ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2025 Environmental impact From these improvements seen in the meta-analysis results in broiler production, Salami et al. (2024) went on to calculate the effects these improvements would have on the carbon footprint when supplementing with MRF (Figure 2). CONCLUSIONS In broiler production, economic and environmental sustainability are closely linked, meaning that feeding technologies that improve performance can deliver sustainability benefits that align with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. With gut health being key for the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients, it is vital to support and maintain gut health to achieve optimal growth and development of chickens, which can be achieved through the supplementation of the diet with MRF. The results from the above-mentioned meta-analysis demonstrate improved performance parameters with MRF. The LCA then showed that the supplementation of MRF can enhance broiler performance, improve profitability, reduce carbon footprint, and meet sustainability goals. With correct supplementation, more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable feeds can be produced, resulting in a greater return on investment and a lower carbon footprint. References are available upon request. About Dr. Harriet Walker Dr. Harriet Walker is the poultry specialist for the Alltech Technology Group. Within this role she provides technical support to the sales force and supports and interprets poultry research activities, focusing on providing solutions to optimize animal performance and efficiency. Before taking this role, Walker worked in the industry as a poultry nutritionist, developing a solid nutritional and technical knowledge base. She has extensive experience in bird nutrition and management over various farm sizes and poultry types. Harriet Walker completed her Ph.D. at Nottingham Trent University in 2013, evaluating the gut health and performance of broilers when feeding supplements to reduce antibiotic use, elucidating their mode of action. She also studied animal science at the University of Nottingham, where she completed her third-year dissertation in poultry nutrition in 2009. Feeding MRF lowered the environmental impact by reducing feed and total emission intensities. Reduction in feed intake. CO2e CO2e fewer cars on the road per year for every 1000T of broiler carcass. house’s use of electricity intercontinental return flights Feeding MRF translate to: Reduced Feed This is equivalent to: This reduction in carbon footprint is due to lower mortality and improved growth rate with a resulting decrease in days to slaughter. Reduced Carbon Footprint Reduction in emission intensity per total carcass produced. 2.4% -80T 52 54 93 2.1% Figure 2
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