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Estimation of nutrient excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan

Updated:March 6, 2017 (Monday)

The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan were estimated using the latest available data. Since the current values of excretion factors were based on the data obtained almost 20 years ago, there was a large difference in the values and the amount of nitrogen excretion was over-estimated. Based on the new nitrogen excretion factor and the number of chickens, as well as an estimate of the nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from chicken excretions, it is estimated that the greenhouse gas emission decreased by 640,000 tons/year (35% decrease, as CO2 equivalent). The new value of nitrogen excretion factor will be recorded as greenhouse gas inventory report in Japan. In the future, this will be used in assessment of the environmental impact caused by the excretion of chickens. According to the new estimated factors, it is clearly evident that the amount of nitrogen and the greenhouse gas emission is found to be smaller than those calculated using the excretion factors obtained 20 years ago indicating that the impact on the environment has been greatly reduced in the current poultry farming. The new nutrient excretion factor will lead to appropriate use of fertilizer derived from livestock manure such as compost. It will also help in properly evaluating a balance of the demand and supply of nutrients and domestic nitrogen flow in a particular region.






Article Information

Ogino A, Murakami H, Yamashita T, Furuya M, Kalahari H, Ohkubo T, Osada T (2017) Estimation of nutrient excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan. Animal Science Journal DOI: 10.1111/asj.12674

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