§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recycling of poultry manure as cattle or fish food.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerPoultry manure is not likely to be a worthwhile source of fish feed in this country, but over the last 15 years there has been interest in its potential nutrition value as a feed for ruminants. Tests have shown promising results in terms of growth and economic return and no detectable difference in carcase quality or meat flavour. Care in treatment is essential in order to avoid health risks, but when properly carried out both drying and ensiling seem effective in reducing the risk of passing on harmful organisms to a level no greater than that involved in using traditional feedstuffs.
The results of tests and monitoring exercises by my agricultural development and advisory service are available to farmers contemplating the use of this material.