The role of broiler nutrition in environmental management

As intensive animal industries expand in Australia, so too will the volume of manure that requires disposal in an environmentally responsible way. Broiler nutrition has traditionally been focused on maximising growth and improving feed nutrient utilisation. However consideration is now being given to environmental concerns. The extensive use of organic fertilisers (manures) on Australian soils has contributed to eutrophication of aquatic systems (Nash et al. 2003). Since land application of broiler litter is the primary disposal mechanism, it is in the industries best interest to become more accountable for the nutrients contained in their wastes. Therefore by improving the utilisation of nutrients and reducing their concentrations in the manure, the environmental burden of such wastes will be reduced.