Nutritional, Microbial and Environmental Perspectives in Sustainable Broiler Production

Abstract

The aim of this review is to describe nutrition strategies that may help to meet the ever-increasing global demand for chicken meat in a sustainable manner. This may include decreased reliance on imported feedstuffs through replacement of imported protein (e.g., soybean meal) with locally available alternatives such as canola or grain legumes, as well as a reduction in crude protein content in feeds through a precision use of amino acids and enzymatic supplements. Challenges, opportunities and research needs associated with alternative feed ingredients are illustrated, and potential risks or benefits to the health of birds, consumers and their environment are discussed. It is concluded that the long-term sustainability of chicken meat requires a multifactorial approach that relies on improved feed formulation practices based on use of local ingredients, reduced crude protein, optimizing feed processing (e.g., particle size), and use of feed additives (e.g., enzymes, synthetic amino acids, pre- and pro-biotics) whilst considering their impact on efficiency of production as well as animal, human and environmental health.