Use of biological active supplements based on milk whey in broiler chicken diets

Abstract

The productivity of poultry is 70-80% dependent on feeding and housing conditions which makes the development of poultry diets economically viable. Optimizing feed compositions has a positive effect on the growth and development of poultry as well as on the quality of meat and eggs. With the ever-increasing prices of traditional feed components, finding alternative solutions is becoming increasingly important. The use of non-traditional feed supplements that can reduce the cost of expensive grain and animal ingredients is a promising approach. These alternatives may include agricultural waste, food industry by-products, and other available resources. In this context, biologically active supplements based on secondary products of dairy processing, particularly whey, are of particular interest. Despite the significant volumes of whey produced by dairy enterprises, it is rarely used in feed production due to technological and organizational limitations. The challenges of transportation, storage, and processing, as well as the need to adapt existing feeding technologies, hinder the widespread use of whey. In addition, the effect of whey on poultry productivity as well as the optimal dosages and methods of its inclusion in feed remain understudied. Research is needed to determine the optimal parameters for using whey taking into account the poultry species, its age, and physiological condition. This research goal is to explore the potential of using milk whey as a functional feed supplement which may reduce the feed cost, increase the profitability of poultry farming, and promote the sustainable use of secondary resources in the dairy industry. The research includes testing the biochemical composition of milk whey, developing methods for processing it to improve its digestibility, and conducting experiments to include milk whey into the diets of various poultry species and ages. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for the effective utilization of milk whey in poultry farming contributing to its economic sustainability and environmental friendliness.