Sick Chickens, Bigger Carbon Footprint: How Diseases Affect Poultry Farming

Broiler chickens suffering from pathogens like Eimeria and E. coli face significant growth setbacks, negatively impacting both their well-being and the environment.

The Effects of Infections

• Eimeria Infections:
• Growth Slowdown: Up to 26%

• Increased Food Consumption: Leads to a 31% higher carbon footprint over the chicken's lifetime.

• E. coli Infections:
• Growth Slowdown: Up to 15%
• Increased Carbon Footprint: Approximately 11%

Environmental Impact in Germany

Preventing these infections could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions:

• Eimeria: Up to 447,000 metric tons of CO2 could be saved annually.
• E. coli: Up to 416,000 metric tons of CO2 could be saved annually.

The Solution

Maintaining better hygiene and careful use of medicines can prevent these infections, leading to:

• Healthier Chickens
• More Sustainable Poultry Farming
• A Cleaner Planet

It's a win-win situation for both the chickens and the environment.