Asian Poultry Industry Shows Rising Sustainability Consciousness, but Challenges Remain

Sustainability fundamentally involves the responsible use of resources to guarantee their availability for both current and future generations.

It focuses on achieving harmony among environmental preservation, economic growth, and social welfare. This entails making decisions that do not exhaust resources or damage the environment, facilitating ongoing usage over time.
Asia is the largest in the world by both land area and population. It covers an area of more than 44 million square kilometers, about 30% of Earth’s total land area and home to 4.7 billion people constitute roughly 60% of the world’s population.

The Asian poultry industry is a significant and rapidly growing sector, with Asia accounting for nearly 40% of global poultry production, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and shifting dietary preferences towards protein-rich foods.

China is the largest producer of chicken meat in Asia, followed by countries like Indonesia and India, with the industry encompassing both large-scale commercial operations and extensive smallholder and village-level poultry farming.
The poultry industry in Asia, which is essential for regional food security and economic growth, finds itself at a pivotal moment.

The surge in population, urban development, and higher income levels have created an extraordinary demand for poultry products, positioning Asia as the leading continent in both poultry production and consumption worldwide. This significant growth, crucial for both nutrition and economic stability, has highlighted the urgent need for sustainability.

As we look ahead, the future success of this vibrant sector will depend on its ability to reconcile economic growth with environmental care and social accountability.

CURRENT SITUATION

According to the UN Sustainable Development & Climate Targets report, Asia Pacific is falling behind on several goals among 17 sustainable development goals (SGDs) including:

Responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), quality education (Goal 4) and decent work and economic growth (Goal 8) are severely off track.
Of most concern, climate action (Goal 13) witnessed an ‘alarming regression’, driven by the region’s vulnerability to disasters and continued greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which account for half of global pollution.
Environmental sustainability remained a major roadblock, with land degradation and declining economic benefits from sustainable fisheries hampering progress on life below water (Goal 14) and life on land (Goal 15).
While data availability has improved slightly, with some 54% of indicators now having at least two data points – a slight increase from the previous year – there are still significant blind spots in measuring progress across different population groups, including by age, migratory status, disability, and gender.
Antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
Flows to agriculture sector (LDCs).

Currently, official SDGs data is available to measure progress on 117 of the 169 targets across 17 goals, while data remain insufficient to measure the remaining 52 targets. Among the measurable targets, 14% (16 targets) are on track to be achieved by 2030.

Among the remaining measurable targets, 71% (83 targets) require accelerated progress to meet the 2030 targets, and the remaining 15% (18 targets) show a negative trend and need urgent reversal.

According to World Economic Forum report, 4 in 5 consumers in the Asean region value environmental sustainability and have made ecofriendly lifestyle changes. Sustainability is one of the biggest business opportunities today.

According to Kantar report, 58% of Asian consumers are willing to invest time and money supporting companies that do good, and in fact 63% are already factoring in sustainability concerns, at least once in a while, when making purchase decisions.

The present condition of sustainability in Asia’s poultry sector reveals a complex situation, marked by noteworthy progress along with ongoing hurdles.
Traditionally, the swift growth of poultry production often emphasized quantity at the expense of environmental considerations.
Nevertheless, a rising consciousness, changing consumer preferences, and stricter regulations are driving the sector toward more sustainable methods.
Numerous large-scale integrators and forward-thinking farms are incorporating modern farming technologies such as climate-controlled environments, automated feeding mechanisms, and enhanced waste management systems. These technologies lead to improved resource efficiency, lower emissions, and better animal welfare.

For example, the implementation of precision feeding methods reduces feed waste, a crucial economic and environmental issue. The installation of energy-efficient ventilation systems and LED lighting in poultry facilities cuts down on electricity use. Additionally, there is an increasing interest in renewable energy options like solar power for farming operations, especially in nations with plentiful sunlight.

Regarding waste management, many farms are progressing beyond basic disposal practices. There have been advancements in handling manure, with some transforming poultry litter into organic fertilizers, compost, or even biogas through anaerobic digestion. This not only helps lessen pollution but also generates valuable by-products, supporting a circular economy approach.

In terms of animal welfare, while obstacles persist, there is a growing acknowledgment of its significance. This awareness is often influenced by international standards and consumer expectations in more developed Asian markets.

Certain producers are making investments in larger cage-free environments for laying hens or enhancing stocking densities and enrichment for broilers.
However, these improvements are not evenly spread across the region. A considerable segment of the industry continues to function under traditional, less effective, and potentially more polluting practices, particularly in developing nations where smallholder farms are common.
Water usage continues to be excessive in many regions, and the dependence on imported feed, especially soybeans, contributes to deforestation elsewhere and raises the carbon footprint of the industry.

Although the widespread application of antibiotics for growth enhancement or routine disease prevention is declining in some areas due to global influences, it still presents a significant sustainability challenge due to the potential for antimicrobial resistance.

CHALLENGES FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The path toward achieving full sustainability in the Asian poultry sector is laden with numerous interrelated challenges:

Environmental pressures:

GHG emissions: The sector contributes to GHG emissions mainly through enteric fermentation (although it is less significant than in ruminants, it still plays a role), manure decomposition (producing nitrous oxide and methane), and energy usage in farming operations.
The carbon footprint linked to feed production, particularly soy farming in remote areas, is also considerable.
Water scarcity and pollution: Poultry farming necessitates a considerable amount of water for drinking, cooling, and sanitation. In regions facing water shortages, this creates competition with other industries.
If wastewater and runoff from farms are not adequately managed, they can pollute local water sources with nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus), resulting in eutrophication, and potentially introducing pathogens.
Land use change: The growth of poultry farming, especially integrated systems, can result in land conversion that affects biodiversity and ecosystems. The need for feed crops such as corn and soy also drives global land use shifts.
Waste management: The substantial quantities of poultry litter, dead birds, and hatchery waste require proper management to avoid issues such as odor, pathogen spread, and environmental contamination. Insufficient disposal practices may result in soil and water pollution.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR):

The extensive and often unregulated use of antibiotics in poultry operations, whether for growth enhancement or preventive measures, is a significant factor contributing to AMR.

This creates a serious global public health risk, making vital medicines for humans and animals ineffective. Although many nations are phasing out antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), consistent enforcement and compliance remain challenges in several areas.

Feed security and volatility:

Asia’s dependency on imported feed ingredients (such as soybean meal and corn) makes the industry vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices and disruptions in supply chains.

This not only affects profitability but also raises sustainability issues concerning the environmental impact of distant agricultural production and logistics. Additionally, the sustainability of sourcing methods for these ingredients (e.g., soy linked to deforestation) is increasingly concerning.

Animal welfare:

As consumer awareness and ethical considerations increase, traditional intensive farming practices are under greater scrutiny. Concerns about high animal stocking densities, insufficient environmental enrichment, and certain culling techniques raise ethical questions.

Adopting higher animal welfare standards often incurs extra expenses, which can be a challenge for producers, especially in cost-sensitive markets.

Social and economic viability:

Smallholder integration: A notable percentage of poultry production in Asia is attributed to small and medium-sized farms. Integrating these farms into sustainable supply chains, and providing them with access to modern technology, financing, and training, poses a complex social challenge.
Disease outbreaks: Avian influenza (AI) and other diseases consistently threaten the industry, leading to widespread culling, financial losses for farmers, and disruptions in supply chains. Biosecurity lapses, frequently associated with traditional practices, exacerbate these threats.
Labor practices: Ensuring fair labor conditions, safe work environments, and equitable wages throughout the poultry value chain, from farms to processing facilities, presents a challenge for social sustainability.

SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Addressing these issues necessitates a comprehensive and cooperative strategy that engages governments, industries, academic institutions, and consumers.

Environmental solutions:

CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPROACHES:

Management and valorization of manure: Transforming poultry litter into useful products such as organic fertilizers, biogas (renewable energy), or biochar. This process minimizes waste, reduces emissions, and generates new income sources. Technologies such as anaerobic digestion or composting play a crucial role.
Wastewater treatment and reuse: Employing sophisticated wastewater treatment technologies in processing facilities to facilitate water recycling, which considerably cuts down on freshwater usage and prevents pollutant discharge.
Adoption of renewable energy: Committing resources to solar energy, biomass energy (from poultry litter), or wind energy to decrease dependence on fossil fuels for farming activities, ventilation, heating, and processing.
Precision agriculture and smart farming: Leveraging IoT sensors, AI, and data analytics for accurate feed management, environmental control (temperature, humidity, ventilation), and water usage, resulting in more efficient resource use and reduced waste.
Conservation of biodiversity: Encouraging the responsible sourcing of feed ingredients (e.g., certified sustainable soy) and supporting local biodiversity initiatives near farms.

Resource efficiency solutions:

ALTERNATIVE FEED INGREDIENTS:

Investigating and utilizing innovative, locally obtained, and sustainable feed components. This involves:

Insect protein (e.g., larvae from black soldier fly): A highly sustainable, nutrient-packed option that can thrive on organic waste.
Algae: A fast-growing alternative rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Valorization of food waste: Converting appropriate food waste into animal feed.
By-products: More effective use of by-products from other agricultural industries.

IMPROVED FEED EFFICIENCY:

Ongoing advancements in genetics and nutritional science to achieve even lower feed conversion ratios (FCRs). Utilizing enzymes (e.g., phytase, carbohydrase) to enhance nutrient digestibility, thereby reducing the dependence on expensive ingredients and limiting nutrient discharge.

OPTIMIZED HOUSING AND VENTILATION:

Crafting climate-controlled housing solutions that regulate temperature and humidity, leading to decreased energy use for heating and cooling while promoting bird welfare.

Health and social solutions:

RESPONSIBLE USE OF ANTIMICROBIALS (AMU) AND ALTERNATIVES:

Elimination of AGPs: Enforcing strict regulations and industry initiatives aimed at banning AGPs.
Embracing alternatives to antibiotics: Increasing research, development, and implementation of non-antibiotic methods such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, essential oils, phytogenic (plant extracts), and bacteriophages to uphold gut health and avoid diseases.
Enhanced biosecurity: Introducing rigorous biosecurity protocols at all farm levels, from staff entry to equipment sanitation, to deter disease introduction and spread.
Vaccination initiatives: Establishing strong and effective vaccination programs tailored to regional disease threats to combat common poultry ailments, thereby reducing the need for therapeutic antibiotics.

STANDARDS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE:

Enforcing and certifying enhanced animal welfare practices, including better stocking densities, lighting, enrichment, and humane handling methods, in response to rising consumer and international market expectations.

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Formulating strategies for responsible handling of waste and odor management to foster positive relationships with nearby communities.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS:

Guaranteeing safe working conditions, equitable pay, and ethical treatment for all individuals involved in the poultry supply chain.

FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ASIAN POULTRY INDUSTRY

The future of sustainability within the Asian poultry sector is expected to be characterized by a swift acceleration of prevalent trends and the introduction of groundbreaking innovations.

The industry is set to adopt a precision agriculture model, utilizing data analytics, AI, and automation to enhance all facets of production, from formulating feed based on current bird performance to managing environmental conditions. This will result in unparalleled levels of resource efficiency.
There is significant potential for scaling up alternative protein sources for feed, especially insects and algae, which will diminish dependence on traditional ingredients that have a negative environmental impact. This also promotes greater self-sufficiency in feed among Asian countries.

Production devoid of antibiotics is anticipated to become the standard, driven by both consumer preferences and stricter global regulations. This transition will require significant advancements in managing gut health, disease prevention, and biosecurity measures.

Additionally, the industry will increasingly focus on principles of the circular economy, where waste materials are repurposed into valuable products like bio-fertilizers and renewable energy.

Digital traceability systems are set to become commonplace, providing consumers and regulators with complete transparency regarding the origins of products, animal welfare standards, and environmental consequences.

A life-cycle analysis (LCA) is a measurement of how a service or product impacts the environment. These analyses are an excellent tool for delivering transparent, verifiable data about a company’s environmental footprint.

LCAs consider all inputs, including ingredients, energy, transport, packaging and any pollutants generated in the production of a product. With this information, industries and businesses can explore how their choices impact the sustainability of their products and subsequently identify ways to eliminate waste and increase efficiency.

Finally, collaboration across sectors – including poultry producers, feed manufacturers, technology providers, governments, and research institutions – will be vital.

This integrative ecosystem will be key to creating and executing comprehensive sustainable solutions, ensuring that the poultry industry in Asia not only meets the rising protein demand but does so in a way that protects the environment, maintains social responsibility, and secures long-term sustainability.
The pursuit of complete sustainability is an ongoing process, but the dedication of the Asian poultry industry to this journey is clear.