Poultry farming across the Middle East faces growing challenges, from heat stress and feed quality issues to disease outbreaks and access to nutritional and management expertise. But the potential of this region to grow and innovate is huge, backed by increased awareness of animal nutrition and access to local, fresh feed additives.
Senior Broiler Technical Support
UTRIX
Layer Technical and Nutrition Unit Head
UTRIX
Poultry meat and eggs are among the most popular and rapidly growing sources of animal protein worldwide, and the Middle East is no exception. Rising demand across the region is fueling increased production. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance, chicken meat production is projected to grow by 17% in 2025, driven by government support such as feed subsidies and investments in technology, according to recent USDA data. Consumption is also expected to rise by 6%, supported by population growth, higher consumer spending, and a booming tourism sector. Poultry farming is gaining momentum in several Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Oman. In these nations, the sector plays a vital role in job creation, food security, and local economic development.
A REGION FULL OF CHALLENGES
However, increasing production of broiler meat and number of eggs per hen is not simply a matter of adding more birds. Poultry farming across the Middle East faces a unique and complex set of challenges. For starters, part of the region has been marked by conflicts and crises for many years, which can lead to a lack of support and focus from the governments to the farmers, and trade and market disruptions. Furthermore, all feed materials must be imported, pushing up production costs and being reliant on suppliers. Next to price, there is quality. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Red Sea conflict have even increased the risks of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. With extended shipping times and prolonged storage becoming more common, increasing the risk of mycotoxin formation and nutrient degradation.
The housing systems used for layers and broilers also have an influence on the performance and health of the birds. In Lebanon for example, the layer industry consists of a lot of small to medium-sized farms that operate open-house systems. In these open-sided layer houses, high ambient temperatures are the primary factor contributing to reduced feed intake, as ammonia build-up can result in increased disease outbreaks. Most of the broiler production in countries like Lebanon is controlled by integrated, automated closed systems. Yet even these setups struggle with ventilation management during colder months, again leading to ammonia build-up and associated problems.
GETTING FEED QUALITY IN ORDER
As these obstacles are there, and maybe even intensify when we talk about heat stress for example, it is becoming increasingly clear that poultry farmers need tailored and effective support to increase egg quality, performance, broiler meat yield and quality, animal health and overall farm efficiency. At the same time, poultry farmers in this challenging region are resilient and eager to learn and grow their business. Powered by innovative, forward-looking companies like UTRIX, this mind-set is reshaping poultry management and nutrition across the region. According to the company, it is about awareness, building skills and knowledge and applying fresh and tailored animal diets.
Realizing the full genetic potential of broilers and layers in challenging regions start with getting the basic things in order first, such as feed quality and mycotoxin control. Analysis from the UTRIX Mycotoxin Laboratory (2022–2024) revealed that 37% of tested feed samples exceeded the regulatory limits for Deoxynivalenol, 34% for Fumonisins, and 22% each for Aflatoxins and Zearalenone. As mentioned earlier, this is often the result of long shipping times and prolonged storage of batches of feed ingredients at the ports (and warehouses). While alarming levels of mycotoxins are often seen, there is often a lack of regulation (maximum regulatory limits) and governmental support / laboratories to test feed on a regular basis. Also, large integrators are more often taking control themselves, visiting the field and harvest of the crops (in Romania for example for corn) and arrange the shipments themselves.
RISE IN FEED ADDITIVE AWARENESS
Also, the use of (specialty) feed additives and the awareness of them as a powerful tool for bird health is growing rapidly in the Middle East. Controlling diseases and production is still often done by using antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which are still allowed in some countries. In Lebanon for example, the decision to fully ban AGPs was postponed due to recent crises and disruptions in the region. Yet, consumer awareness around antibiotic use is growing, and several larger integrators have started shifting toward antibiotic-free production models, a trend expected to gather pace as regional export ambitions rise. By promoting the use of specialty feed additives, farmers increase bird resilience and reduce reliance on AGPs and make them better equipped to fight diseases.
While Avian Influenza is not a big issue in all countries in the Middle East, viral diseases such as Gumboro variant strains and Newcastle Disease are often present. When other problems coincide (such as heat stress or mycotoxins), the problems can accumulate, leading to even higher mortality levels and costs. Vaccines or good health management strategies and protocols from the government are often lacking. UTRIX is helping farmers with good biosecurity plans and solutions and delivers fresh premixes and feed additives (including mycotoxin binders), along with tailored advice and feed analysis services. In addition, precision formulation strategies are offered to their clients, such as balancing digestible amino acids, and incorporating cost-effective enzyme and emulsifier technologies. Also supplementing feed additives in the drinking water is in high demand for poultry farmers in MEA, as most small or medium-sized farmers typically lack the nutritional expertise required to formulate their own premixes and concentrates.
BUILDING RESILIENCE AND GROWTH
Despite facing significant hurdles, poultry farmers across the Middle East are showing resilience and adaptability and can overcome its challenges and unlock its full potential. And there is lots of room to grow. Even in countries where production has increased significantly over the last decades, the demand is still higher than the supply. The broiler meat sector in Lebanon, for instance, is currently only 65% self-sufficient. As a result, poultry carcasses are imported at a competitive price, making it harder for local producers to gain market access. Overcoming this challenge can only be achieved when farmers need clear regulatory frameworks, vaccines, and health strategies, more support for feed and product testing, and reliable access to nutritional expertise and feed additives.
At the same time, local knowledge is crucial to effectively address heat stress, as managing this challenge is key to improving bird health, wellbeing, productivity, and overall farm profitability. Notably, temperatures are already rising in parts of the region, with Lebanon experiencing summer-like conditions several months earlier than usual. This year, UTRIX will be rolling out specialized nutritional, health, and performance solutions across the regions they operate in, as well as expanding its portfolio of liquid feed additives designed for easy use via drinking water. With these specialized products entering the market, poultry farmers in the Middle East have more nutritional tools at their fingertips, allowing them to further strengthen their position, farm profitability and export position as a whole sector.
About Rony Makdessi
Rony Makdessi is Senior Broiler Technical Support at UTRIX, focused on delivering strategic support to optimize broiler performance and overall farm efficiency. He is committed to data-driven solutions, with a strong emphasis on animal health, welfare, and sustainable poultry practices. He brings practical field expertise to support modern, high-performing broiler production systems.About Danielle Ayyash
Danielle Ayyash is poultry specialist and Head of the Layer Technical and Nutrition Unit at UTRIX. She has strong expertise in animal nutrition, feed additives, and farm management, committed to delivering science-based solutions that enhance layer performance, sustainability, and innovation in the feed industry.
