A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA). If you require further information, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 5pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAF website: www.ontario.ca/omaf and/or the MRA website: www.ontario.ca/mra
FREE CHOICE FEEDING FOR FREE RANGE MEAT CHICKENS
The results of a recent research project support the idea of using a free-choice feeding system as an alternative way to provide feed for meat chickens raised in production systems that include access to the outdoors.
The most common type of feed used in commercial poultry production is a formulated complete feed usually presented to the birds in a pellet or crumble form, or formulated, mixed and fed in a meal form. It is believed that this complete feed will provide the birds with a better balance of ingredients containing energy, protein, vitamins and minerals, which optimize bird health and performance. In addition, formulated complete feeds make feeding poultry less complicated and easier to manage in automated feeding systems.
However, for poultry that is raised in a free range system with regular access to the outdoors, free choice feeding may offer some advantages and should be considered as a viable option.
Free choice feeding is a method that offers birds separate feedstuffs such as: grains, protein concentrates, and natural vitamin and mineral sources. From these they can self-select a diet suited to their needs which can vary in response to environmental and physiological conditions. Free range birds will often encounter a greater range of environmental requirements than those in confinement. It has been suggested that chickens do not chose diets to maximize growth and efficiency; but self-formulate to enhance their their environmental well-being and long-term survival benefits.
DE-CODING THE NEW NATIONAL BEEF CODE OF PRACTICE , CHAPTER ONE: ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
The National Code of Practice for the Canadian Beef Industry is new. The first chapter of the new code looks at animal environment, followed by feed and water, animal health, animal husbandry, transportation, and euthanasia. This is a logical progression for explaining the industry practices to the consuming public.
Some producers have been scared off by comments about the code such as: “it’s a 60 page book!” However, if you look at the code, the summary of the six chapters and producer requirements, it fits on six pages. The rest is made up of an easy-to-read layout with producer requirements highlighted in yellow boxes, a glossary, a list of industry contacts, and some recommended best management practices.
REGISTER FOR BEEF SENSE
This 4-H Ontario conference is for youth ages 18 to 25. Find out from some top farmers what it takes to run a successful beef operation. Gain an advantage by learning the importance of beef business management and how it can lead to increased profits. By touring top beef farms in Ontario, participants will see successful management systems in action. They will network with young beef farmers and industry leaders to learn the key elements of a succession plan. The number of participants for this conference is limited to 40, and it is co-managed with the Beef Farmers of Ontario.
The registration deadline is July 3 and the event will be August 7 to 9 at Trent University in Peterborough. The cost to attend is $125 per person + HST. This includes accommodations, meals, tour travel and resource materials. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.
FEDDEV ONTARIO FUNDING PROGRAMS
FedDev Ontario was launched in 2009 as part of the Government of Canada’s plan to work with provincial communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to promote and build a foundation of partnerships and relationships to secure long-term prosperity.
In the 2013 federal budget, FedDev Ontario was renewed, providing new opportunities to create and grow. Today, the agency continues to deliver programs that strengthen the economy and position the region to compete globally.
COMING EVENTS:
May 20 & 27: Waterloo & Dufferin, growing your farm profits two-day workshop. Register online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org or contact: Lois Sinclair, 519-955-3139 or email lsinclair@ontariosoilcrop.org.
June 5 & 12: Wellington & Perth, environmental farm plan two-day workshop. Register online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org. or contact: Lois Sinclair.
June 17 & 24: Waterloo & Dufferin, environmental farm plan two-day workshop. Register online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org or contact Lois Sinclair.
