Life cycle assessment of precision nutrition and feed innovations for sustainable poultry production

Poultry production is a key component of global food security but faces increasing scrutiny due to its contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nutrient excretion, and land-use pressures. Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies consistently identify feed production as the dominant contributor to environmental impacts, accounting for up to 85–91% of total GHG emissions in broiler systems under the climate change impact category. This review synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) to evaluate precision nutritional strategies and feed innovations that mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining productivity. Key approaches include reducing dietary crude protein with targeted amino acid supplementation, applying exogenous enzymes to enhance nutrient digestibility, and incorporating alternative protein sources with lower land and water footprints. Precision nutrition technologies further optimize nutrient supply in relation to animal requirements, improving feed efficiency and reducing nutrient losses. Across studies, these strategies have been shown to reduce GHG emissions and nutrient excretion by up to 25%, depending on system boundaries and production conditions. The review also examines methodological inconsistencies in LCA applications and highlights the importance of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (FAO LEAP) guidelines for improving comparability and transparency. Future research priorities include developing region- and species-specific datasets, integrating techno-economic assessments, and advancing digital precision feeding systems. Collectively, these strategies provide a science-based pathway toward climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and economically sustainable poultry production systems.