ÁREA DE PASTO PARA AVES: como deve ser?

Summary

In this video, César presents an in-depth guide on creating an ideal pasture area for free-range poultry, focusing on both legal requirements and best practices for animal welfare. He discusses the importance of providing access to an external pasture area, with specific guidelines on bird age, density, and climatic conditions. Emphasizing natural behavior, César advises replicating sub-forest environments with trees, legumes, and grasses to ensure a healthy microclimate. Additionally, he highlights the value of integrating fruit trees and native species, offering opportunities for additional income through rural tourism and product sales.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ABNT NBR 2015 regulates the requirements for free-range chicken systems, including the necessity for access to an external pasture area for the birds.
• 😀 Chickens can stay in the barn for the first 30 days, as it is recommended for vaccination and better protection, before being released to the pasture.
• 😀 Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or extreme cold, can prevent chickens from accessing the pasture, keeping them in the barn instead.
• 😀 The birds should be allowed to access the pasture in the morning and be returned to the barn by the end of the day.
• 😀 For meat chickens, the recommended space is 15 square meters per bird, while for laying hens, the same density applies in the external area.
• 😀 Laying hens can be kept in the barn for their growing phase (up to 18 weeks) without access to the pasture, but free-range access is essential during their production phase.
• 😀 The pasture area should resemble a natural forest understory, as chickens are naturally from these environments and this helps promote their well-being.
• 😀 The pasture should include tree species that provide protection, create a microclimate, and offer shade and shelter for the chickens.
• 😀 Rotating pastures and introducing grass-legume combinations are recommended to maintain ecological balance and ensure optimal pasture conditions.
• 😀 A living fence (cerca viva) around the pasture helps protect the chickens from disease, pest control, and enhances the overall soil conditions.
• 😀 The introduction of fruit trees and native trees within the pasture area can create additional income opportunities, such as selling fruits or making homemade products like jams.

Q & A

What does the Brazilian standard (ABNT NBR 2015) say about the required external area for caipira chickens?

The ABNT NBR 2015 standard states that the chicken coop must have an external area, specifically a 'paddock,' where the birds can access. The standard also outlines that birds can stay in the coop for the first 30 days of life, and only after this period should they be allowed access to the outdoor pasture area, unless weather conditions prevent it.

Are there any weather conditions where chickens can stay inside the coop without access to the pasture?

Yes, the standard permits keeping the chickens inside the coop during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, extreme cold, or strong winds. In such cases, it is considered safer to prevent potential diseases by keeping the birds indoors.

What is the required density of chickens per square meter in the outdoor pasture?

The required density for caipira broiler chickens is 0.15 square meters per bird, which translates to two birds per square meter. This density applies both for broilers and for laying hens in the external pasture area.

What are the differences in the standards for caipira broiler chickens and laying hens in terms of outdoor access?

For laying hens, the 2016 standard allows them to stay in the coop during the rearing phase (up to 18 weeks) without mandatory access to the external pasture. However, for broilers, they must have access to the outdoor area after the first 30 days of life.

Why is it important to mimic the natural environment of chickens in pasture areas?

Chickens are originally from underbrush environments, so it is important to create an area that mimics this natural habitat. This allows the birds to express their natural behaviors and promotes their well-being, contributing to their health and productivity.

What role do trees play in the pasture area for chickens?

Trees in the pasture area play multiple roles: they protect chickens from aerial predators, provide shade that helps create a microclimate by absorbing excess heat, and help in maintaining the overall health and welfare of the birds, especially during hot weather.

What are the recommended ecological practices for pasture cultivation in caipira poultry systems?

The recommended ecological practices include crop rotation and intercropping. This involves planting different species of grasses and legumes in the pasture to maintain soil health, prevent degradation, and provide a more varied and nutritious diet for the chickens.

How does the concept of 'cerca viva' (living fence) contribute to the pasture area?

The 'cerca viva' (living fence) is a physical barrier made of appropriate plant species that serves several purposes: it helps protect the pasture area from diseases, reduces soil degradation, and can even supplement the chickens' diet by providing them with additional forage, reducing the need for supplementary feed.

What tree species are recommended for creating a sub-bosque (underbrush) environment in the pasture?

Recommended tree species for creating a sub-bosque include fruit-bearing trees like acerola, pitanga, and amora (blackberry), as well as native trees such as gliricidia and moringa. These trees help create a more natural environment, support biodiversity, and provide additional food sources for the chickens.

Can the pasture area also serve as a source of income for the farm?

Yes, the pasture area can serve as a source of income through agro-tourism. Farmers can invite visitors to learn about their poultry system, highlighting the benefits of natural and sustainable farming. Additionally, products such as jams, compotes, and other fruit-based items from the pasture area can be sold to generate revenue.