Environmental performance of feed production for broiler in Piauí state, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of feed production for broiler poultry, using the life cycle assessment methodology. Primary data collection was conducted in a poultry cooperative of Teresina, Piauí state, Brazil, and involved the identification of raw materials, as well as their origin and quantity, and the stages of the production process. In addition, we used secondary data from the Ecoinvent database, available in SimaPro software, in which the modeling was performed. The ReCiPe Midpoint (H) was used as the evaluation method. The characterization of the impact assessment showed that the greatest impacts are related to the use of ingredients with high energy and protein content, such as maize and soybeans. This is due to the negative environmental impacts associated with the agricultural production of these materials (Ecoinvent data), as well as the transport between the farms (Uruçuí and Sebastião Leal, Southern Piauí) and the feed factory (approximately 520 km away from Teresina). Thus, these impacts are associated with activities outside the cooperative boundaries. Furthermore, the use of meat and bone meal, a by-product originated from abattoirs, determined the appearance of positive environmental impacts in all categories of the used method, especially: eutrophication of freshwater bodies, marine ecotoxicity and ozone layer depletion. The reuse of these by-products (meat and bone meal) is environmentally advantageous.