Effect of including biochar in broiler diets on
fattening and slaughter performance and
emissions of greenhouse gases and odour

Biochar is made from plant material by heating at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment, and has been used in agriculture since ancient times because of its positive effect on soil fertility. In feed for livestock, biochar is also allowed, and there are numerous reports about positive effects on performance, feed efficiency and manure quality. In this study, the inclusion of 5–10 g biochar/kg feed in diets for fast-growing broilers was tested, and data on animal performance, meat quality and both gaseous and olfactory emissions were collected. The inclusion of biochar did not affect broiler performance, except for differences in proportion of breast fillet and meat quality that were most likely related to a slight dilution of the...