Measuring current welfare trends in function of nitrogen emissions in broilers

Main research question/goal

Poultry farmers feel that different societal demands such as improved animal welfare or lower environmental impact, sometimes push them towards conflicting recommendations. This project looks at the ambitions around emission reductions as well as around animal welfare, and integrates the related farm interventions. The goal is to better understand the impact certain housing measures or genetics on all the goals that a poultry farm has either identified or aims for. 

Research approach

An effects matrix is drawn up based on current knowledge (breed, feed, housing, etc.) to use an integrated approach to determine the impact of two current welfare trends (reducing the stocking density and keeping slower-growing varieties) on ammonia emissions and other aspects of farm operational management.

Relevance/Valorisation

Information that is currently missing in the debate on the new welfare measures is collected in the short term, specifically the effect of a reduced occupation rate and the effect of the slower growing variety on ammonia emissions. The impact on related farm operations is identified. The effects matrix serves as a tool for poultry farmers and farm advisers to make integrated and substantiated management choices.

Funding provider(s)
Dept L&V, afdeling Monitoring en Studie

External partner(s)
Boerenbond
Landsbond
Proefbedrijf Pluimveehouderij