Poultry impulse businesses – network meeting on the topic of "Alternative protein sources"
Online networking meeting on 31 May 2021
Alternative protein sources in the feeding of laying hens and broiler chickens are playing an increasingly important role, especially as food retailers are increasingly demanding GMO-free feed. For this reason, a network meeting of the Impulsbetriebe Geflügel (Poultry Impulse Companies) was held on precisely this topic. Webinars by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Bellof from the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences were viewed as preparation and scientific input. These focused on the use of grain legumes in conventional and organic poultry feed and the use of rapeseed extraction meal. Prof. Bellof has been researching these topics for several years and is an expert in the field. Among other things, he is chairman of the Animal Nutrition Committee of the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) e.V.
During the network meeting, Prof. Bellof was available to answer detailed questions. The group of pioneering farms discussed individual feed mixtures, but also general principles for the use of alternative protein feed in poultry feed. An optimal feed composition forms the basis for the health and performance of the animals and is therefore high on the list of priorities for all farm managers.
The low sulphur amino acid content of grain legumes can be compensated for by supplementing with methionine (conventional only) and combining with methionine-rich feed. A limiting factor for the use of oil cake is primarily the residual fat content. This should not exceed 10% if possible. In general, skilful combination is always required here. Rapeseed extraction meal is a possible combination with grain legumes. Limiting factors here are the low energy and lysine content and the comparatively low amino acid digestibility. According to Prof. Bellof, the aim should not be to find a perfect alternative protein source, but to combine the different sources we already have in a way that is appropriate and meets the specific needs of the herd. In this way, the use of domestic feed can be further increased.
Further information can be found in the free webinar videos: