Protein self-sufficiency in France: what is the future for poultry productions?

Abstract

Protein supply in poultry diets is mainly based on soybean meal, imported from South America. This protein dependency has negative impacts on different aspects: economic (high price volatility), environmental (transport, deforestation) and social (GMO soybean unaccepted by consumers). To go towards a sustainable development, this protein dependency is questionable. The use of local protein sources (rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, pea…) in poultry diets is possible. Previous works have led to a decrease in antinutritional factor content (genetic, technological process) or an increase in nutrient bioavailability (exogenous enzymes) allowing an increase in the use of these protein sources in poultry diets. However, improvements still need to be made. Regarding plant production, one important challenge is to develop crop management techniques that include new varieties of soya which are better adapted to French pedoclimatic conditions. Progress can also be expected regarding technological process with a higher sunflower meal dehulling that would allow an increase in its protein content. Studies focusing on a greater understanding of protein digestion mechanisms have started and aim to increase the valorization of local protein sources by poultry. For these purposes, different actors in crop and animal productions have to join in order to identify and propose solutions to go towards sustainable poultry feeding systems.