Environmental externalities in broiler production: An analysis based on system dynamics

Broiler represents approximately 1.5% of the Brazilian Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Brazil is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of chicken. Aiming to improve and sustain a competitive advantage, producers have invested in improvements in production systems in general, in particular aviary heating systems. However, producers need to choose the best among several alternatives of energy sources for heating. This decision impacts the environment to a greater or a lesser extent depending on the energy source chosen. The aim of this study is to develop a computational model to understand systemically and dynamically the environmental externalities based on the choice of energy source for aviary heating. The identification of criteria that influence the choice for heating systems was possible through a multiple case-study in the southern region of Brazil. By designing a computational model of system dynamics, it was possible to visualize scenarios using different energy sources and their respective negative environmental externalities. From the analysis of four scenarios, we sought to identify the one with the best relation to environmental and economic performance. It was evidenced that the scenario with the best relation was that using pellets as an energy source for aviary heating. The developed model may be applied to solve similar decision-making problems. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.