A review of fish waste and byproducts in poultry production: effects on growth, egg quality, carcass traits, and broader knowledge beyond physiological response

Fishery waste has become a significant global concern in recent years, driven by biological, technical, operational, and socioeconomic factors. As global fish production has increased, so has the amount of material available for processing, resulting in higher waste quantities. These materials, including bones, skin, fins, and organs, contain valuable substances such as proteins, lipids, enzymes, pigments, and vitamins. Therefore, converting these wastes into marketable products is crucial for adding value and mitigating environmental pollution. By utilizing non-traditional, locally available feed components, poultry farms can develop cost-effective feed formulations that help reduce feed costs. Enhancing poultry's efficiency in converting feed into body growth is essential for the sustainable intensification of poultry production. Numerous studies have shown that supplementing poultry diets with fish waste or byproducts can meet protein requirements without significantly affecting growth performance, feed efficiency, egg quality, serum composition, or carcass yield compared to control diets in most commercial poultry species. Beyond nutritional benefits, utilizing fish waste supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing waste, lowering the environmental impact of feed production, and promoting circular economy principles. This review highlights the benefits of incorporating fish byproducts into poultry diets and underscores the need for additional research to optimize their use in commercial poultry farming.