Environmental sustainability of poultry meat production

The main effects of planet human growth, urbanization and change in eating habits are discussed. Undernutrition and malnutrition are still high in many developing countries and food of animal origin can increase the nutritive value of human diet. The increasing demand worldwide for food of animal origin, particularly in developing countries, is a challenge for agriculture and the livestock sector, already facing criticism in terms of environmental sustainability. Meat production is considered by the public opinion as one of the most responsible human activities for climate change, water contamination, acidification of the eco-systems, loss of biodiversity, etc. However, monogastrics and particularly poultry can be very efficient and sustainable, supplying high quality food which can supplement food of plant origin in a balanced human diet.