Ekologisk och småskalig uppfödning av slaktkyckling och kalkon i Sverige
In Sweden in January 2005, there is only one producer of organic broilers and
none of organic turkeys. But there are, on the other hand, a few small-scale
producers whose housing systems to some extent are similar to what is stipulated
in the organic standards. The aims of this work are to investigate what housing
systems are used by the Swedish small-scale producers of broilers and turkeys,
what main challenges they are confronted with and if there is an interest and a
possibility for a change-over to organic production.
For the first part of this work a literature study was performed with the
purpose of detecting the main health problems in conventional as well as smallscale
production. A special focus was on coccidiosis and leg weakness as those
were considered to be of particular importance.
A study was made of Swedish small-scale poultry production units. In two
groups of broilers from the same producer and in three flocks of turkeys the level
of Eimeria oocysts in faeces and litter was investigated. In two of the turkey
flocks oocysts were detected but at a level that did not signify any immediate risk
of an outbreak of clinical coccidiosis. In the two groups of broilers the number of
oocysts were greater but still at a level that indicates a naturally acquired
immunity. With regard to the small number of samples it is hard to draw any
conclusions from the results but with account taken to other studies vaccination
seems an alternative to control coccidial infections, particularly in larger flocks.
Interviews were made with seven Swedish small-scale producers of broilers
and turkeys. The interviews showed that animal health, in accordance with the
producers? views, generally is good but with a distinct disparity regarding
mortality. The contact with authorities was considered a problem, as was the lack
of experienced people to consult when getting into different kinds of difficulties.
In order to make the contacts with authorities and politicians easier and the
marketing towards the consumers more effective, a more organised collaboration
between the small-scale producers are proposed in this work.
A majority of the interviewed producers expressed an interest in organic
farming but none of them believed in a change-over in the immediate future. This
was mainly due to the fact that no ecological broiler or turkey feed for the
moment is available in Sweden and a concern about the additional costs that
ecological production will bring. It is concluded that if ecological poultry meat
production is a major ambition of Swedish politicians as well as consumers there
must be some guidance on starting ecological production and an ability of
financial support.