Animal Protein: Key Source of Nutrition in Pet Food, Animal Feed, and Aqua Feed

1. Basic Information about Animal Protein

Origins of Animal Protein

Animal proteins used in feed primarily come from by-products of the meat processing industry. These include:

• Meat Bone Meal (MBM): Derived from the rendering process of animal tissues and bones.
• Poultry Meal: Sourced from poultry by-products such as skin, bones, and internal organs.
• Feather Meal: Created by processing poultry feathers, which are high in keratin, a type of protein.
• Blood Meal: Made by drying blood from slaughterhouses, rich in protein and minerals.
• Fish Meal: Obtained by grinding and drying whole fish or fish trimmings, typically used in aquaculture and pet food.

Processing, Production, and Packaging

Animal proteins undergo several stages before reaching the market:

• Rendering: This process involves heat treatment to break down raw materials into fats and proteins. The proteins are then dried and ground into a fine meal.
• Production: Large-scale production is typically carried out in regions with a significant meat industry presence, such as the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America.
• Packaging: After production, animal protein meals are packed in sealed bags to maintain freshness and protect against contamination.

Global Production Volume

In terms of global production:

• Fish meal production reached approximately 5-6 million tons per year, with Peru, Chile, and Denmark being major suppliers.
• Meat Bone Meal, Poultry Meal, Feather Meal, and Blood Meal production varies by region, with the USA, Brazil, and Europe as key producers. These regions contribute significantly to the global supply chain, which predominantly serves the Asian and European markets.

2. The Importance of Animal Protein in Nutrition for Pet Food, Animal Feed, and Aqua Feed

Animal proteins play a critical role in the nutrition of pets, livestock, and aquaculture due to their high biological value and digestibility.

Pet Food

In pet food, especially for cats and dogs, animal protein is essential for:

• Providing high-quality amino acids necessary for muscle development and immune system function.
• Fish meal and poultry meal are commonly used in premium pet foods because of their high palatability and nutrient density.
• Proteins from meat and fish are better absorbed and utilized by pets than plant-based proteins, making them indispensable for maintaining health and vitality.

Animal Feed (Livestock)

In livestock feed, such as for poultry, pigs, and cattle, animal proteins:

• Offer a concentrated source of essential amino acids that support rapid growth and efficient feed conversion rates.
• Meat Bone Meal (MBM) and poultry meal provide a balanced mix of proteins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus, crucial for skeletal development in poultry and pigs.
• Blood meal is particularly valuable for its high lysine content, which is important for muscle growth in pigs and poultry.

Aqua Feed

Animal proteins are vital in aquaculture, particularly for carnivorous species like salmon and shrimp:

• Fish meal is highly valued for its rich omega-3 fatty acids, essential for healthy growth and reproductive performance in aquatic species.
• Feather meal and blood meal are also used to supplement fish feed due to their high protein content and amino acid profiles.

3. Applications of Animal Protein

Animal protein is used across various feed applications:

• Pet Food: Primarily in premium dog and cat food for its high nutrient bioavailability and taste.
• Livestock Feed: Animal proteins such as meat bone meal and poultry meal are used to fortify feeds for pigs, chickens, and cattle.
• Aqua Feed: Particularly in intensive aquaculture, where fish meal remains a primary source of protein due to its high digestibility and nutrient balance.

4. Advantages of Animal Protein Compared to Other Protein Sources

Animal protein offers several benefits over plant-based proteins (like soy or corn gluten meal):

• Higher Biological Value: Animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids in proportions that better match the dietary needs of animals.
• Better Digestibility: Animal protein, especially from fish meal and poultry meal, is more easily digested and absorbed by animals compared to plant proteins.
• Nutrient-Rich: In addition to protein, animal meals often provide essential fats, minerals, and vitamins, contributing to a more balanced diet.

Compared to synthetic protein sources, animal proteins are more natural and sustainable, utilizing by-products that would otherwise go to waste.

5. Future Outlook: Demand for Animal Protein in the Next 10-20 Years

Looking ahead, the demand for animal proteins is expected to rise, particularly in regions like Asia, Europe, and North America. Key factors driving demand include:

• Growing Livestock and Aquaculture Industries: The increasing consumption of meat, poultry, and fish in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia will boost the need for efficient, high-quality animal protein sources.
• Pet Food Industry Growth: The premium pet food sector is expanding rapidly, especially in Europe and North America, where consumers are seeking high-quality nutrition for their pets.
• Sustainability Efforts: In regions like Europe and North America, there is a shift towards more sustainable protein sources. Animal proteins, particularly those derived from by-products, align with these goals by reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

By 2040, the global animal feed industry is projected to increase its reliance on animal proteins, especially in markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia, where population growth and rising income levels are driving meat and fish consumption.

Conclusion

Animal proteins, including meat bone meal, poultry meal, feather meal, blood meal, and fish meal, are essential components in modern animal feed. They provide high-quality, digestible nutrients crucial for the health and growth of pets, livestock, and aquatic species. As the global demand for meat and fish continues to rise, especially in Asia, the role of animal protein in the feed industry will become even more prominent in the coming decades.

(FeedWatch Asia, 2024)