Integrating Free-Range Poultry with Ruminant and Agroforestry Production in a Systems Approach

Approach:
As part of a Southern Region SARE-funded project with the ARS units in Fayetteville and Booneville, the Kerr Center, Louisiana State University, Appalachian State University, National Center for Appropriate Technology, and farmer cooperators Little Portion and Dancing Springs Farms, research will be conducted to determine the impact of raising poultry with ruminants on animal and bird performance, livestock parasites, benefits to pasture and economics. Data collected will include animal and bird weight gain, nematode larvae on pasture, ruminant fecal egg counts, forage quality, pasture fertility, and costs associated with production. The impact of high protein forage (chicory/cowpea) and forage high in condensed tannins (sericea lespedeza) will also be determined on poultry performance, parasite control, feed savings and cost of production. Meat and egg product quality will be evaluated for nutrients and food safety. Consulting and on-farm implementation of research findings will be conducted by local farmers.