Processed animal proteins could reduce the environmental impact of chicken production, while microalgae may increase it.
Researchers found that diets containing meat and bone meal performed better overall than those using several other soy substitutes. Microalgae, despite its potential as a feed ingredient, increased greenhouse gas emissions and water use in their model.
The study, by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast and LGC and published in Poultry Science, combined a review of 102 broiler feeding studies with environmental modelling of selected ingredients in a UK production system.