Importance of feed efficiency for sustainable intensification of chicken meat production: implications and role for amino acids, feed enzymes and organic trace minerals

Abstract

Broiler chicken production is expected to increase significantly in the next decades to satisfy the poultry meat demand of a growing world population. In this scenario, one of the most important challenges for the poultry industry is to enhance bird productivity while remaining economically and environmentally sustainable. Feeding represents the major cost in raising of broiler chickens and has important implications for environmental impact, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, improving broiler capacity in converting ingested feed into body growth, which is generally referred to as feed efficiency (often expressed through the feed conversion ratio), is fundamental to promoting a sustainable intensification of poultry production. In this review, we highlight the importance of feed efficiency improvements in terms of overall sustainability for the broiler chicken production chain. Furthermore, the potential of feed additive-based nutritional strategies, such as the dietary administration of crystalline amino acids, proteases, phytases and organic minerals, is critically discussed in the light of their role in supporting the sustainable intensification of this crucial livestock sector.

The effect of acidifier supplementation on egg production performance and intestinal histology of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

“…High production and efficient feed conversion are the demand of the modern poultry industry, which can be achieved by using specific feed additives (Zampiga et al., 2021 ). Antibiotics as growth promoters have long been supplemented with poultry feed to stabilize the intestinal microbial flora, improve the general performance, and prevent specific intestinal pathogens (Khan & Iqbal, 2016 ).…”

Comparative analysis of the characteristics of digestive organs in broiler chickens with different feed efficiencies

“…As an important source of animal protein, chicken meat is the most popular meat product in the world. Chicken meat accounted for greater than 89% of world poultry production ( Zampiga et al, 2021 ), and it is predicted that the yield of poultry meat production will account for half of future meat product growth from 2021 to 2030 ( OECD-FAO, 2022 ). However, the increasing demand for meat products imposes an increasing burden on limited land and cereal feed resources ( Vgsholm et al, 2020 ).…”

“…However, the increasing demand for meat products imposes an increasing burden on limited land and cereal feed resources ( Vgsholm et al, 2020 ). The cost of feed accounts for more than 60% of the total cost of modern broiler production; and fluctuates, which makes it difficult to predict profits ( Sell-Kubiak et al, 2017 ; Zampiga et al, 2021 ). Therefore, improving feed efficiency can save natural resources and reduce production costs.…”

Genome-Wide Association Study of Feed Efficiency Related Traits in Ducks

“…In addition, other reports on turkey suggested the genetic correlation between DFI and RFI was 0.62 [ 13 ]. Hence, RFI is an effective indicator of feed utilization efficiency in livestock and poultry [ 6 , 7 , 14 , 15 ], thereby representing a valuable tool for genetic improvement of energy metabolism in non-fast-growing livestock and poultry populations.…”

“…Advances in diet formulations have significantly improved the FE for poultry production [ 14 ]. However, with increasing feed costs, further improvement by genetic and breeding strategies has become a particularly important aspect in the past decades.…”