Challenges and constraints in the sustainability of poultry farming in Japan.

Abstract

Poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs are among the most common and popular animal products in Japan. Recently, many chickens, such as broilers and layers, have been raised and their related product consumption has increased. However, the number of farms decreased, which is one of the major challenges faced by the Japanese poultry industry. Similar to that in other countries, high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks negatively affected the distribution of poultry products. Low feed self-sufficiency in Japan is also a serious problem because the prices of diets and products are affected by the situation in foreign countries. Rice is a domestic ingredient of the poultry diet in Japan, and recently, its utilization has increased; however, concerns remain. Global warming likely affects the poultry industry in Japan negatively. The objective of this review is to illustrate the recent situation of the Japanese poultry industry, including 1) an overview; 2) the situation of influence of HPAI ; 3) situation of ingredients for poultry diet; 4) utilization of rice in poultry diet; 5) heat stress in poultry. Overall, investigation of the effects of heat stress on physiology, such as the biological defense system, and its prevention, should be continued to prevent future decreases in productivity in the Japanese poultry industry.