The sourcing of sufficient organically-produced ingredients and conventional ingredients acceptable under current and proposed organic standards is a significant issue. The acceptability or otherwise of synthetic amino acids and fishmeal to supplement the protein requirements of poultry causes most concern. The contribution of vegetation and animal proteins obtained at range to the diet of poultry is currently undervalued and should receive more recognition in organic standards and in ration formulation for poultry. For example, mulching of vegetation to encourage earthworms could significantly reduce the need for animal protein and amino acid supplements, but its potential contribution has not been adequately assessed. Animal health Feather pecking and cannibalism is identified as a significant potential problem in organic as in other free-range systems, where careful management is required to avoid the need for beak trimming.
Coccidiosis is seen as the number one health problem.
The development and use of vaccines such as Paracox appear to provide a suitable alternative to the use of coccidio-stats in feeds and is a recommended as more appropriate in an organic farming context. Potential problems from external parasites should be reduced through the provision of dust-bathing facilities. This has particular implications in terms of production and marketing costs, as well as the regulations which organic producers have to adhere to. Future expansion of the industry is likely to be constrained until more centralised facilities can be developed. However, the production base is very small, and significant expansion by one producer or a new entrant can lead to price volatility while the market stabilises.