Trends and opportunities in organic poultry production

The global poultry industry has advanced significantly over the last several decades. Among the 11 known poultry species, chicken is considered the most popular as source of meat and eggs. The development of modern technologies on breeding and genetics, nutrition and feeding, disease prevention and control and management has resulted to broiler chickens that grow fast and convert feed efficiently and egg-type chickens that are able to lay almost an egg a day in one laying year. Nowadays, broiler meat and eggs are popular consumed all around the world and are very much available worldwide at relatively affordable prices. Research and development efforts are continuously being made for chickens to be more efficient and for their products to remain as cheap as possible. In recent years, serious concerns have been made on the manner by which chicken meat and eggs are produced particularly at the commercial level. These concerns are particularly focused on the use of harmful chemicals particularly in feeding and flock health management, and in the violations incurred against the welfare of the animals. As a consequence, the organic production movement was born which aims to provide the consuming public not only chicken meat and eggs that are healthier but also a system that will help in developing a holistic management approach towards the promotion and enhancement of the eco-system, health, biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. Currently, even in developed countries these products are just produced for a 'niche market' for products that conform to organic production standards. Organic production in the Philippines is still considered in its infancy stage. Though limited yet in scope, there are indications that it is fast gaining momentum. It is still considered a niche market, but has been estimated to be growing at the rate 10 to 20% annually. Organic products particularly those that are crop-based are penetrating the major supermarkets with price premium ranging from 20% to 50% over non-organic products. The Philippines has a great prospect for the production and marketing of organically produced chicken meat and eggs. Stocks to choose from include exotic free-range 'Sasso' and Kabir and the locally available native chicken genetic groups such as Paraoakan, Banaba, Bolinao, Camarines and Darag. These native-type chickens constitute about one-half of the total chicken population in the country and are already being raised following the requirements of organic production systems. In addition, they possess the characteristics that are required in an organic production system. Moreover, their products are preferred by consumers because of their distinct flavor, degree of leanness, and suitability to most oriental cooking recipes.