Global Poultry Feed Protein Sources: Trends, Challenges, and Sustainability Perspectives Using FAOSTAT Data

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Sustainability Studies

Background:

• The global poultry industry is expanding rapidly, increasing demand for protein feed sources.
• Conventional protein sources like soybean meal (SBM) and fishmeal face sustainability and supply chain challenges.
• This review addresses the need for alternative protein sources in poultry diets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review global trends in poultry feed protein sources.
• To evaluate the potential of alternative protein ingredients.
• To identify barriers and future research priorities for sustainable poultry feed.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines across Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed.
• Analysis of FAOSTAT production and trade data (2000-2024) for poultry and soybean.
• Qualitative synthesis of 57 peer-reviewed publications on alternative protein sources.

Main Results:

• Global chicken stocks and soybean production have significantly increased from 2000-2024.
• Alternative protein sources like black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), mealworms, and microalgae show potential to replace SBM and fishmeal.
• Challenges include regulatory issues, variable nutrition, anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), and scalability.

Conclusions:

• Diversified, locally sourced, and circular-economy protein ingredients are crucial for poultry industry sustainability.
• Policy harmonization, technological innovation, and consumer acceptance are key for adopting alternative proteins.
• Further research is needed to overcome barriers and ensure the long-term viability of alternative poultry feed sources.