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Mountain pine beetle (MPB) (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) has become a serious infestation problem in Western Canada. The infested lodgepole pine (Pinus concorta Douglas) becomes host to blue staining fungi and the infested trees die in 4-6 years. The dead trees gradually lose their suitability for dimension lumber and pulp chips due to excessive cracking and spoilage. Recovering the killed wood and proces- sing it to pellets for bioenergy and other applications could partially avert the economic loss, and reduce overloading of the forest floor and potential for forest fires. In this study, heating value, density, and chemical composition of pellets made from MPB-infested Pine wood were measured and compared with those measured for pellets made from uninfested pine. Chemical analysis showed minor decrease in lignin and sugar contents of pellets made from MPB wood. The mean density of pellets manufactured from MPB (about 975 kg m-3) was slightly higher than the density of pellets from uninfested wood (934 kg m-3). This difference was not statistically significant (α =0.05) due to a large variation in the measured data. The high heating value (HHV) of MBP at a mean 19.20 MJ kg-1 was not significantly different from 19.05 MJ kg-1 measured for pellets made from uninfested pine. Biologically cultured MPB pellets did not show any staining fungi growth. The overall conclusion is that MBP infested wood can be used to produce comparable pellets to non-infested wood pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global demand for poultry products, environmental sustainability, and health consciousness rises with time, the poultry industry faces both substantial challenges and new opportunities. Therefore, this review paper provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable poultry farming, focusing on integrating genetic improvements, alternative feed, precision technologies, waste management, and biotechnological innovations. Together, these strategies aim to minimize ecological footprints, uphold ethical standards, improve economic feasibility, and enhance industry resilience. In addition, this review paper explores various sustainable strategies, including eco-conscious organic farming practices and innovative feed sources like insect-based proteins, single-cell proteins, algal supplements, and food waste utilization. It also addresses barriers to adoption, such as technical challenges, financial constraints, knowledge gaps, and policy frameworks, which are crucial for advancing the poultry industry. This paper examined organic poultry farming in detail, noting several benefits like reduced pesticide use and improved animal welfare. Additionally, it discusses optimizing feed efficiency, an alternate energy source (solar photovoltaic/thermal), effective waste management, and the importance of poultry welfare. Transformative strategies, such as holistic farming systems and integrated approaches, are proposed to improve resource use and nutrient cycling and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. The review underscores the need for a structured roadmap, education, and extension services through digital platforms and participatory learning to promote sustainable poultry farming for future generations. It emphasizes the need for collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders and the crucial role of researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals in shaping a future where sustainable poultry practices lead the industry, committed to ethical and resilient poultry production., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)