Eggs or meat? Environmental impact and efficiency assessment of chicken protein production with potential of Hermetia illucens use in feed

Abstract

This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing laying hen to broiler chicken production. Sustainability and protein conversion efficiency are considered. The protein-to-protein conversion was calculated per 1t of feed protein consumed by birds and per 1 kg of protein in end products for human consumption. Additionally, a part of the commercial feed was replaced by live black soldier fly larvae, reared on Gainesville diet, and fruit and vegetable waste (FVW). Results of the LCA showed significant differences in integrated impacts between different production systems and different chicken feeds but not between different insect feeds. The most environmentally friendly scenario is insect (FVW) fed broiler. In protein conversion efficiency (PCE) assessment, laying hen production achieved better PCE than broiler chicken when protein quality is considered. Main influencing factors on results were feed production, composition, and protein content. Due to many assumptions made, results should be viewed critically.