The right feed package is a major challenge At the Laverdonk experimental farm, Agrifirm is investigating the consequences of feeding broilers only using European raw materials. Europe is not self-sufficient in protein-containing raw materials. In the current situation protein is imported from the southern hemisphere, augmented by protein from the northern hemisphere in summer. Chain parties would like to develop a feed package incorporating a higher proportion of European raw materials. During nutritional optimisations it turned out not to be possible to achieve the optimum nutritional composition with the available range of raw materials. Not all amino acids could be supplemented to the desired level. The best alternative was then optimised and its effects were investigated on the growth and production of broilers.

Lower feed conversion, higher costs In the experiment the feed profit (chicken yield value minus animal and feed costs) turned out to be around 30 per cent lower, a reduction of € 0.22. The Manager of Agrifirm Innovation Centre Albert van der Belt describes this as the worst case scenario: “Naturally further optimisation could reduce the effect on the feed profit, but the effects on feed conversion and production would then still be very considerable.” The availability of raw materials is not a simple issue. Peter Boudeling, Director of Procurement, Production and Logistics with Agrifirm Feed: “Raw materials are indeed available for small products, but for substantial volumes greater proteincontent production needs to be implemented.”

Scaling up production By conducting tests and stimulating research into the possibilities of protein crops in Europe, Agrifirm wishes to become a discussion partner for chain parties. They are searching for models to take steps towards scaling up the use of European raw materials. Ruud Tijssens, Director of Corporate Affairs at Agrifirm: “Nothing is impossible but what is certainly clear is that it will be a major challenge to develop solid earning models for this – earning models making it attractive for the industry, and our livestock farmers, to take these steps.”