Advancing poultry sustainability and performance

Global poultry production has reached an inflection point. As the demand for animal protein rises, so does scrutiny on its environmental toll. Feed production accounts for a large portion of a broiler’s total carbon footprint and contributes significantly to land use change, both critical indicators in life cycle assessments.

The animal nutrition industry is under increasing pressure to enhance sustainability while maintaining—or improving—productivity and profitability. Within poultry production, feed represents the largest contributor to environmental impact, making nutritional efficiency a key lever for sustainable innovation. This article explores the role of LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND (LEX)—a synergistic blend of lysolecithin, synthetic emulsifiers, and monoglycerides—as a precision tool to optimize feed conversion, boost broiler growth performance, reduce environmental footprint, and enhance economic return. Based on data from a 42-day broiler trial and supported by life cycle analysis (LCA), we show how LEX supplementation offers a compelling solution for producers navigating today’s cost, climate, and market challenges.

RETHINKING NUTRITIONAL EFFICIENCY IN POULTRY
Global poultry production has reached an inflection point. As the demand for animal protein rises, so does scrutiny on its environmental toll. Feed production accounts for a large portion of a broiler’s total carbon footprint and contributes significantly to land use change (LUC), both critical indicators in life cycle assessments.

While genetic selection and management practices have improved productivity, optimizing nutrient utilization through targeted feed additives offers one of the highest returns—both economically and environmentally. LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND, developed by Kemin, is at the forefront of this nutritional evolution.

1. Superior Fat Utilization from Day One
Young broilers possess immature digestive systems, limiting their ability to absorb dietary fats—one of the most crucial and costly sources of energy in modern feed formulations. LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND enhances fat digestion via a triple mechanism: emulsification, enzymatic hydrolysis and micelle formation as well as nutrient absorption.

In a recent trial with 1,248 Ross 308 broilers over 42 days, LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND supplementation increased average body weight gain by 2.4% to 6.5% compared to non-supplemented birds. Importantly, these improvements were consistent across both normal-energy and low-energy diets, proving that LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND can unlock performance even under nutritional constraints (Table 1).

Such enhancements in energy uptake not only improve growth but reduce the excretion of undigested nutrients—thereby mitigating environmental nitrogen and phosphorus loads.

2. A Multi-Component Formulation for Multi-Dimensional Gains
Unlike traditional lysolecithin-only products, LEX combines three active components:
• Lysolecithin – facilitates fat emulsification, hydrolysis and nutrient absorption,
• Synthetic emulsifiers – improve fat emulsification,
• Monoglycerides – supports small mixed micelle formation.

This advanced formulation acts synergistically, improving not just lipid metabolism, but also aiding other nutrient absorption such as amino acids and intestinal morphology. This leads to better feed efficiency and a healthier gut environment—both of which are increasingly valued in antibiotic-free and welfare-focused production systems.

3. Stronger Margins with Improved IOFC
With volatile raw material prices, producers must do more with less. Improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and income over feed cost (IOFC) are non-negotiables.

In the same broiler trial, LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND supplementation improved FCR by up to 3.3% in normal-energy diets and up to 1.8% in low-energy diets. The financial impact was clear: IOFC improved by €87 to €169 per 1,000 birds, depending on energy level and product form (liquid or dry) using the normal energy control as benchmark.

These economic benefits were achieved without altering feed composition—making LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND an easy-to-implement upgrade for existing formulations.

4. A Tangible Boost to Sustainability Metrics
Environmental metrics such as carbon footprint (CFP) and land use change (LUC) are rapidly becoming performance benchmarks, not only for regulatory compliance but also for market positioning (Table 2).

Using life cycle analysis (LCA) data based on ingredient profiles:
• Carbon footprint reductions reached up to 0.29 kg CO_₂ eq/kg live weight.
• Land use change was cut by up to 19.8 Pt/kg live weight.
These improvements were observed across both energy levels, highlighting LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND’s ability to increase efficiency without requiring feed formulation changes. In essence, producers can maintain the same raw material base while making measurable strides in sustainability.

In a future shaped by environmental regulation, ESG targets, and eco-conscious consumers, such reductions offer a powerful differentiator.

5. Flexibility to Navigate a Changing Industry
From fluctuating ingredient availability and price volatility to regulatory restrictions and shifting market expectations, the poultry sector operates in a state of constant flux. LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND was designed with this complexity in mind.

Its robust performance across varying feed qualities and energy densities makes it a strategic tool—capable of safeguarding production outcomes during raw material shortages or sustainability transitions. LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND can even serve as a “nutritional buffer,” maintaining bird performance when diets are downgraded to cut costs or comply with new sourcing rules.

This built-in flexibility makes LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND particularly valuable in emerging markets or regions with inconsistent ingredient quality.

MORE THAN A BIO EMULSIFIER — A STRATEGIC NUTRITION TOOL
The data is clear: LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND drives growth, boosts profitability, and significantly improves sustainability metrics. But beyond numbers, its true value lies in the flexibility and peace of mind it brings to nutritionists and producers alike.

By improving nutrient utilization, LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND supports more sustainable poultry systems—ones that produce more with fewer resources and a lower environmental impact. Whether the goal is premium performance, feed cost efficiency, or carbon reduction, LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND delivers across all fronts.

For poultry professionals seeking a science-backed, future-ready solution, LYSOFORTE^® EXTEND represents not just a product, but a pathway toward more responsible and resilient broiler production.

Reference
1. Gonzalez-Sanchez, D., et al. “Advancing Sustainable Broiler Production: The Value of a Lysolecithin-Based Nutrient Absorption Enhancer.” Internal Report SA-23-25441, TL-22-20449, AB-25-3361