Document type: scientific review published in World’s Poultry Science Journal
Authors: A., Singh M. K., Dash S. K., Malav O. P., Singh Y., Sharma A., P. Acharya S. K., Joshi Patel M. K.
Abstract in French (translation): Impact of broiler production on animal welfare the environment, and possible mitigation strategies: a review
The rapid growth of broilers intended for market has led to an increase in cases of metabolic diseases, skeletal disorders, and low immunity. Furthermore, high stocking densities in intensive farming systems further exacerbate animal welfare issues. In addition to these issues, intensive broiler chicken farming causes environmental pollution, particularly through the release of significant amounts of dust, greenhouse gases, and nutrient runoff, largely resulting from manure and feed production. Furthermore, inadequate waste management contributes to soil and water contamination as well as the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Animal welfare issues, combined with the environmental problems associated with intensive broiler chicken farming, compromise the sustainability of this farming method. This study examines the impacts of intensive broiler chicken production on bird welfare and related environmental issues, as well as corresponding mitigation strategies. Strategies to mitigate poultry welfare issues include genetic interventions such as marker-assisted selection for hardiness, a shift to slower-growing or native breeds, combined with regulatory and industry incentives, as well as smart management of rearing facilities. Mitigating related environmental issues involves strategies aimed at efficient digestion and improved gut microbiota composition, precision feeding, enzyme supplementation, and the use of alternative protein sources (e.g., insect meal, byproducts), which will improve nutrient absorption and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. The adoption of composting, biofiltration, smart ventilation, monitoring systems, and renewable energy can optimize resource use, minimize emissions, and promote animal welfare. Sustainable broiler production requires an integrated approach encompassing genetics, nutrition, and management to ensure animal welfare, responsible environmental stewardship, and economic viability.
Preview: Rapid growth rates in commercial broilers have led to increased occurrences of metabolic diseases, skeletal disorders, and poor immunity. In addition, high stocking density under the intensive rearing system further exacerbates welfare issues. Along with welfare issues, intensive broiler farming causes environmental pollution, such as the release of significant amounts of dust, greenhouse gases and nutrient runoff, largely from manure and feed production. Further, improper waste management contributes to soil and water contamination and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The welfare issues, along with environmental problems due to intensive broiler farming, compromise its sustainability. This work examines the impacts of intensive broiler production on birds’ welfare and the related environmental issues, along with their mitigation strategies. The mitigation strategies for the welfare issues of birds include genetic interventions like marker-assisted selection for robustness, a shift towards slower-growing or indigenous breeds, combined with regulatory and industry incentives, along with smart housing management. The mitigation of related environmental issues involves the strategies for efficient digestion and better gut microbiota composition, precision feeding, enzyme supplementation, and the use of alternative protein sources (e.g. insect meal, by-products), which will enhance nutrient absorption and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. Adoption of composting, biofiltration, smart ventilation, monitoring systems and renewable energy, can optimise resource use, minimise emissions, and support welfare. Sustainable broiler production demands an integrated approach encompassing genetics, nutrition, and management to ensure animal well-being, environmental stewardship, and economic viability.
