rodent control
including poultry. If you do not have Inter- the amount of outdoor access a bird should
and more
net access or would like a hard copy of the have. Organic programs in other countries
• Organic Farm regulations, contact the National Organic have details on these issues to limit the size
Certification and the Program. Information is listed in the and density of flocks.
National Organic
Resources section. Section 205.600 is the
Program, which Livestock and poultry may be temporarily
National List of Allowed and Prohibited
includes general confi ned for inclement weather, the stage
information about Substances and lists synthetic substances
of production, conditions under which the
organic certification that can be used in organic production and
health, safety or well-being of the animal
• NCAT’s Organic a few natural substances that may not. could be jeopardized or if the animals being
Livestock Work- outside could pose a risk to soil or water
book, which quality. Chicks, poults and other young
includes details
about organic
This document provides guidance on how birds are normally confined during brood-
organic certifying agencies normally inter- ing when they need to be heated, although
livestock pret the NOP livestock standards for poultry
production production. However, it is important that
outdoor access can be provided at a young
producers talk to their accredited certifying age. Birds can be confined during cold
agencies about specific interpretations. The weather, although some breeds are hardy
producer’s organic system plan describes and venture outdoors in cold weather.
many specific practices.
Organic pullets are often not provided out-
door access until they are ready to lay, at
Page 2 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

3. about 20 weeks. Many producers have bios- for poultry, see ATTRA’s Alternative Poultry
ecurity concerns with outdoor access and Production Systems and Outdoor Access.
use the argument that vaccines need suf-
Artificial lighting is permitted but there are
ficient time to create immunity; however,
limits on its use. Although the NOP has no
long periods are not required. Immunity specific requirements on lighting, many cer-
generally develops a week or so after the tifiers look for an eight-hour dark period,
fi rst boost. The last round of vaccines, usu- because a dark period is needed to main-
ally at 16 to 18 weeks, is intended to main- tain the immune system and for good bird
tain lasting titers to protect the flock during welfare. When managing layers and breed-
lay. Outdoor access is not likely to interfere, ers, the lighting period shouldn’t be longer
although many producers are concerned than 16 hours or the longest day of the year.
about biosecurity and their vets may order Many certifiers require a relatively high
no outdoor access. In addition, the light level of light in the house to encourage bird
period is carefully managed for pullets to activity and may require windows in order
delay egg production until sufficient matu- to provide direct sunlight. In contrast, the
rity exists for proper egg size. conventional industry usually keeps lights
All-slat flooring is generally not permitted. low for broilers to reduce activity. The light
Some flooring should be solid with litter so level is so low that it is difficult to read a
birds can scratch. If birds are likely to eat newspaper. Some welfare assurance pro-
their litter, it should be organic. Most poul- grams require at least two footcandles of
try litter is not. Although litter treatments light intensity (Humane Farm Animal Care,
are common in conventional production to 2008).
lower pH and reduce microbial growth and For rodent, fly and other pest control, a
ammonia production, in organic production multilevel approach is used and begins
litter amendments are not as common. Any with prevention and sanitation including
amendment must be natural. For example, habitat reduction and physical exclusion
synthetic materials, such as the commer- from facilities and feed. Secondly, control
cially available Poultry Litter Treatment can include mechanical and physical meth-
(sodium bisulfite), are not permitted. Some ods such as tarps, electric fences, adhesive
small producers use hydrated lime to lower and fans; and thirdly it can include natural
moisture in litter. Although hydrated lime is or allowed synthetic rodenticides such as
permitted in organic livestock production, cholecalciferol and sulfur dioxide as an
hydrated lime is only permitted for exter- underground smoke bomb. ATTRA can
nal pest control. Adequate nestboxes and
perches are needed for laying birds.
Producers must not allow lumber treated
with arsenate or other prohibited sub-
stances for new installations or replace-
ment to be in contact with animals. Exist-
ing treated lumber is handled differently by
certifying agencies; some require removal
or a barrier, while others permit it if it does
not impact livestock. See ATTRA’s Organic
Alternatives to Treated Lumber for informa-
tion on alternate lumber options.
Poultry should be protected from predators,
both indoors and outdoors. Electric fences
can exclude ground predators and keep
poultry where desired. For more informa-
tion on fencing and managing outdoor areas Electronet fence to protect birds from predators. Photo by Anne Fanatico, NCAT.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3

4. provide additional information on natural Vaccines are allowed in organic production to
rodent control. prevent disease. Interestingly, vaccines may
be genetically engineered, a practice that is
In terms of waste, the producer must man-
otherwise not permitted in organic produc-
age waste in a way that does not contribute
tion. This information appears in section
to environmental contamination and opti-
205.104(e) of the NOP Final Rule. Poultry
mizes recycling of nutrients. Although poul-
vaccines are commonly used in the United
try litter and manure have nutrients that are
very useful for crop and pasture produc- States to prevent Marek’s disease, Newcastle,
tion, producers must be careful not to apply infectious bronchitis and coccidiosis.
manure to land that is already too high in Probiotics are often used in organic poultry
nitrogen or phosphorus. production, particularly to replace antibiotic
Also, because raw manure cannot come growth promoters, which are not permit-
into contact with organic crops ready for ted. Probiotics are beneficial microbes, fed
harvest and human consumption, poul- to birds to establish beneficial gut micro-
try may not be grazed with crops within flora, reducing colonization by pathogenic
90 days of harvest or 120 days if a har- organisms such as Salmonella and E. coli.
V
accines are vestable crop part contacts soil. However, This mechanism is called competitive exclu-
manure or other waste that is composted sion because beneficial microorganisms are
allowed in competing with pathogenic ones for nutri-
according to NOP specifications does not
organic
have these harvest restrictions. The NOP ents and attachment areas in the gut. Other
production to has additional guidelines for other heat- natural products include prebiotics, which
prevent disease. processed animal manure products online are nondigestible food ingredients that ben-
at www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NoticesPolicies/ efit the host by selectively stimulating the
NOP5006ProcessedManure7-16-07.pdf growth of bacterial species present in the
gut. An example is lactose, which is used
Also see ATTRA’s Manures for Organic Crop by beneficial lactic acid bacteria in the gut
Production. but cannot be digested by chickens. Other
prebiotics include fructo-oligosaccharides,
Health inulin and lactulose, which alter the micro-
Proactive health management is used in bial balance in favor of beneficial bacteria
organic production. A working relationship (Novak and Troche, 2006). Manno-oligas-
with an avian veterinarian is an integral accharides appear to have a different mech-
part of health management and an animal anism that prevents pathogenic bacteria
health plan is often part of the Organic Sys- from adhering to the gut lining.
tem Plan. The NOP emphasizes that drugs, growth
Provide adequate housing and space, ven- promotants and synthetic parasiticides are
tilation and good nutrition to reduce stress not permitted, but natural materials can be
and maintain the immune system. Prevent used. However, no materials in violation of
the introduction of disease with the use of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
vaccines and biosecurity practices. Use nat- should be used. Examples of natural treat-
ural treatments if needed. ments include enzymes, antioxidants, pyre-
thrum for controlling mites and botanicals
such as garlic and oregano.
Preventing disease starts with clean birds. Antibiotics and other medical treatment must
If you purchase birds or eggs, make sure not be withheld if needed, and these birds
they are from breeding flocks approved by should be diverted to nonorganic markets.
the USDA National Poultry Improvement
Program, which certifies flocks are free of Mortality may be higher in large-scale
certain diseases. organic production than conventional
production because medications are not per-
mitted. Necrotic enteritis is a common health
Page 4 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

5. problem in large organic broiler flocks. In External parasites such as mites should
fact, broiler mortality may be 5 to 10 percent be managed by allowing birds to dust-
in organic production. Organic layer flocks bathe. Many producers also add diatoma-
may have 3- to 5-percent mortality rate. ceous earth to dustbaths. If mite treatment
Good biosecurity and sanitation practices is needed, pyrethrum is a natural prod-
should be followed on the farm, including uct that is permitted in organic produc-
limiting visitor access to the bird area. Sun- tion. For roost mites that do not actually
light and dry conditions help reduce patho- live on birds themselves, the roosts, cracks
gens in outdoor areas and footbaths with and crevices in the house should also be
approved disinfectants, such as iodine, can treated. Natural oils, such as linseed oil,
be used at the entrance to houses, as well are often used on roosts.
as disposable booties or dedicated footwear.
Incidence of internal parasites, such as
The use of “all-in, all-out” management
(completely harvesting a flock before starting roundworms, cecal worms and capillary
a new one) results in the reduction of patho- worms, can be a problem in organic poul-
gens, many of which die during the down- try production and has been the focus of
time. Mixing ages in a flock is a risk because scientific studies (Permin et al., 1999 and
older birds may be carriers of disease for Thamsborg et al., 1999). Rotating access to
younger birds. Likewise, mixing species can different outdoor areas is key in reducing
result in some species carrying diseases to incidence of internal parasites. Anticoccid-
other species. See the biosecurity and sanita- ial medications are not permitted for con-
tion sidebars for more information. trol of the protozoan parasite coccidiosis;
Sanitation Biosecurity
Sanitation between flocks is particularly Good biosecurity is important in any poultry operation and particularly in
important and a downtime of two to three organic operations. Since wild birds, particularly waterfowl, can carry dis-
weeks will help control pathogens that need eases that harm domestic poultry, it is important to exclude wild waterfowl
a host to survive. Cleaning is the first step from the free-range poultry area. Outdoor feeders should not attract wild
because organic matter must be removed in birds. For example, a self-feeder dispenses feed to poultry on demand.
order for a disinfectant to work. First sweep See the Solway Feeders Web site at www.solwayfeeders.com for examples
or air-blow the house from top to bottom of self-feed dispensers. If necessary, netting can be placed over outdoor
to remove organic matter, and then spray yards. The USDA’s Biosecurity for the Birds Web site at www.aphis.usda.
the house with a high-pressure sprayer and gov/vs/birdbiosecurity/ has information on biosecurity. Although highly
detergent. Rinse and allow to dry, and then pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza is not currently in the United States, there
apply disinfectant. Approved materials that is concern that wild waterfowl may carry various types of avian influenza
are used for disinfection and sanitation of to free-range flocks. See ATTRA’s Avian Influenza in Free-Range and Organic
premises and equipment include chlorine Poultry Production for more information.
materials, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, per-
Physical alterations are allowed if they are essential for animal welfare and
acetic acid, phosphoric acid and organic
done in a manner that minimizes pain. However, physical alterations should
acids. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly cor-
not be done on a routine basis. Beak trimming in particular is a controversial
rosive to metal and should be rinsed well.
practice performed on layers to reduce feather pecking. Feather pecking
Iodine may stain surfaces. Alcohol is also a
is a concern in cage-free and organic poultry production because of large
disinfectant but not very effective. Propane-
group sizes. Feather pecking is an indicator of stress in the perpetrator and
fueled heat tools are also used to disinfect. In
the victim and can lead to cannibalism. Beak-trimming is only permitted
addition, water lines need regular care. Water
if other methods of prevention fail. See the sidebar on preventing feather
lines can be flushed with organic acids, such
pecking for more information. Most welfare programs require that beak
as citric acid or vinegar, to loosen debris, and
trimming be done before 10 days of age with a humane method such as
then sanitized with iodine or hydrogen per-
a hot blade or infrared. No more than 50 percent of the beak should be
oxide between flocks. Chlorine is also used
trimmed, as measured from beak tip to nostril (Kuenzel, 2007).
for routine sanitation of water lines when
birds are in the house. Chlorine level should Ideally, animals should be able to breed without human intervention, but
not be more than 4 ppm. artificial insemination is allowed by the NOP.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5

6. should provide a molt diet and should pro-
Preventing feather pecking vide a light period of at least eight hours.
Prevention of feather pecking begins early, when rearing the pullets. The NOP does not have specific standards on
In a Dutch study, researchers Monique Bestman and Jan-Paul Wage-
forced molting, but generally certifiers do not
naar (2006) found pullets that feather peck during rearing will con-
tinue to feather peck as layers. However, pullets that do not feather permit it due to stress to the bird. Organic
peck during rearing will not later. Pullets need to be raised on litter producers usually destroy or process the
(not in cages), have perches and a low stocking density. Flocks that flock at about 70 weeks, although small pro-
feather pecked were at a density of 35 chicks per square meter (3.2 ducers may let birds molt naturally.
chicks per square foot), while flocks that did not feather peck were at
only 22 chicks per square meter (two chicks per square foot) during Natural molting is not as efficient as forced
the first four weeks of life. molting, but it maintains bird welfare and
Other risk factors that led to feather pecking included the use of slat floor-
extends the productive life of the layer
ing during the first weeks of life (no litter), absence of perches and no (fewer layers are needed over time). Ideally,
grain scattered for a pecking incentive. Bestman and Wagenaar quoted layers should be allowed to molt naturally
the 1955 work of German scientist Dr. Erich Bäeumer, who said: and kept for at least two to three years.
“during the first weeks of life, a pullet learns to eat … they will peck at every- Although the welfare of the bird is a cor-
thing in order to find out what is edible and what not. If their environment nerstone of organic poultry production, wel-
consists mainly of flock mates, the chance is big they start pecking at their
flock mates’ plumage.”
fare assurance programs, such as Humane
Farm Animal Care (HFAC) and American
Hanging roughage or providing it in baskets also helps reduce feather
Humane Association (AHA), have measur-
pecking and birds learn to peck at different levels. If pullets are reared
by an organic pullet specialist, the producer should ensure these prac-
able standards and can document that birds
tices have been followed so that the layers producers buy are less likely have adequate access to feed and water,
to feather peck. have good litter and air quality, that care-
takers are trained, handling and euthanasia
methods are humane and more. Birds are
particularly stressed during catching, trans-
therefore many producers focus on manage- port and processing.
ment or the use of a vaccine. See ATTRA’s
Food safety in organic poultry production is
Parasite Management for Natural and
an area of interest. Some studies have shown
Organic Poultry Production: Coccidiosis for
that food-borne diseases are more prevalent
more information.
in organic livestock production than conven-
Molting is a natural process that birds tional. In a Danish study, campylobacter was
undergo annually to renew their feathers. found in all 22 organic broiler flocks com-
Molting can help replenish the reproduc- pared to only one-third of conventional broiler
tive systems and bones of layers. Molt usu- flocks (Heuer et al., 2001). Organic birds
ally takes several weeks and egg produc- are generally kept longer than conventional
tion declines or ceases. A flock of the same and have more opportunity to encounter
age and origin will molt about the same pathogens. In contrast, Lunangtongkum et
time, although there may be some variation al. (2006) found that campylobacter bacte-
among individuals in the length of molt. ria developed resistance to fluoroquinolones,
Force-molting is a way to induce the layers a group of antibiotics important in human
in a flock to molt at a particular time and at health, in 46 percent of conventionally raised
a faster rate. Molt can be forced by reducing chickens and 67 percent of conventional
the nutrient density of the diet and reducing turkeys, but only 2 percent of the organically
the light period. raised chickens and turkeys.
In conventional layer operations, layers are
destroyed or processed at about 70 weeks of Origin of birds and genetics
age or they are force-molted and then, after The NOP stipulates that breeds should be
laying begins again, kept until about 105 chosen for their resistance to disease and
weeks of age. If producers force-molt, they their appropriateness to a site or operation.
Page 6 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

7. However, in the United States high-yield-
ing genetics are typically used in both con-
ventional and organic poultry production.
The conventional broiler is an effi cient
bird that grows to market weight in seven
weeks and has a high yield of breast meat.
However, it may have health problems due
to the fast growth. Metabolic problems
include ascites (water belly) and sudden
death syndrome, and leg problems include
lameness. In contrast, slow-growing meat
birds are used in the European Union
organic program. Although slow-growing
birds are less effi cient meat producers,
they have better livability, lower mortality
rates and are more active. In terms of egg
layers, high-yielding birds lay more than
300 eggs per year but may develop osteo-
porosis or brittle bones. There is increas- Medium-growing alternative genetics. Photo by Anne Fanatico, NCAT.
ing interest in using standard breeds with
historical significance, known as heritage Feed
breeds, for organic production, but heri-
tage breeds have only been selected for Feed rations must provide the levels of
egg production or exhibition for the last nutrients (protein, energy, minerals and
several decades and good utility strains vitamins) appropriate to the type of bird,
for meat need to be developed. For more breed and age or stage of development.
information on genetics, see ATTRA’s Typically, organic corn is used for energy,
Poultry Genetics for Pastured Production. while organic soybeans provide protein.
Roasted, extruded or expelled soybeans are
The NOP does not require the origin of used because feeds that have been defat-
the birds to be organic. In fact, there are ted with chemical solvents are not permit-
currently no certified organic poultry ted. In cold areas, wheat and peas are often
hatcheries in the United States. Nonorganic used for energy and protein, respectively.
chicks may be used but must be under No animal drugs or antibiotics are allowed
organic management after the second day in organic feed. Nor can feed from genet-
after hatching. ically modified crops be used. Although
chickens are omnivores in nature, animal
slaughter byproducts are not permitted in
feed in organic production.
The feed must be organic, including pas-
ture and forage. Therefore, any pasture
used for organic poultry should be free of
synthetic chemicals for three years before
it can be used. Organic seed must be used
when seeding pastures and weeds should be
managed with cultural practices rather than
synthetic chemicals. If organic hay is har-
vested for poultry, it should be stored sepa-
Slow-growing naked neck genetics. Photo by Anne rately from conventional hay. If grains are
Fanatico, NCAT. sprouted for poultry or roughage provided
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7

8. during temporary confi nement, it must be as ethoxyquine cannot be added to preserve
organic. Organic feeds are very expensive fishmeal. As a reminder, feed additives and
compared to conventional. supplements cannot be from genetically
According to the NOP Web site, feed may modified organisms.
also contain natural, nonagricultural feed If poultry feed is raised on-farm, crop pro-
additives and supplements or approved syn- duction must comply with the organic pro-
thetic substances that are allowed by the duction standards for crops. This informa-
National List, which basically allows trace tion is in sections 205-202 to 205.206 of
minerals and vitamins, as well as some the NOP Final Rule. Handled feed must
inerts and excipients. Feed additives and comply with organic handling requirements
supplements must comply with the Federal or the feed must be from a certified organic
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. feed mill. This is outlined in sections
To further clarify, feed additives such as 205.270 to 205.272 of the NOP. For more
vitamins and minerals are used in micro information on organic feed processing, see
amounts to fulfi ll a specific nutritional need. NCAT’s Organic Livestock Workbook.
However, synthetic amino acids are not per- Water should be from a clean source and
mitted in organic production, although syn- may need to be tested for fecal coliform
thetic methionine is permitted for a limited bacteria and nitrates. Water chlorination
time for poultry. See the sidebar on synthetic must not be above accepted levels of 4 ppm
methionine for more information. Feed sup- in the United States.
plements, such as fi shmeal, enzymes and
oyster shell, are permitted in larger amounts
to improve the nutrient balance. The fish- Processing
meal does not have to be organic because it If meat or eggs are processed on-farm, the
is a natural substance used as a feed supple- processing must comply with the organic
ment. However, prohibited substances such handling standards. This information
appears in sections 205.270 to 205.272 of
the NOP Final Rule. If the meat or eggs are
Synthetic methionine handled off-farm, the processing plant must
Methionine is the only synthetic amino acid permitted in organic live- be certified organic.
stock production and only for poultry on a temporary basis. Synthetic
methionine is added to virtually all commercial poultry diets; however, Processing plants that are that already com-
it will be banned after October 2010 under the NOP. Although some plying with federal or state regulations are
feedstuffs are naturally high in methionine, such as fishmeal and corn usually not difficult to certify as organic.
gluten meal, there is a lack in organic form. There is no organic corn glu- Important points include using approved
ten meal and only limited fishmeal without prohibited preservatives. In organic detergents and sanitizers and pest
addition, some companies market their poultry products as “veg-fed” control methods, preventing contamina-
and therefore don’t use fishmeal and other animal products.
tion and preventing commingling with non-
Supplying sufficient methionine to birds with plant proteins such as organic products. Good recordkeeping is
soybeans or sunflower meal results in diets that are excessive in over- important for the audit trail. Organic is usu-
all protein that is hard on birds (causing heat stress, excreting exces- ally the first run of the day if plants also pro-
sive nitrogen and more) and the environment (excess nitrogen and
cesses nonorganic products. Operations that
ammonia emissions). Innovative protein sources such as algae, earth-
worm or insect meal are of interest. Some literature suggests the use compost offal and apply it to organic fields
of alternative genetics that are lower-yielding; however, research at or pastures should follow NOP requirements
the University of Arkansas (Fanatico et al., 2006; Fanatico et al., 2007) for compost and manure management.
has not shown slow-growing meat birds to have lower methionine
requirements. The report Possibilities and Limitations of Protein Sup- Sanitizers that may be used in organic poul-
ply in Organic Poultry and Pig Production provides a comprehensive try meat processing facilities to sanitize
European perspective as the European Union is also dealing with the facilities and equipment are more limited
same problem. It is available at www.organic revision.org/pub/Final_ than in conventional operations and include
Report_EC_Revision.pdf. chlorine materials, hydrogen peroxide, per-
acetic acid, phosphoric acid and organic
Page 8 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

9. acids. See the Organic Materials Review
Institute’s brand name lists online at www.
omri.org for products that are permitted.
Some certifiers permit highly chlorinated
water to come in contact with food products
in immersion chilling and for sanitizing sur-
faces, but the fi nal rinse should be with a
chlorine level less than the limit under the
Safe Drinking Water Act (or 4 ppm). For
chill tank water, some organic poultry pro-
cessors use no additives at all in the chill
tank; others use hydrogen peroxide or inno-
vative technologies such as ozonated water.
Post-chill antimicrobial dip and spray are of
interest. Shell egg detergents and sanitizers
should also be NOP compliant.
Organic eggs should be handled according to NOP handling requirements.
Recordkeeping Photo by Rex Dufour, NCAT.
Recordkeeping is an important process in
the organic audit trail to document that the often higher. Labor
standards have been followed. Flocks must may be increased and
be identified and records kept for stock, recordkeeping may
material and feed purchases; all health be an added expense,
treatments and other inputs; weight of along with certification
slaughter animals; slaughter; packing and fees. However, organic
handling; sales and more. Records should poultry products bring
be kept for at least five years. Split produc- a premium price. See
tion is permitted and since organic poultry ATTRA’s Growing Your
and eggs products are indistinguishable Range Poultry Business:
visually from conventional, it is important An Entrepreneur’s Tool-
to prevent comingling. box for a discussion of
expenses and income Slow-growing turkeys cooling in air-chilled room.
Small producers that sell less than $5,000 for alternative poultry
Photo by Anne Fanatico, NCAT.
worth of organic products each year are meat production sys-
exempt from certification. If small produc- tems and small-scale processing. Also see
ers want to call or label their product organic the following:
they must follow the standards but do not
need to be certified, although they may not • Case study of organic egg econom-
use the USDA organic seal. Their eggs can ics on a small Wisconsin farm,
not be sold as organic ingredients. www.newfarm.org/depts/talking_
shop/0303/umoc.shtml
Economics • A 5,000 bird layer flock in Canada,
It is more expensive to raise organic poultry www.agf.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt/budgets/
than conventional poultry due to feed costs, budget_pdf/poultry/organic_eggs_
lower stocking densities, the cost of provid- 2002.pdf
ing outdoor access and health costs without • Organic Broiler Chicken Production
the use of antibiotics in intensively produced Trial, Allee Farm, 2001, www.
flocks. If there is a longer growing period, ag.iastate.edu/farms 2001reports/
feed efficiency may decrease. Mortality is nwallee/OrganicBroilerReport.pdf
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 9

10. Resources thermophilic Campylobacter in organic and conven-
tional broiler flocks. Letters in Applied Microbiology
ATTRA maintains farmer-friendly information on 33:269-74.
organic farming on its Web site www.attra.ncat.org; Humane Farm Animal Care. 2008. Broilers. Animal
also see the Sustainable Poultry Web site Care Standards. Herndon, VA. www.certifiedhumane.
www.sustainablepoultry.ncat.org. org/pdfs/ChickensBroilersStd.pdf. Accessed Sept. 2008.
USDA National Organic Program Humane Farm Animal Care
Room 4008 – South Building P.O. Box 727
1400 and Independence Ave, SW Herndon, VA 20172
Washington, DC 20250-0020 703-435-3883
202-720-3253 www.certifiedhumane.org
www.ams.usda.gov/nop
Kuenzel, W. J. 2007. Neurobiological Basis of Sensory
For information on producing organic poultry under Perception: Welfare Implications of Beak Trimming.
the European Union (EU) regulations, see Organic Poultry Science 86(6): 1273-1282.
Poultry (Thear, 2005); also see EU organic
regulations (European Union, 1991). Lunangtongkum, T., T. Y. Morishita, A. J. Ison, S.
Huang, P. F. McDermott, and Q. Zhang. 2006. Effect
of conventional and organic production practices on
References the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Cam-
American Humane Certified pylobacter spp. in poultry. Pp. 113-120. Proceedings
63 Inverness Drive East of the 1st IFOAM International Conference on Ani-
Englewood, CO 80112 mals in Organic Production, St. Paul, MN, Aug.
303-792-9900 23-25, 2006.
info@thehumanetouch.org
Novak, C. and C. Troche. 2006. Use of Bio-
Bestman, M. and J. P. Wagenaar. 2006. Feather peck- Mos® to Control Salmonella and Campylobacter in
ing in organic rearing hens. Joint Organic Congress, Organic Poultry. www.ansci.umn.edu/poultry/events/
Odense, Denmark, May 30-31, 2006. mwpf%20convention/2006/Use%20of%20Bio-Mos-
Novak.pdf. Accessed Dec. 2007.
European Union. 1991. Council Regulation (EEC) No.
2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of Organic Trade Association. 2007. Manufacturer’s
agricultural products and indications referring thereto Survey. www.ota.com
on agricultural products and foodstuffs. http://europa. Permin, A., M. Bisgaard, F. Frandsen, M. Pearman,
eu/eur-lex/en/consleg/main/1991/en_1991R2092_index. J. Kold, and P. Nansen. 1999. Prevalence of gastroin-
html. Accessed Nov 2006. testinal helminths in different poultry production
Fanatico, A.C., T. O’Connor-Dennie, C. M. Owens, systems. British Poultry Science 40(4): 439-443.
and J. L. Emmert. 2007. Performance of alternative Sundrum, A. 2006. Protein supply in organic poultry
meat chickens for organic markets: impact of geno- and pig production. Pp. 195-199. Proceedings of the
type, methionine level, and methionine source. Poult. 1st IFOAM International Conference on Animals in
Sci. 86 (Supplement 1). Abstr. Organic Production, St. Paul, MN, Aug. 23-25, 2006.
Fanatico, A.C., P. B. Pillai, T. O’Connor-Dennie, J. L. Thear, Katie. 2005. Organic Poultry. Broad Leys
Emmert. 2006. Methionine requirements of Publishing Ltd, Essex, UK. 120 p.
alternative slow-growing genotypes. Poult. Sci.
85 (Supplement 1). Abstr. Thamsborg, S. M., A. Roepstorff, and M. Larsen.
1999. Integrated and biological control of parasites
Heuer, O.E., K. Pederson, J.S. Anderson, M. Madsen. in organic and conventional production systems.
2001. Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Veterinary Parasitology 84(3/4): 169-186.
Page 10 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

11. Appendix
Table 1. Comparison of highlights of poultry requirements of selected organic programsa
USDA NOP European Soil Associa- Canada Bio-Gro (New IFOAM 2002
Union tion (UK) National Zealand)
Living No cages
conditions
Flooring At least 1/3 of At least ½ of
house must house must be
be solid with solid with lit-
litter (all slats ter (no more
not permitted) than ½ slats
permitted)
Equipment Minimum
feeder space
(linear): 2.5
cm; minimum
drinkers: 10
birds per nipple
Perches 18 cm/layer 18 cm/layer
Nests 8 layers/nest 6 layers/nest
Maximum 6 layer/m2 6 layer/m2 6 layers/m2 5 layers/m2 on
indoor density 10 meat poul- 10 meat poul- 10 meat chick- litter or 10 lay-
try/m2 (21 kg/ try/m2 (21 kg/ ens/m2 ers/m2 on slats
m2 max)b m2 max)b 2m2/ turkey or 13 layers/m2
2 turkey/m2 on multilevels,
perches
Outdoor area Outdoor At least 1/3 At least 2/3 At least 1/3 Birds must for- Access to pas-
access of birds’ lives; of meat birds’ of birds’ lives age as soon as ture required;
required mainly cov- lives and of all access to pas- possible (ide- “landless ani-
ered by veg- laying lives; ture required; ally by first mal produc-
etation; shel- well-covered covered by week); outside tion” is prohib-
ter required with veg- vegetation area must pro- ited
on pasture; etation; shel- vide access to
access to pond ter required forages; shel-
for waterfowl on pasture; ter required
access to pond on pasture
for waterfowl;
outdoor drink-
ers required
Popholes or 4 m of 4 m of
“bird door- pophole per pophole per
ways” 100 m2 house 100 m2 house
Pasture Rest pasture at Pasture left If run area is
rotation least 9 months empty period- limited, pas-
between each ically to allow ture must be
batch of lay- vegetation to rotated
ers; rest pas- regrow
ture for 2
months per
year plus 1
year in every 3
years for meat
birds
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 11

12. Table 1. Continued
USDA NOP European Soil Associa- Canada Bio-Gro (New IFOAM 2002
Union tion (UK) National Zealand)
Maximum 4 m2 per chick- 1,000 hens/ha; 4 layers/m2; 833 layers/ha;
outdoor enc; 4 m2 per 2,500 meat 4 meat chckens/ 1,500 meat
density layer; 10 m2 chickensc/ha; m2; 7.2 m2/tur- chickens/ha
per turkey; 4-5 800 turkeys/ha key (over 10
m2 per duck wk)d
Maximum 4,800 meat 500 layers or
flock/farm size chickens; 3,000meat birds per
layers; 2,500 house or 250
turkeys; maxi- turkeys/house;
mum total if welfare and
house area environment
(entire farm) are well main-
is 1,600m2 tained, then
2,000 layers
or 1,000 meat
chickens or
turkeys; maxi-
mum total
house area
(entire farm) is
1,600m2
Lighting Artificial light- No fluorescent Natural
ing cannot lighting daylight is
extend day- needed
length more
than 16 h
Health Downtime Downtime Goal is to elim-
between between inate need for
flocks required flocks required vaccines; no
GMO vaccines
Antibiotics Not permitted Antibiotics Emphasizes Not clear Antibiotics
permitted as that vaccina- can be used
last resort; tions before 2 as last resort if
withdrawal is days cannot withdrawal is
double have antibiotics double
Beak trimming Permitted as Permitted as Not permitted; Permitted as a Not permitted Not permitted
last resort last resort nor is wing last resort
clipping
Artificial Not specified, Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
insemination generally
permitted
Forced molting Expressly
prohibited
Caponization Permitted for Expressly
traditional prohibited
product
Page 12 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

13. Table 1. Continued
USDA NOP European Soil Associa- Canada Bio-Gro (New IFOAM 2002
Union tion (UK) National Zealand)
Stock
Origin Under organic Organic must Organic must Under organic Under organic When no
management be used if be used if avail- management management organic live-
after 2 d available; or able; under after 2 d after 2 d stock is avail-
under organic organic man- able: 2d for
management agement after meat chick-
after 3 d 3 d accepted, ens, 18 wk for
must be organic hens, 2 wk for
for at least 10 wk other poultry
before slaughter
Minimum age Chicken 81 d Similar to EU
at slaughter Turkey 140 d but differs
Duck (Peking) depending
49 de whether birds
are organic or
nonorganic
stock and fast or
slow growing
Genetics Where If fast-grow-
producers ing genet-
do not apply ics are used,
these mini- they must
mum slaugh- be grown for
ter ages, they 10 wk before
must use slaughter
slow-growing
strains
Feed Animals should be fed organic feed
% organic 100% feed 15% of feed Organic feed Organic feed Some non-
feed required may come required required organic feed
from nonor- except for allowed: 15%
ganic sources fishmeal; natu- (dry matter
(by 2012, ral vitamins basis)
100% organic and minerals
feed will be should be used
required) if possible
Source After 2010, Ideally, feed At least 50%
50% of feed should come of feed should
must come from the farm come from the
from farm or region farm itself or
where birds region
are raised
Nutrient level At least 65% of Grains during At least 65% of
finishing feed finishing finishing feed
must be cereal must be cereal
Roughage Roughage Roughage
required in required in
daily ration daily ration;
grit required
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 13

14. Table 1. Continued
USDA NOP European Soil Associa- Canada Bio-Gro (New IFOAM 2002
Union tion (UK) National Zealand)
Synthetic Prohibited, Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited
amino acids temporary
exception for
methionine
Transport/processing
Should be low Humanely kill Should be Detailed trans- Transit time
stress unfit birds and low stress; port standards must not
protect birds humanely kill exceed 8 h;
from elements unfit bids transport
during load- and slaughter
ing, unloading should mini-
and lairage mize stress
and adverse
effects of
temperature
a
Note that 1 m2 = 10.8 ft2; 4 m2 = 43.2 ft2
b
If mobile housing is used in which the popholes remain open at night, the indoor stocking density can be increased: 16 birds/m2 (maximum of
30 kg live weight). This type of housing must not be larger than 150m2.
c
If mobile housing is used, only 2.5 m2 per meat bird is required
d
Additional standards for mobile units moved daily
e
Other requirements for capons, female Muscovy ducks, male Muscovy ducks, Mallard ducks, guineafowl, roasting geese
Page 14 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production in the United States

15. Notes
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 15

16. Organic Poultry Production in the United States
By Anne Fanatico, Ph.D.
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
© 2008 NCAT
Holly Michels, Editor
Amy Smith, Production
This publication is available on the Web at:
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/organicpoultry.html
or
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/organicpoultry.pdf
IP331
Slot 328
Version 121708
Page 16 ATTRA