Reducing On-Farm Food Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
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more efficient than those for indigenous breeds (5 kg feed/kg meat). Much of the improvement
is due to the shorter time until full size is reached (5 to 7 weeks for modern breeds to reach 2.5
kg in size, versus 12 to 17 weeks for indigenous breeds) (Taha 2003). Egg production also has
been expanding rapidly, from less than 12 billion in 2010 to more than 16 billion in 2013
(FAOSTAT) and to over 17 billion in 2014 (TURKSTAT).
In Turkey, poultry meat production is about twice the production of red meat from cattle, sheep,
and goats (Durmus et al 2012). However, the consumption of frozen poultry meat is quite low
due to a lack of knowledge about these products. The results of the Durmus et al study in 2012
revealed an existing prejudice against frozen products and recommended that the consumers
be better informed.
The poultry industry has used the latest technology and has a strategical importance for
supplying animal protein in Turkey. Organic poultry was initiated without official legislation in
1985. In recent years, organic poultry production industry has become a popular alternative to
the conventional production of egg and meat as consumer awareness increases. According to
the data of 2013 published by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, there are 24
enterprises performing organic poultry farming in Turkey. The data 2013 published by the
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock and Turkish Statistical Institute (TSI) reports that
organic broiler and broiler meat productions have a 0.1% share while the organic laying hen’s
production and egg production have 0.3% and 0.6% share in the enterprises, respectively. That
amount is expected to increase because of the increasing consciousness of consumers regarding
health and lifestyle (Yenilmez and Uruk 2014).
3.7.2. Assessment of On-Farm Losses and Economic Burden
Estimated mortality rates for on-farm chickens range from 4-8% (Gustavsson 2011; SIK 2013).
Most mortality occurs in the first or last week of life in baby chicks. Mortality after about day 45
is most likely due to heart attacks, ascites and leg problems since these diseases generally
increase dramatically late in the life of the flock. Clearly death losses late in the flock can have
serious negative consequences on both feed conversion and pounds of sellable meat. These
problems can be reduced with proper feeding and lighting programs (Tabler et al 2004).
Immunization programs can help reduce losses fromdiseases, and proper management of space,
water, feed and light can help keep the birds healthy and reduce their susceptibility to illness.
Most Turkish poultry farms are “intensive” meaning they house the maximum number of birds
and are well managed, so for the purposes of this case study we can assume the mortality losses
will be on the lower end of the range (4%).
Newcastle disease is an infection of domestic poultry and other bird species with virulent
Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). It is a worldwide problem that presents primarily as an acute
respiratory disease, but depression, nervous manifestations, or diarrhea may be the