The publication about phosphate is a collaboration between Wageningen UR and ForFarmers, in order to acquire an insight into young laying hens’ need for phosphorus in their transition from the rearing to the laying phase. The research showed there is plenty of room for improving the phosphorus utilisation, but it’s not yet clear what long-term effect this will have on the birds. This research forms part of a large project in which ForFarmers wants to better understand the laying hens’ phosphorus needs, in order to fine-tune the levels in the feed and to subsequently improve efficiency.
The publication about protein describes a test carried out in the ForFarmers broilers test stable. The aim is to reduce the protein content in the feed for broilers, allowing for the improvement of nitrogen efficiency and a reduction in emissions. This test was carried out within the scope of the Feed4Food programme and the research shows it’s perfectly possible for steps to be taken here, but in practice this doesn’t yet happen, as synthetic amino acids are either very expensive or not fully permitted. The follow-up research will look at the broilers’ exact needs where amino acids are concerned, making sure the results from this research can be translated into practice more effectively.