Alternative Feed Ingredients for Sustainable Broiler Finisher Diets

Alternative feed ingredients such as sunflower meal, corn gluten meal, and dried distillers’ grains can partially replace soybean meal in broiler finisher diets, improving sustainability without compromising performance. Recent studies highlight positive impacts on growth, microbial balance, and economic efficiency.

Introduction

Soybean meal (SBM) has long been the primary protein source in broiler diets. However, rising costs and environmental concerns have driven research into alternative feed ingredients (AFI). Finisher diets, which are critical for final growth and carcass quality, present an opportunity to integrate AFI for sustainable production¹.

Alternative Protein Sources

Sunflower meal (SFM), corn gluten meal (CGM), and dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) are widely tested as partial SBM replacements. Research with Cobb 500 broilers demonstrated that a 15% AFI mixture (2.5% CGM, 5% SFM, 7.5% DDGS) sustained growth performance at 21–20% crude protein levels, comparable to SBM diets . Reviews also highlight insect meals and microalgae as emerging sustainable proteins with high amino acid quality and digestibility².

Performance and Efficiency

Broilers on AFI diets with 21% CP recorded better European performance efficiency factors (EPEF) and improved economic efficiency compared to lower CP diets. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was negatively affected only at 18% CP, regardless of diet type, underscoring the importance of maintaining adequate protein levels.

Microbial and Environmental Impact

AFI diets influenced litter microbiota, with increased Lactobacillus spp. counts observed in AFI-fed groups. This suggests potential benefits for gut health and reduced pathogen load. Importantly, cecal Salmonella spp. counts were higher in SBM control diets, indicating AFI may contribute to improved microbial safety. These findings support AFI as a tool for enhancing environmental sustainability through better litter quality and microbial balance¹.

Economic Considerations

Soybean meal is subject to price volatility and import dependency, particularly in regions like Latin America. Incorporating AFI reduces reliance on SBM, offering cost savings and resilience against market fluctuations. Studies confirm that AFI diets can achieve comparable growth performance at lower feed costs, making them attractive for producers seeking sustainable profitability.

Conclusion

The integration of sunflower meal, corn gluten meal, and DDGS into finisher diets provides a sustainable alternative to soybean meal. Benefits include maintained growth performance, improved microbial balance, and enhanced economic efficiency. For sustainable broiler production, AFI adoption represents a practical strategy to reduce environmental impact and strengthen economic resilience.