Synthetic methionine in organic poultry production

Sept. 20, 2012, Washington, DC – The U.S. National Organic Program has published a final rule that extends the allowance of synthetic methionine in organic poultry production. The rule will allow, for laying and broiler chickens, 2 pounds per ton of feed, while turkets and other poultry can receive 3 pounds.

According to an article on Agri-Pulse, this rule addresses the second of a two-part recommendation by the National Organic Standards Board. Part one came into effect October 2010 and allowed producers to prepare for lower levels in feed.

The decision was made because “the National Organic Standards Board determined that while wholly natural substitute products exist, they are not presently available in sufficient supplies to meet poultry producer needs. Therefore, some allowance for synthetic methionine is necessary to comprise a nutritionally adequate diet for organic poultry.”

The ruling will come into effect on October 2, 2012.

For more on the rule change, please read the complete article on Agri-Pulse.