Silage feeding for organic laying hens: nutrient and behavioural benefits
Silage feeding enhances hen welfare and supports sustainable organic egg production
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Detail description
Feeding silage to organic laying hens supports natural foraging, reduces feather pecking, and improves self-sufficiency. High-protein silages like clover grass, alfalfa, hemp, horse beans, lupines, and sunflower enhance nutrient intake. Chemical analysis ensures quality. Recommended practices include fine chopping, proper fermentation, and avoiding anti-nutritional factors. Automated systems aid even distribution in large flocks. Silage composition should inform feed formulation when feeding over 20 g per hen daily. Published by OK-Net Ecofeed, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 2023, as part of EIP-AGRI and Horizon 2020 initiatives.
Contribution detail info
- Project
- Location
- Denmark
- Authors
- S. Steenfeldt
- Purpose
- Other, Implement best practices
- File type
- document
- Created on
- Apr 03, 2026
- Origin language
- English
- Official project website
- OK-Net EcoFeed
- License
- Other
- Keywords