Facilitating a dialogue for designing sustainable poultry sectors

Animal production is at stake because of its role in global warming and the competition between the production of food and animal feed. About 18% of the production of green house gases is related to animal production (FAO, 2009). In a number of countries not only the effects of animal production on the ecological foot print are of concern, but ethical and esthetical aspects of animal production as well: welfare of the animals, effects on landscape, risks of animal production for human health, etc. Notwithstanding these concerns, worldwide the demand for animal products is expected to rise due to the increase in the human population and a growth in consumption of animal products per capita (FAO, 2009). Poultry production has a relatively low environmental impact per unit of product, because of the efficient utilization of feed (De Vries and De Boer, 2010). Yet, the welfare in poultry production is questioned, because of a.o. housing conditions. In addition concerns about human health exist, which are related to the dust produced by poultry, zoonotic diseases (Avian Influenza, Salmonella, Campylobacter), and the increasing impact of bacteria resistant to antibiotics (MRSA and ESBL).