asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that poultry and egg producers cannot now procure sufficient quantities of balanced poultry foods due to scarcity of meat and bone meal and fish meal; and, if so, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to ensure that these foodstuffs are made available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Foodstuffs.
I am aware that the output of balanced poultry foods is limited at present by a scarcity of animal protein supplements. Licences are being granted freely for the importation of fish meal and in recent months the quantity authorised to be imported is 630 tons. Importers are, however, experiencing difficulty in securing supplies of fish meal of suitable quality on the world market at reasonable prices.
As regards meat and bone meal every effort is being made to maximise home production and it is expected that the output will be substantially increased in the near future when it is hoped manufacture will start at two or three centres in Ireland. The question of the importation of meat and bone meal is being considered but in view of the risk of the introduction of animal disease the greatest care must be exercised in deciding whether the importation of particular consignments of this commodity may be permitted.
In the coming months the shortage of protein may be met by the use of separated milk, skim milk and buttermilk in the feeding of poultry.