The effect of pathogen-induced diseases on the carbon footprint of broiler chickens

This study investigates the impact of pathogen-induced diseases on broiler chickens' performance and carbon footprint (CF), focusing on infections caused by Eimeria spp. and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Included studies from a previous systematic literature review compared the performance of non-infected and infected broiler chickens, focusing on average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rate. Trials were categorized based on the age of the broiler chickens (finisher period or entire lifespan). The CF (kg CO₂ eq per kg body weight gain) was calculated using Opteinics™. Results indicate that infections with Eimeria spp. reduced mean ADG by 26.4 % (finisher period) or 20.4 % (entire lifespan) and increased mean FCR by 15.4 % (finisher period) or 19.5 % (entire lifespan), leading to 16.9 % (finisher period) or 30.9 % (entire lifespan) increase in the CF. E.coli infections resulted in 15.4 % (finisher period) or 8.1 % (entire lifespan) reduction in ADG and 11.5 % (finisher period) or 6.4 % (entire lifespan) increase in FCR, causing 28.7 % (finisher period) or 10.5 % (entire lifespan) increase in the CF. Scenario analyses for Germany suggest that preventing these infections could save up to 447 k metric tons of CO₂ equivalent for Eimeria spp. and up to 416 k metric tons of CO₂ equivalent for E. coli (annually). The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining animal health to reduce the environmental impact of broiler production. Effective management practices, including high hygiene standards and reasoned use of medical products, are crucial for preventing infections and improving the sustainability of poultry farming.