Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Apple Hens - Laying Hens in Biodynamic Orchards (Network: Austria | BOKU)

Apple Hens - Laying Hens in Biodynamic Orchards (Network: Austria | BOKU)

After years of specialization, the reintegration of livestock into apple (or other fruit) orchards is a challenge. The following steps for the best how-to-get-started can be recommended based on the Apple Hen experience of recent years:  
- Be aware of regulatory constraints (guidelines marketing channels (e.g. direct application of manure in orchards), regulatory guidelines (e.g. number of hens which is considered as threshold for “commercial egg production”)
- Provide an animal friendly mobile stable (examples in the Apple Hen handbook), the size of the barn should be adapted to the number of hens, available manpower, marketing opportunities and own consumption of eggs.
- Feed costs have a major impact on profit - consider the unfortunately often contradictory aspects of cost-effective feed and covering nutritional requirements at the same time. Make sure that the feed has a suitable structure and size in addition to adequate ingredients, depending on the type of laying hen (pullets, spent laying hens). Take care not to overstress spent laying hens: Hens are creatures of habit - after buying in, make sure the feed and drinkers are similar to those on the original farm!
- Design attractive egg cartons
- Take advantage of local training courses on organic poultry farming to get a trained eye for the needs of the laying hens.

After years of specialization, the reintegration of livestock into apple (or other fruit) orchards is a challenge. The following steps for the best how-to-get-started can be recommended based on the Apple Hen experience of recent years:  
- Be aware of regulatory constraints (guidelines marketing channels (e.g. direct application of manure in orchards), regulatory guidelines (e.g. number of hens which is considered as threshold for “commercial egg production”)
- Provide an animal friendly mobile stable (examples in the Apple Hen handbook), the size of the barn should be adapted to the number of hens, available manpower, marketing opportunities and own consumption of eggs.
- Feed costs have a major impact on profit - consider the unfortunately often contradictory aspects of cost-effective feed and covering nutritional requirements at the same time. Make sure that the feed has a suitable structure and size in addition to adequate ingredients, depending on the type of laying hen (pullets, spent laying hens). Take care not to overstress spent laying hens: Hens are creatures of habit - after buying in, make sure the feed and drinkers are similar to those on the original farm!
- Design attractive egg cartons
- Take advantage of local training courses on organic poultry farming to get a trained eye for the needs of the laying hens.

Source Project
MIXED - Multi-actor and transdisciplinary development of efficient and resilient MIXED farming and agroforestry systems
Ongoing | 2020-2025
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark
Project details

Project Keywords