Research project Measuring current welfare trends in function of nitrogen emissions in broilers

General introduction

In the poultry industry, when slower growing broilers are kept (as an animal welfare improvement) and fed with reduced levels of energy and protein, there are no adverse effects on performance, welfare and health. That is a positive result (for animal welfare). However, both a change in stocking rate (30kg vs. 42kg/m²) and a change in breed (slower vs. conventional broilers) results in a siggnificant increase in ammonia emissions. This is negative for the environment. These are results from the OPTIWEL-EMIS project, which ended in 2024. The starting point was that poultry farmers are confronted with conflicting social demands in terms of animal welfare and the environment. This project looked at the possibilities of integrating emission reductions and animal welfare promotion into business operations. This required mapping the impacts of certain interventions.

Research approach

An effects matrix has been created using current knowledge on breeds, feeds, barn equipment. For two current animal welfare measures the effect was determined on total ammonia emission and and also on other aspects of farm management. The animal welfare measures are first, lowering the stocking density and second, keeping slower growing breeds.

Relevance/Valorization

It remains difficult to find an optimum that has beneficial effects for all. Optimal scoring for one requirement produces deterioration for another. In any case, the effects matrix is now a tool for poultry farmers and farm consultants to make integrated and knowledge-based management choices. This allows the farm manager to make more informed and strategically correct choices for certain barn measures or genetic traits of the animals.

Financing

Dept L&V, afdeling Monitoring en Studie