Hydrolyzed Feather Meal Research Articles

Feather meal as a sustainable protein source for aquaculture in Bangladesh: Economic implications

The aquaculture industry is primarily burdened by the costs associated with feed. It is fundamentally dependent on fish meal derived from wild-caught sources as the primary source of protein. With the widespread adoption of alternative feed ingredients for sustainable production, this study evaluated the use of poultry feathers as feed ingredients to produce hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) and its economic implications in Bangladesh. Samples were collected from the poultry markets of Dhaka city and hydrolyzed using formic acid for hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) contains a higher percentage of crude protein nutritional analysis. A questionnaire survey was executed to evaluate the market dynamics associated with poultry waste. It was observed that the city generates approximately 1000 metric tons of poultry waste every day. Among them, 95% of the waste is thrown away. It was discerned that 0.5 metric tons of feather meal could be generated using one ton of raw feathers. Annually, 3000 metric tons of feather meal could be produced with a value of 0.9 million US$. The HFM contains a higher percentage of crude protein (86.53±0.02%) with crude fat (5.03±0.03%). It contains most of the important amino acids that are beneficial for the growth of fish. The price of the HFM was estimated at 0.27 to 0.30 US$ per kilogram, notably lower compared to fish meal (1.1 US$), and bone meal (0.7 US$). The physical properties of the HFM were found satisfactory. Thus, domestically sourced hydrolyzed feather meal could be used as a feed ingredients for aquaculture operations to reduce feed costs. HFM has the potential to be utilized as a cost-effective feed ingredient, thus lowering overall feed expenses, and presenting a substantial commercial potential.

The effects of using hydrolyzed feather meal, amino acids, and probiotics in the diet of juvenile rainbow trout on growth, digestibility, and expression of growth-related genes

The study investigated the effect of replacing fishmeal by varying levels of hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) as well as dietary probiotic supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, histology, and gene expression of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Five iso-nitrogenous (average of 50.60% crude protein), iso-energetic (average of 21.79 kJ/g), and iso-lipidic (average of 21.86% crude lipid) diets were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile rainbow trout weighing 29.65 ± 0.39 g (mean ± SD) for 75 days. Dietary treatments included one control (50% fishmeal) and four experimental diets, each containing 2 g/kg probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis). The experimental diets included HFM30 (150 g/kg HFM, 9 g/kg lysine, and 4 g/kg methionine), HFM35 (175 g/kg HFM, 11 g/kg lysine, and 5 g/kg methionine), HFM40 (200 g/kg HFM, 13 g/kg lysine, and 6 g/kg methionine), and HFM45 (225 g/kg HFM, 15 g/kg lysine, and 7 g/kg methionine). Up to 40% replacement of fishmeal with HFM showed no significant difference compared to control group in growth performance (P > 0.05). Feed utilization of HFM45 was slightly lower than control and all the other experimental groups. There was no statistically significant difference in FCR value between HFM40 and control groups (P > 0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein and amino acids were very high in all groups (P < 0.05). Intestinal mucosa and sub‐mucosa layers of experimental fish showed general tissue integrity with no signs of tissue necrosis. For intestinal morphology, where 45% HFM replacement was applied, villus length to crypt depth (VL to CD) and villus surface area (SA) decreased by 46.01% and 44.44%, respectively, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). This situation shows that intestinal morphology can be damaged when the highest level (HFM45) of feather meal is used. Dietary HFM upregulated growth-related genes such as IGF-II, IGFBP-1b, IGFr1a, GDF9, and FGF2 and downregulated GHR-I and IGF-I. Overall, inclusion of HFM at 40% showed similar results to control group in juvenile rainbow trout feeding.

Long-term dietary intervention of the hydrolyzed feather meal on microbiota composition of adult female dogs

This research delves into the impact of substitution of 7% of poultry meal (PM) with hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) on the animal performance and fecal microbiota of dogs. The study was conducted on six adult female English setter dogs, split into control (CTR), and treated (TRT) dietary treatment groups, with similarity for age, initial body weight, and body condition score. During 45-days, body weight, body condition score, muscle condition score, fecal consistency score and microbiota were monitored at the beginning of the trial and after 3, 7, 15 and 45 days. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed for these parameters over the whole period of the trial, neither in relation to diet, nor to time, nor to the interaction diet x time. Significant differences were observed for alpha between diets and the TRT group displayed higher evenness compared to the CTR group. Beta diversity analysis revealed distinctions in microbiota composition between the CTR and TRT groups, with the former demonstrating higher biodiversity. Discriminant analysis highlighted 9 significant taxa and 6 of them were significantly different at the Kruskal Wallis test between diets. The results showed an increase in relative abundance (RA) for the CTR group of Streptococcus, Colinsella stercoris, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Bacteroides coprophilus. Conversely, higher RA was observed in the TRT group for Peptostreptococcaceae and Bacteroides uniformis. These findings indicated that the inclusion of hydrolyzed feather meal in the diet of dogs is well accepted and do not have adverse effects in the parameters analyzed.

The efficacy of hydrolized feathermeal as a protein source in diets for juvenile catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Chicken feather meal is often viewed as an undesirable product, as most people think of ground up feathers, which have many processing and nutritional issues. However, modern feather meals are produced through a hydrolysis process which greatly improves protein digestibility. Given the poor understanding of the quality of these meals, we chose to evaluate the efficacy of hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) as a protein source in channel catfish feeds. For this work, we investigated the replacement of either poultry-by-product meal (PBM) or soybean meal (SBM) in a practical feed formulation for juvenile catfish. The basal diet contained 6% PBM and 56.5% SBM. For the first series of diets, we incrementally replaced PBM with 2.5% and 5% hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM). The second series included five experimental diets with SBM replaced by HFM at a rate of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15%. Diets were formulated to be iso‑nitrogenous and essential amino acids were supplemented to maintain minimal levels that met the nutritional requirements. Catfish were stocked at 15 fish per aquaria using four replicates per treatment and grown for 78 days. The survival of the catfish was above 85% across all treatments with no significant differences found due to diet. Apart from one diet, the inclusion of HFM did not influence the growth or FCR of the fish. Diet 3, which contained 5% HFM as a complete replacement for PBM had significantly lower growth and FCR than the other treatments. These results indicate that up to 20% HFM can be used in catfish feeds a as long as there is a low level of another animal protein. However, the complete replacement of PM with HFM was not successful.

Hyperspectral imaging coupled with CNN: A powerful approach for quantitative identification of feather meal and fish by-product meal adulterated in marine fishmeal

Marine fishmeal (MFM) adulterated with low-cost processed animal proteins (PAPs) such as hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) and fish by-product meal (FBM) has frequently occurred in the Chinese trade market. This commercial fraud generates a serious threat to farmed animal health and even human food safety. This study aims to develop a rapid detection method using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) combined with deep learning modeling for qualitative and quantitative identification of MFM adulterated with HFM, FBM, and the binary adulterant (HFM-FBM). Three convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures with optimized parameters were constructed to predict sample classes, adulterant concentration, and amino acid content of adulterated samples, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM) models were compared with the proposed CNN models. The overall results showed that the CNN outperformed the PLS and SVM on both classification and regression. The six-classification accuracy obtained by the CNN was up to 99.37%, while the R2 of CNN regression prediction varied from 0.984 to 0.997. This study demonstrates that NIR-HSI coupled with CNN calibration provides a promising technique for the detection of MFM adulterated with PAPs.

Apparent digestibility of protein and essential aminoacids from commonly used feed ingredients in Brazil for juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

This study determined the apparent digestibility for crude protein (ACPD) and essential aminoacids (AEAAD) of ingredients for Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing soy protein concentrate (SPC), corn gluten meal (CGM), poultry byproduct meal (PBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM), spray-dried blood meal (DBM), tilapia byproduct meal (TBM), Brazilian marine fish meal (BFM), salmon byproduct meal (SLM), and krill meal (KRM). Digestibility was estimated using chromic oxide as a marker in a reference (REF) mixture. Shrimp [...]

Energy value of hydrolyzed feather meal and flash-dried poultry protein for broiler chickens and pigs.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the metabolizable energy (ME) and nitrogen-corrected ME (MEn) contents of hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) and flash-dried poultry protein (FDPP) for broiler chickens and to determine their digestible energy (DE) and ME for pigs. The energy-yielding ingredients in a reference diet (RD) were replaced at 0, 75, or 150g/kg by HFM in experiment (Exp.) 1; at 0, 75, or 150g/kg by FDPP in Exp. 2; and at 0, 150g/kg HFM, or 150g/kg FDPP in Exp. 3. Birds were fed a standard broiler starter diet from hatch to days 18 and 17 for respective Exp. 1 and 2, following which 144 birds (8 replicate cages of 6 birds per cage) were assigned to the three experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as the blocking factor. Experimental diets were fed for 5 d, and excreta were collected during the last 3 d. Twenty-four 20-kg barrows, individually housed in metabolic crates equipped with a feeder and drinker, were used in Exp. 3. The barrows were assigned to the three experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. Following a 5-d adaptation period, feces and urine were collected for 5 d in a total collection method. Data were used to determine the regression-derived ME and MEn of HFM and FDPP for broiler chickens in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. The DE and ME of HFM and FDPP for pigs in Exp. 3 were determined using the difference procedure. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of HFM linearly increased (P < 0.05) ME from 3,231 to 3,368 kcal/kg DM for 0 to 150g/kg replacement of RD. The total tract retention of DM and metabolizability of energy linearly increased (P < 0.05) as replacement of RD with FDPP increased from 0 to 150g/kg in Exp. 2. Inclusion of FDPP linearly increased (P < 0.01) ME from 3,425 to 3,591 kcal/kg DM. In Exp. 3, the diets containing 150g/kg HFM or FDPP induced greater (P < 0.05) fecal DM and energy losses than the RD; however, the digestibility of energy across the three experimental diets was not different. The respective regression-derived ME and MEn of hydrolyzed feather meal for broiler chickens in the current study were 4,250 and 3,745 kcal/kg DM with corresponding values of 4,710 and 4,081 kcal/kg DM for flash-dried poultry protein. In pigs, 4,783 and 4,405 kcal/kg DM were the respective DE and ME of hydrolyzed feather meal, and 4,553 and 4,320 kcal/kg DM were the corresponding estimates for flash-dried poultry protein.

Comparison of methods to estimate ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of protein in hydrolyzed feather meal with or without blood

Hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) is a feedstuff high in rumen undegraded protein (RUP) that can be used as an effective source of metabolizable protein for dairy cattle. Because the production process may vary, the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM may also vary. Additionally, some processes may incorporate additional blood into the final product to result in feather meal with poultry blood. To determine the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of these products, several laboratory assays can be used; the common assays are the mobile bag (MOB), modified three-step (MTS), and Ross (ROS) assays. Although all 3 assays determine RUP digestibility, they vary in whether they are performed in situ, in vitro, or both. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM originating from processes that differ in their inclusion of blood, and to compare the MOB, MTS, and ROS assays. Ten samples of HFM, which were identified by the suppliers as HFM with little blood (n = 5) and with more blood (n = 5), were spot-sampled, collected from 10 production plants across the United States, and subjected to all 3 assays. Assay type had an effect on RUP, total-tract crude protein (CP) digestibility, and the amount of RUP digested. A significant effect was observed on RDP and RUP concentrations for blood inclusion; no effect was detected for total-tract CP digestibility. We found no difference in RUP digestibility for assay or blood inclusion. There was also no interaction of the effect of assay or blood inclusion. Results suggest that even though there are differences in chemical composition in HFM associated with the inclusion of blood, such as ash and crude fat, few if any differences are observed in intestinal digestion of protein. Although the assays varied in their estimates of rumen undegraded protein, MOB and MTS yielded the most similar values. However, all 3 assays resulted in similar estimates of RUP digestibility.

Determination of the Nutritional Value of Diet Containing Bacillus subtilis Hydrolyzed Feather Meal in Adult Dogs.

Simple SummaryThe production of meat for human consumption produces extra ingredients used in animal nutrition. Feathers, for example, account for about 7% of the chicken’s body weight. When discarded, it presents a potential risk of environmental contamination. Feathers are minimally digested in mammals and are a very rich source of protein. Improved digestibility can be done by thermal processing or by microorganisms. Bacillus subtilis was shown to have great feather-degrading activity In vitro and we produced an amount of microbial hydrolysate to test in dogs. We did some evaluations on the ingredient to measure the effects of the microorganism on feathers. In dogs, a test of total tract digestibility, microbial resistance to the gastrointestinal tract, and fecal characteristics were performed. Bacillus subtilis was less efficient to digest feathers when a higher concentration of feathers was added to the culture. The amino acid profile in feathers has probably changed due to fermentation. Dogs ate the diets quickly, with no refusals. Nutrient and energy total tract digestibility were lower when compared to thermally processed feathers, but Bacillus subtilis was found viable in the feces of dogs that ingested fermented feathers, signaling that Bacillus subtilis is resistant to digestion and may bring some probiotic effect.Feathers are naturally made up of non-digestible proteins. Under thermal processing, total tract digestibility can be partially improved. Furthermore, Bacillus subtilis (Bs) has shown a hydrolytic effect In vitro. Then, a Bs FTC01 was selected to hydrolyze enough feathers to produce a meal, and then test the quality and inclusion in the dog’s diet to measure the apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (ATTDC) in vivo and the microorganism’s ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract. A basal diet was added with 9.09% hydrolyzed Bs feather meal (HFMBs) or 9.09% thermally hydrolyzed feather meal (HFMT). Nine adult dogs were randomized into two 10-day blocks and fed different diets. Microbial counts were performed on feather meal, diets and feces. The Bs was less effective in digesting the feathers, which reduced the ATTDC of dry matter, crude protein, energy and increased the production of fecal DM, but the fecal score was maintained (p > 0.05). The digestible energy of HFMT and HFMBs was 18,590 J/kg and 9196 J/kg, respectively. Bacillus subtilis showed limitation to digest feather in large scale, but the resistance of Bs to digestion was observed since it grown on feces culture.

Effects of Dietary Fishmeal Replacement by Poultry By-Product Meal and Hydrolyzed Feather Meal on Liver and Intestinal Histomorphology and on Intestinal Microbiota of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

The effects on liver and intestinal histomorphology and on intestinal microbiota in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed diets that contained poultry by-product meal (PBM) and hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) as fishmeal replacements were studied. Fish fed on a series of isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, where fishmeal protein of the control diet (FM diet) was replaced by either PBM or by HFM at 25%, 50% and 100% without amino acid supplementation (PBM25, PBM50, PBM100, HFM25, HFM50 and HFM100 diets) or supplemented with lysine and methionine (PBM25+, PBM50+, HFM25+ and HFM50+ diets). The use of PBM and HFM at 25% fishmeal replacement generated a similar hepatic histomorphology to FM-fed fish, indicating that both land animal proteins are highly digestible at low FM replacement levels. However, 50% and 100% FM replacement levels by either PBM or HFM resulted in pronounced hepatic alterations in fish with the latter causing more severe degradation of the liver. Dietary amino acid supplementation delivered an improved tissue histology signifying their importance at high FM replacement levels. Intestinal microbiota was dominated by Proteobacteria (58.8%) and Actinobacteria (32.4%) in all dietary groups, but no specific pattern was observed among them at any taxonomic level. This finding was probably driven by the high inter-individual variability observed.

Effect of feeding level on the digestibility of alternative protein-rich ingredients for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients and individual amino acids (AA) for 13 feed ingredients as affected by feeding level were determined for African catfish, a species of economic importance in Africa. Results from two trials are reported. In each trial, ADC were determined using a reference diet and test diets with yttrium oxide as indicator. Juvenile African catfish (averaging 53.9 g, trial 1; 40.4 g, trial 2) were stocked in tanks connected to a common recirculation aquaculture system. Ingredients tested included hydrolysed feather meal (HFM), fishmeal (FM), insect meal (IM), soybean meal (SBM), sunflower meal (SFM), poultry meal (PM), corn dried distillers grains with solubles (CDDGS), faba beans (FB), lupine meal (LM), pea protein (PP), guar meal (GM), canola meal (CM) and yeast meal (YM). The effect of feeding level on ADC was determined by feeding fish restrictively (80% satiation) for 5 weeks and subsequently to apparent satiation for 2 weeks. Inclusion of yeast meal at 30% resulted in low palatability. ADC of nutrients were significantly affected by feeding level (except for fat and carbohydrate), but the effect was ingredient-dependent. African catfish was able to digest protein very effectively in almost all tested ingredients with ADC values ranging from 85.6 to 105.1% across feeding periods. Several ingredients tested, including animal protein ingredients and YM had similar high ADC for dry matter as FM. However, the ADC of AA differ among ingredients, indicating a need for digestible amino acid profile data. Methionine (Met) was the first limiting essential amino acid in HFM, FB, and LM with values ranging from 5−6 g/kg, expressed as digestible Met (dMet) per unit of digestible protein (DP), compared to FM (27 g dMet/kg DP). IM had comparable and sometimes higher overall digestible essential AA values compared to FM, except for methionine and lysine. For oilseeds and legumes, SBM tended to be the best quality AA source, as it had the highest digestible essential amino acid profile. These data provide information concerning nutrient and digestible AA values, which will allow a more efficient use of alternative ingredients in African catfish diets. Formulating diets based on the digestible AA in ingredients will aid precise feed formulation, thereby minimising economic losses and reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture production.

Effect of feeding hydrolyzed feather meal and rumen-protected lysine on milk protein and energy utilization in late-lactation Jersey cows

Hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) is a feed that is high in rumen undegradable protein; however, it is low in Lys compared with other high rumen undegradable protein sources. Additionally, processing methods differ by facility, which affects AA composition and protein digestibility. The objective of this study was to use lactating dairy cows to determine the effects of feeding 2 sources of HFM that differed by the amount of blood they contained and also to study the effects of supplementing rumen-protected (RP) Lys when these sources of HFM are fed. In this study, 12 multiparous Jersey cows were enrolled in a triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square with 4 periods 28 d in length. Cows were fed 2 total mixed rations that differed by source of HFM. The HFM was included at 4.5% of the diet dry matter, and one source was produced with the addition of poultry blood. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment sequences. Treatments were as follows: HFM without added blood and no RP-Lys, HFM with added blood and no RP-Lys, HFM without blood and with RP-Lys (22 g of digestible Lys), and HFM with added blood and RP-Lys. The source of HFM containing blood tended to increase dry matter intake (18.3 vs. 17.3 ± 0.72 kg/d), and increased milk yield (20.5 vs. 18.4 ± 1.31 kg/d) and protein yield (0.788 vs. 0.694 ± 0.040 kg/d). The inclusion of RP-Lys did not affect milk or protein yield. In cows fed HFM containing blood, plasma concentration of Lys (82.1 vs. 70.8 ± 4.06 μM) and His (27.8 vs. 17.9 ± 3.15 μM) was higher. The addition of RP-Lys had no effect on the concentration of either plasma Lys or His. Gross energy intake tended to increase for HFM containing more blood (81.4 vs. 77.3 ± 3.29 Mcal/d); however, no difference was observed for intake of digestible energy (52.0 ± 2.20 Mcal/d) or metabolizable energy (46.4 ± 2.02 Mcal/d). Similar to dry matter intake, N intake increased with the inclusion of HFM containing blood, but crude protein digestibility decreased (61.6 vs. 66.0%). Results of this study highlight that source of HFM can be a factor that affects milk production and that this in part is due to differences in the profile of AA. Additionally, the observation that plasma His and milk protein increased with the consumption of HFM containing more blood suggests that His may have played a role in increasing milk and milk protein yield.

Response of exotic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) poults to diets substituted with varying levels of hydrolysed feather meal or blood meal as partial replacement for fish meal

Recent concerns over the seasonal availability and high cost of conventional protein sources has necessitated the search for alternative feed protein with lesser feed-food competitive properties yet desirable and appropriate to poults. A study was designed to determine the response of exotic turkey poults (Meleagris gallopavo) to diets substituted with varying levels of hydrolysed feather meal (HFM) or blood meal (BLM) as partial replacement for fishmeal for 112days. One hundred and ninety-two British United Turkeys BUT) were allotted to eight dietary treatments comprising four replicates and six birds per replicate. The birds were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of two protein sources (Hydrolysed feather meal or Blood meal) included at 4 levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%). Diets 1-4 were formulated such that fish meal in control was replaced by feather meal, protein for protein. Diets 5-8 wereformulated such that fish meal in control was replaced by blood meal, protein for protein and included at 0, 10, 20 and 30%. Treatments 1 and 5 were the control groups. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance using SAS. Turkeys fed test ingredients at 20% substitution level recorded higher (p&lt;0.05) final weight and weight gain and best FCR at starter phase. Cost of feed/kg diet reduced (p&lt;0.05) as the substitution level of test ingredientincreased. Nutrient digestibility and energy metabolisability increased with increased substitution levels of test ingredients at the starter phase. Starter turkeys fed hydrolysed feather meal recorded higher energy metabolisability. It can be concluded from this study that substituting turkey diets with Hydrolysed feather meal and Blood meal at 20% inclusion level improves performance, nutrient digestibility and energy metabolisability.

Influence of Process Parameters and Raw Material on the Characteristics of Hydrolyzed Feather Meal

Brazil poultry industry generates a large amount of byproducts, especially feathers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of hydrolysis time and pressure on the protein content (PC) and digestibility value (DV) of the hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) produced with: 100% chicken feathers, 100% turkey feathers and mixed (50% chicken feathers + 50% turkey feathers). There was a tendency to higher PC and DV values in the range of 30 to 40 min of hydrolysis regardless of the raw material. The use of higher pressures led to a decrease in the PC and DV, except in the HFM with 100% of turkey feathers. The adjustment of the hydrolysis time and pressure resulted in a higher protein content and digestibility values in HFM. Chicken feathers are the most suitable protein source for HFM production. However, turkey feathers can be used for processing mixed feather meal.

Comparative amino acid digestibility between broiler chickens and pigs fed different poultry by-products and meat and bone meal.

The objective of this study was to compare the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in 3 poultry by-products including hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM), flash dried poultry protein (FDPP), and poultry meal (PM) and also a meat and bone meal (MBM) between broiler chickens and pigs. Experimental diets consisted of 4 diets containing each test ingredient as a sole source of nitrogen and a nitrogen-free diet. In experiment 1, 416 male broiler chickens with a mean initial body weight (BW) of 705 ± 100 g were allotted to 5 diets with 8 replicate cages per diet in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor at day 18 posthatching. After 5 d of feeding experimental diets, birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation, and ileal digesta samples were collected from distal two-thirds of the ileum. In experiment 2, 10 barrows with a mean initial BW of 22.1 ± 1.59 kg were surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum and allotted to a duplicate 5 × 4 incomplete Latin Square design with 5 diets and 4 periods. Each period lasted for 7 d including 5 d of adaptation and 2 d of ileal digesta collection. Data from experiments 1 and 2 were pooled together and analyzed as a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with the effects of species (broiler chickens or pigs) and 4 experimental diets (HFM, FDPP, PM, or MBM). There were interactions (P < 0.05) between experimental diets and species in the SID of His, Lys, Thr, Trp, Val, and all dispensable AA except Tyr. In broiler chickens, the SID of Lys in FDPP (73.3%) was greater (P < 0.05) than in HFM (55.7%) but was lower (P < 0.05) than in MBM (86.5%), which was not different from PM (78.7%). In pigs, however, the SID of Lys in FDPP and PM (70.0 and 70.1%, respectively) were greater (P < 0.05) than in HFM (39.0%) but were lower (P < 0.05) than in MBM (79.2%). Broiler chickens fed FDPP and PM had lower (P < 0.05) SID of His, Thr, and Trp than those fed MBM; however, there was no difference in the SID of His, Thr, or Trp among pigs fed FDPP, PM, or MBM. The SID of Val in MBM was greater (P < 0.05) than in the other test ingredients for broiler chickens, but there was no difference in the SID of Val among test ingredients for pigs. Pigs had greater (P < 0.05) SID of Ile and Met than broiler chickens. In conclusion, the pattern of differences in the SID of His, Lys, Thr, Trp, and Val, but not the other indispensable AA, among poultry by-products and MBM were different between broiler chickens and pigs.

Effects of rumen-protected lysine and histidine on milk production and energy and nitrogen utilization in diets containing hydrolyzed feather meal fed to lactating Jersey cows

Hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) is high in crude protein, most of which bypasses rumen degradation when fed to lactating dairy cows, allowing direct supply of AA to the small intestine. Compared with other feeds that are high in bypass protein, such as blood meal or heat-treated soybean meal, HFM is low in His and Lys. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of supplementing rumen-protected (RP) Lys and His individually or in combination in a diet containing 5% HFM on milk production and composition as well as energy and N partitioning. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows (mean ± SD: 91 ± 18 d in milk) were used in a triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square with 4 periods of 28 d (24-d adaptation and 4-d collection). Throughout the experiment, all cows were fed the same TMR, with HFM included at 5% of diet DM. Cows were grouped by dry matter intake and milk yield, and cows within a group were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: no RP Lys or RP His; RP Lys only [70 g/d of Ajipro-L (24 g/d of digestible Lys), Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Tokyo, Japan]; RP His only [32 g/d of experimental product (7 g/d of digestible His), Balchem Corp., New Hampton, NY]; or both RP Lys and His. Plasma Lys concentration increased when RP Lys was supplemented without RP His (77.7 vs. 66.0 ± 4.69 µM) but decreased when RP Lys was supplemented with RP His (71.4 vs. 75.0 ± 4.69 µM). Plasma concentration of 3-methylhistidine decreased with RP Lys (3.19 vs. 3.40 ± 0.31 µM). With RP His, plasma concentration of His increased (21.8 vs. 18.7 ± 2.95 µM). For milk production and milk composition, no effects of Lys were observed. Supplementing RP His increased milk yield (22.5 vs. 21.6 ± 2.04 kg/d) and tended to increase milk protein yield (0.801 vs. 0.772 ± 0.051 kg/d). Across treatments, dry matter intake (18.5 ± 0.83 kg/d) and energy supply (32.2 ± 2.24 Mcal of net energy for lactation) were not different. Supplementing RP His did not affect N utilization; however, supplementing RP Lys increased N balance (25 vs. 16 ± 9 g/d). The lack of production responses to RP Lys suggests that Lys was not limiting or that the increase in Lys supply was not large enough to cause an increase in milk protein yield. However, increased N balance and decreased 3-methylhistidine with RP Lys suggest that increased Lys supply increased protein accretion and decreased protein mobilization. Furthermore, His may be a limiting AA in diets containing HFM.

Use of indirect calorimetry to evaluate utilization of energy in lactating Jersey dairy cattle consuming diets with increasing inclusion of hydrolyzed feather meal

A study using indirect calorimetry and 12 lactating multiparous Jersey cows (53 ± 23 d in milk at the beginning of the experiment; mean ± standard deviation) was conducted to evaluate the utilization of energy in cattle consuming diets containing increasing hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM). A triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 35-d periods (28-d adaption and 4-d collections) was used to compare 4 different dietary treatments. Treatments contained (DM basis) HFM at 0% (0HFM), 3.3% (3.3HFM), 6.7% (6.7MFM), and 10.0% (10HFM). Diets were formulated such that HFM replaced blood meal and nonenzymatically browned soybean meal. With increasing HFM, linear increases were observed for dietary NEL content (1.61, 1.64, 1.69, and 1.70 ± 0.042 Mcal/kg of DM for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively), and the efficiency of converting ME to NEL (0.708, 0.711, 0.717, and 0.719). Apparent total-tract digestibility of CP linearly decreased with increasing HFM (63.4, 61.1, 59.9, and 58.6 ± 1.46% for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively), whereas long-chain fatty acid digestibility increased with increasing HFM (77.2, 77.7, 78.5, and 80.6 ± 1.30%). With increased inclusion of HFM, fecal N excretion increased (199, 230, 239, 237 ± 12.1 g/d for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively), whereas urinary N excretion decreased (166, 151, 155, and 119 ± 14.8 g/d). Increasing the concentration of HFM resulted in a quadratic effect on DMI (19.6, 20.2, 20.3, and 19.1 ± 0.79 kg/d for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively) and milk yield (31.7, 32.0, 31.9, and 29.7 ± 1.32 kg/d). Increasing HFM linearly decreased the milk protein concentration (3.34, 3.29, 3.23, and 3.23 ± 0.158 for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively) and yield (1.05, 1.05, 1.02, and 0.96 ± 0.040 kg). The inclusion of HFM did not affect energy-correct milk yield (average of 39.3 ± 1.54). Results of this study suggest that HFM can increase dietary NEL content compared with blood meal and nonenzymatically browned soybean meal and maintained energy-corrected milk yield; however, feeding HFM at greater than 6.7% of diet DM decreased DMI, and protein availability may have been reduced with increased HFM, leading to a linear decrease in milk protein concentration and yield.

Effect of fishmeal replacement by hydrolyzed feather meal on growth performance, proximate composition, digestive enzyme activity, haematological parameters and growth-related gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Two feeding trials were conducted to examine the replacement of fishmeal (FM) by hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) in the diet of juvenile gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). In trial I (100 days), three isonitrogenous (500 g kg−1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (21 kJ kg−1) diets were formulated, where FM protein was replaced by HFM at 50% (HFM50) and 100% (HFM100), while in trial II (110 days) four diets were formulated using the same FM control diet but FM was replaced at lower levels: 25% (HFM25), and 25% (HFM25+) and 50% (HFM50+) supplemented with lysine and methionine. Juveniles were allocated in quadruplicate and triplicate groups, respectively for trial I and II and fed to satiation 2 times day−1. HFM can successfully replace FM protein at 25% without compromising the feed intake, growth performance, feed utilization and proximate composition of juvenile gilthead seabream. Higher FM replacement levels down-regulated the liver gene expression of the GH/IGF axis and thus reduced the growth performance and nutrient metabolism, although the digestive protease activities and several haematological parameters were unaffected.

The effects of partial replacement of fishmeal protein by hydrolysed feather meal protein in the diet with high inclusion of plant protein on growth performance, fillet quality and physiological parameters of Pengze crucian carp ( Carassius auratus var. Pengze)

Goal of this research is to explore the effects of graded dietary levels of hydrolysed feather meal (HFM) protein as an alternative of fishmeal protein on Pengze crucian carp (Carassius auratus var. Pengze). Five isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) diets were formulated as Control diet and four other diets F15, F30, F45 and F60 wherein 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% fishmeal protein replaced by HFM protein fed for 70 days. The results showed that fish growth was unaffected up to 45% fishmeal protein replacement. Dietary HFM protein could reduce the crude protein composition of body and further affect fillet quality through a significant increase in springiness, gumminess, chewiness and/or resilience. Activity of digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase and tryptase) increased as the fishmeal protein replacement increased, whereas a higher replacement level had negative impacts on absorptive capacity of intestine by decreasing its absorptive area, following by a reduction in concentration of lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein and ammonia in serum. Although intestinal antioxidant parameters were elevated by dietary HFM protein, the content of malondialdehyde in intestine was also positively associated with the protein replacement level. Overall, our results indicate that up to 45% of fishmeal protein could be replaced by HFM protein in diet without significant impact on the growth of Pengze crucian carp, whereas the crude protein content of whole body, fillet quality and oxidative status would significantly be affected when the replacement level of fishmeal protein reaches 30% together with a negative effect on the intestinal histology.

118 Digestibility of amino acids in hydrolyzed feather meal, flash dried poultry protein, poultry meal, and meat and bone meal fed to broiler chickens and pigs

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM), flash dried poultry protein (FDPP), poultry meal (PM), and meat and bone meal (MBM) fed to broiler chickens and pigs. Four semi-purified diets and a nitrogen-free diet were prepared. Exp. 1 was conducted with 416 male broiler chickens (initial body weight [BW] = 705 ± 100.0 g) at d 18 post-hatching in a randomized complete block design. Birds were fed diets for 5 d and then euthanized to collect ileal digesta. In Exp. 2, ten barrows (initial BW = 22.1 ± 1.59 kg) surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were assigned to duplicate 5 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 5 diets and 4 periods. There were 5-d adaptation and 2-d ileal digesta collection periods in each experimental period. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with the effects of species (i.e., broiler chickens and pigs) and four experimental diets. There were interactions (P &lt; 0.05) in the SID of His, Lys, Thr, Trp, and Val between diets and species. In broiler chickens, the SID of Lys in MBM was greater (P &lt; 0.05) than HFM and FDPP but was not different from PM. Pigs fed MBM had greater (P &lt; 0.05) SID of Lys than HFM, FDPP, and PM. In broiler chickens, the SID of His, Thr, and Trp in FDPP and PM were greater (P &lt; 0.05) than HFM but was less (P &lt; 0.05) than MBM. In pigs, the SID of His, Thr, and Trp in FDPP and PM were greater (P &lt; 0.05) than HFM but was not different from MBM. In conclusion, differences in the SID of AA among animal protein sources were affected by species of monogastric animals.