Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast Improves Broiler Welfare and Meat Quality

The BroilerNet project collects Good Practices (GP) addressing sector challenges through sustainable poultry farming. This includes supplementing slow-growing broilers with 3% and 5% Yarrowia lipolytica yeast—grown on non-food byproducts—to improve animal welfare, meat quality, and environmental sustainability. The practice enhances foot health, reduces lameness, increases beneficial fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA), and lowers saturated fats, resulting in a healthier PUFA/SFA ratio. No negative impact on weight gain was observed, demonstrating that productivity is maintained. The approach supports the circular economy by repurposing waste, reducing environmental impact, and meeting consumer demand for nutritious, sustainable meat. Yarrowia lipolytica supplementation offers a viable, eco-friendly solution for enhancing both animal well-being and meat nutritional quality in broiler production.