Integrated Assessment of Productive, Environmental, and Social Performances of Adopting Low-Protein Diets Technology for Laying Hens.

ABSTRACT: China, the world's largest egg producer, faces challenges of protein feed shortages and nitrogen pollution from manure. Low-protein diets (LPDs) offer potential solutions, but their adoption by small-scale farmers is uncertain. This study used surveys, meta-analysis, life-cycle assessment, and life-cost analysis to address these gaps. A field survey in Quzhou County (a typical representative of small- and medium-scale farmers in China's egg farming industry) found that 84% of egg farmers were unfamiliar with LPDs and believed higher protein levels were better. On average, pre-laying and late-laying diets exceeded national LPD recommendations by 0.3% and 0.5% crude protein (CP), respectively. The main barriers to LPD adoption were perceived low quality, lack of veterinary recommendations, a

SUBMITTER: Li D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11758341 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature