FOR FARMERS has said it is now able to supply its Vitafocus range of organic layer feeds nationwide.
The firm said it had successfully implemented organic soya oil using dedicated holding tanks at its mills in Selby, Penrith and Portbury.
See also: Four appointments to For Farmers Poultry Team
Organic eggs are seen as a growth area for the category as supermarkets try to differentiate tiers of free-range production.
Consumers are also increasingly interested in organic foods as part of a broader trend towards foodstuffs that are perceived as more natural or healthy.
The new organic diet ranges include feed materials that support birds’ functional methionine requirements and methionine regeneration.
This frees up other sources of the amino acid for structural processes essential for increased productivity and egg size.
Structural fibre
Andrew Fothergill, national poultry advisor at For Farmers, said “In this diet, we can more easily meet energy requirements from oil supplementation and can fully exploit medium energy ingredients such as sunflower meal.
“This, as well as providing protein, is an excellent source of structural fibre. Which improves gizzard function and helps support intestinal health.”
The use of oil further improves the quality, consistency, flow through feeding systems, and palatability of the diet.
Shell quality
David Hilldrith, poultry sales director at For Farmers, added: “Most of the organic egg producers we work with have switched already, or are in the process of switching, to our new range.
“They have quickly noticed improvements in shell quality, superior feather cover and they’re seeing fewer seconds.
“Customers are also reporting greater feed intake, which means more nutrients available for egg production.”
For Farmers recently announced the addition of account manager James Girdler, who will predominantly focus on organic feeds.
