Use of a dynamic mechanistic broiler model to reduce environmental footprint

The impact of broiler meat production on the environment can be diminished by the reduction of dietary N and P excretion, using modeling as a tool for understanding and decision-making. Modeling allows integrating knowledge and quantifying metabolic functions and nutrient partitioning, as well as evaluating ‘what-if’ scenarios. A dynamic mechanistic broiler model was constructed by re-parameterizing a pig growth model. It simulates the partitioning of nutrients between protein and lipid deposition, as well as the digestible P and Ca utilization and retention in body tissues and feathers. It allows forecasting in daily steps the average responses to different dietary strategies by considering the potential of different genotypes. The dynamics of the N and P excretion can be assessed with feeding different diets and examples will be given on the prediction of nutrient requirements. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 633531.