The global poultry industry has grown a lot in the last decade. The U.S. chicken industry has seen a 21% increase in production by weight. This growth is key to solving the global food security problem.
The world’s population is expected to hit 9.7 billion by 2050. Making food more accessible and available is now a major focus for leaders. They aim to meet the needs of a growing population.
Smallholder poultry, including broiler chickens, is crucial in the fight against hunger and poverty. These animals provide nutrient-rich food. They help improve incomes and food security, especially in poor rural areas.
By making these households more resilient to price changes and market ups and downs, the broiler chicken industry can help a lot. It can support the achievement of important goals like Zero Hunger, Decent Work, and Responsible Consumption.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. chicken industry has increased production by 21% over the past 10 years, highlighting the industry’s growth and potential to address global food security.
- Smallholder poultry production, including broiler chickens, plays a vital role in improving household incomes and enhancing food and nutritional security for resource-poor communities.
- Strengthening the resilience of resource-poor households to price shocks and market fluctuations can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal #2: Zero Hunger.
- The broiler chicken industry’s focus on sustainable development goals, such as responsible consumption and production, can help address global food security challenges.
- Enhancing the production and productivity of smallholder poultry systems can be a key strategy in reducing poverty and improving food security among resource-poor households.
Introduction to Broiler Chicken Production
Poultry production, including broiler chickens, is key in smallholder agriculture in the developing world. It helps both rural and urban families. In 24 developing countries, poultry is the main livestock kept by smallholder farmers.
Lower-income and lower-middle-income households own more poultry. This is especially true in Latin America, the Caribbean, and East Asia. But, in Sub-Saharan Africa, fewer households keep poultry.
Scope and Status of Smallholder Poultry Production
Smallholder poultry production boosts household income. It comes from selling eggs, meat, live chickens, and manure. It also provides high-quality protein to many households.
Broiler chickens and other poultry have deep social and cultural value. They are used in religious ceremonies, festivals, and as gifts.
Economic and Social Contributions
The broiler industry has a lower carbon footprint than other animal production. Yet, it still emits a lot of greenhouse gases. Most emissions come from meat processing, manure storage, feed production, and farm energy use.
Smallholder poultry production helps reduce poverty. It increases income for poor households, especially in developing countries. To improve, it needs better technology in genetics, feed, health services, and housing.
| Livestock Species | Percentage of Households Keeping |
|---|---|
| Poultry | 55% (low-income countries), 68% (lower-middle-income countries) |
| Cattle | 50% (low-income countries) |
| Goats | 42% (low-income countries) |
“Poultry production, particularly broiler production, is expected to address the critical shortage in animal protein required by Africa.”
Trends in Global Food Prices
Over the last 30 years, global food prices have gone up. This includes the cost of meat and dairy. In 2021, food prices were 27.6 points higher than in 2020. This increase makes food less accessible and affects household food security.
Rising Food Prices and Household Food Security
The growth in broiler chicken production has slowed down. This slowdown happened after the mid-1990s. It has led to less investment in new housing and infrastructure.
This has pushed up food price trends, including meat and dairy prices. It makes food security a big challenge for many households.
| Indicator | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Poultry Market Growth | 4.1% | – | – | – |
| U.S. Broiler Production (million metric tons) | 20,408 | 20,446 | – | – |
| U.S. Broiler Exports (million metric tons) | 3,349 | 3,323 | – | – |
| U.S. Per Capita Broiler Consumption | – | 0.3% increase | – | – |
The data shows a slowdown in broiler production. This could affect food price trends and household food security. It’s important to find ways to lower meat and dairy prices for better food security for everyone.
The Impact of Broiler Chickens on Global Food Security Over the Decades
Broiler chickens have been key in improving global food security. They offer a reliable and affordable protein source. This has helped improve nutrition for poor households, especially women and children.
The income from selling broiler chickens and eggs has also helped reduce poverty. It has made food more secure for smallholder farming families.
A study shows a growing interest in village chicken production and food security. The United States led with 16 publications on this topic. This shows its big role in research.
The world’s population is set to hit ten billion by 2050, increasing food demand by 50%. Yet, 820 million people lack food, and 2 billion have micronutrient deficiencies. In this scenario, broiler chickens are vital for solving food security and nutrition issues. They help reduce poverty in poor communities.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Individuals Struggling to Get Enough Food (2012-2014) | 805 million |
| Increase in Hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa (1990-1992 to 2012-2014) | 176 million to 214 million |
| Top Article Citations for Global Academic Influence | 509 |
Broiler chickens are rich in iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc, and riboflavin. These nutrients are often scarce in poor areas. Village chicken production also helps families earn income, especially women and children. This boosts food security and poverty reduction in these communities.
“Broiler chickens have emerged as a crucial component in addressing global food security and nutrition challenges, particularly for poverty reduction in vulnerable communities.”
Role of Smallholder Poultry in Poverty Reduction
Smallholder poultry, like broiler chickens, is key for poor families in developing countries. It helps them earn money to pay for school and medical bills. Also, eating chicken and eggs boosts the health of family members, especially women and kids.
Income Generation and Nutritional Benefits
Keeping poultry helps women in smallholder families earn more. In Zambia, over 80 percent of households have chickens. Poultry is important in farming and social life in these areas.
Income from poultry is vital in areas with food shortages. In sub-Saharan Africa, almost 25 percent of people were hungry in 2017. Over 257 million people in Africa lack enough food.
| Region | Percentage of Undernourished Population |
|---|---|
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Nearly 25% |
| Africa | Over 20% |
| Asia | More than 50% |
Smallholder poultry helps fight poverty and hunger in these areas. It provides steady income and nutritious food.
“Poultry play a significant role in maintaining social networks and ritual life in smallholder societies.”
Challenges Posed by COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the poultry industry hard. Lockdowns and labor shortages have made it tough to produce, process, and distribute broiler chickens. This has made it harder for people who rely on small poultry farms to get food.
Disruptions in Poultry Supply Chain
The pandemic has really messed up the poultry supply chain. Chicken plants have closed due to outbreaks, cutting down production. New COVID-19 variants have made things even worse, reducing demand.
Workers in these plants face a tough environment. They are close together, in cold, humid places. Many can’t afford to take sick leave because of low pay.
Egg prices have gone up because of lockdowns, adding to the problem. The global poultry trade is also feeling the strain, with more disruptions expected.
We need better plans to fight the virus in crowded places like poultry farms. Making vaccines and treatments takes time. Until then, we must raise awareness and cut back on trade to protect the poultry supply chain and food security.
Environmental Impact of Intensive Broiler Farming
The growth of intensive broiler farming has raised big concerns about its environmental impact. Big broiler farms use a lot of water and feed, and they have trouble managing waste. They also release greenhouse gases. It’s important to make broiler farming more sustainable for the future.
Research shows that intensive broiler farming has a big environmental impact. A study by Lovatto et al. (2005) found that nitrogen and phosphorus intake and excretion in Brazilian pig farming ranged from 2348 to 2354. Basset-Mens et al. (2005) did an environmental assessment on pig farms in France, showing values between 127 and 144 for their scenarios.
Greenhouse gas emissions from broiler farms are also a big worry. Liang et al. (2007) did a Life Cycle Assessment and found that global warming emissions from pig production were between 178 and 183. Halberg et al. (2010) looked at the impact of organic pig production on CO2 emissions, C sequestration, and nitrate pollution, finding values around 721 to 731.
To tackle these environmental issues, the industry is trying different solutions. They are using local protein sources in feed, renewable energy, and making the most of every part of the chicken. But, the need for more land to meet higher animal welfare standards, like the European Chicken Commitment (ECC), is a big concern for the future.
| Study | Findings |
|---|---|
| Lovatto et al. (2005) | Nitrogen and phosphorus intake, retention, and excretion in Brazilian pig farming: 2348 – 2354 |
| Basset-Mens et al. (2005) | Environmental assessment on pig production systems in France: 127 – 144 |
| Liang et al. (2007) | Global warming emissions associated with a pig production system: 178 – 183 |
| Halberg et al. (2010) | Impact of organic pig production on CO2 emissions, C sequestration, and nitrate pollution: 721 – 731 |
The industry is still looking for ways to make intensive broiler farming more environmentally sustainable. But, the challenges are big. Finding a balance between food security and protecting the environment is a tough task. It needs a team effort from everyone involved.
Genetic Improvements in Broiler Chickens
In the last century, broiler chickens have seen big changes in their genetics. This has made them more productive and sustainable. The move from dual-purpose chickens to meat-focused came from lots of genetic research and breeding. These changes have led to faster growth, better feed use, and more meat, making chicken cheaper and more available for everyone.
But, there’s a problem with the lack of genetic diversity in these chickens. This could affect their long-term health. Still, breeding has also helped the environment. New genetic changes could make the industry less harmful to the planet.
| Genetic Improvement | Impact |
|---|---|
| Growth and Efficiency | Data comparing chickens from 1957, 1978, and 2005 show significant advancements in growth, efficiency, and yield (Zuidhof et al., 2014). |
| Feed Conversion | Selection for feed efficiency has resulted in changes in appetite and overall feed utilization (Siegel & Wisman, 1966). |
| Meat Quality | Research has focused on addressing issues like white striping and woody breast myopathies in fast-growing broiler chickens (Petracci et al., 2015; Kuttappan et al., 2016). |
Genetic changes have made broilers more productive. But, they’ve also raised worries about animal welfare. People are starting to care more about how chickens are treated and the impact of fast breeding. Finding a balance between sustainable production and animal welfare will be key for the future.
“The rapid pace of genetic changes in broiler chickens has raised concerns about animal welfare and the sustainability of these practices.”
Animal Welfare Concerns in Broiler Production
The way broiler chickens are raised has become a big worry for animal welfare. As more people want affordable meat, the chicken industry has grown fast. This has led to practices that harm these animals.
One big problem is how crowded broiler chickens are. In the UK in 2020, around 90% of the 1.15 billion chickens reared for meat were fast-growing breeds. They live in big sheds with little room to do natural things like perch or forage.
The fast growth of these chickens also hurts their health. Compared to 50 years ago, conventional broiler chickens now grow more than four times as fast and have a breast that is 80% bigger. This fast growth causes health issues like lameness and metabolic problems.
Many in the UK are starting to notice these welfare issues. Big supermarkets are working to improve chicken living conditions. They aim to reduce crowding and offer better options like free-range and organic chicken. But these options are still a minority.
Improving how broiler chickens are raised is key for the future of this food. By using kinder practices and being open, the industry can make a better future for these chickens.
“The repeated deworming of chickens on factory farms has led to antiparasitic resistance, with the spreading global rise of resistant parasites.”
Policies and Regulations for Sustainable Broiler Farming
Governments and international groups have set up rules to help broiler chickens farming be more sustainable. They want to make sure everyone has enough food, help small farmers, and keep meat affordable for those who need it most.
Food Security Policies and Initiatives
Broiler chickens play a big part in feeding the world. So, there are many efforts to support their farming. These include:
- Investing in infrastructure and extension services to assist smallholder poultry producers
- Developing policies that ensure the affordability and accessibility of broiler meat for low-income households
- Promoting the integration of broiler production with other agricultural activities to enhance resource efficiency and income generation
- Implementing targeted subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of sustainable broiler farming practices
These policies aim to make the broiler industry stronger. They want to improve food security and help small farmers in many countries.
The broiler industry has made big steps to be better for the environment. They’ve improved how they use feed, land, water, and cut down on greenhouse gases.
“The sustainable efforts of the U.S. chicken industry have resulted in feeding more people with reduced environmental impact and resource consumption.”
As more people want broiler meat, it’s important for everyone to work together. We need to make sure broiler farming stays sustainable. This will help feed the world and support local economies.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
The future of broiler chickens looks bright for improving global food security. Genetic improvements, better feed and health care, and sustainable farming are key. These steps will make broiler meat more productive and affordable.
But, the industry must also tackle environmental and animal welfare issues. This is essential for its long-term success. Smallholder poultry farming can help reach the most needy with broiler chicken benefits.
Innovative tech like precision agriculture and robotics can boost efficiency and reduce environmental harm. Laws that focus on sustainability and animal welfare will guide the industry toward a better future.
In summary, broiler chickens have a big role to play in global food security. The industry must embrace new ideas and sustainable farming to meet changing needs. By doing so, it can ensure food security and provide healthy, affordable, and eco-friendly protein worldwide.