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

ABSTRACT: 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 % (e

SUBMITTER: Gickel J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12554033 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature