BIOLOGICAL, NUTRITIONAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PRODUCTIVITY IN POULTRY: A REVIEW

Poultry work period and productivity are of paramount importance for a successful, efficient and sustainable contemporary poultry industry. The magnitude of genetic progress achieved in poultry during recent decades, which has improved growth potential, is primarily limited by biological, nutritional and environmental constraints. This paper provides an overview of the recently available information of the biological drivers affecting growth, primarily the genetic make-up, endocrine balance, muscle development, immunity and gut health. It emphasizes the significance of nutrition: energy consortium of the diet and balanced provision of amino acids, lipid quality and functioning, and sufficiency of micronutrients and applications of functional feed additives. Furthermore, attention is paid to other environmental effectors such as temperature, humidity, air quality and stocking density as well as lighting programs housing system and hygiene on growth performance and feed efficiency. The evidence support that the integrated management system will provide optimal performance in poultry through precision nutrition and a controlled environment to optimize the genetic potential. Knowledge about the mechanism these interacting factors can be impacted is crucial in elevating productivity, animal welfare and sustainability within poultry production.