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Protein Sources in Animal Nutrition: Uses and Trends
Proper nutrition is essential for the healthy growth and development of production animals. Feed, which accounts for about 70% of operational costs in animal farming, plays a critical role in this process. Among the components of feed, protein stands out as the most expensive and valuable part, contributing approximately 33% of the total feed cost. Understanding the role of proteins and their sources is crucial for optimizing feed efficiency and improving animal performance.
Chemically, proteins are formed by the condensation of amino acids through peptide bonds. Once ingested, these proteins are broken down in the digestive system into peptides and free amino acids, which are then absorbed and used to synthesize new proteins in various tissues, such as muscles, and functional proteins like enzymes. Amino acids are categorized into essential and non-essential types; the former must be obtained through the diet.
Given the importance of protein in feed formulation, zootechnicians and feed formulators constantly seek ingredients with high protein content, balanced amino acid profiles, and cost-effective solutions. Research and development teams are actively exploring new protein sources that can meet these requirements. By using high-quality ingredients, farmers can ensure better health and resilience in animals, especially under the stress of intensive production systems.
New protein sources, such as hydrolyzed proteins, offer not only nutritional benefits but also functional properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities. These characteristics make them highly valuable in modern animal nutrition.
In Brazil, several industries contribute to the production of protein sources. Soybean processing plants provide soybean meal, while meatpacking facilities generate by-products like meat and bone meal, feather meal, and poultry meal. In the following sections, we will explore new protein sources that offer high amino acid availability and digestibility.
Plant-based proteins, including soy, sunflower, canola, and wheat, are widely used in animal feeds. However, they often have imbalanced amino acid profiles and contain anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid, tannins, and alkaloids. To overcome these challenges, techniques like enzyme treatment and heat processing are employed to improve digestibility and nutrient availability.
Soy is one of the most important plant-based protein sources globally. It is rich in high-quality protein and oil, making it a staple in animal feed. Products like Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC) are designed to deliver high protein content without harmful anti-nutritional factors. The unique properties of soy proteins, such as their ability to interact with other food components and improve texture, make them valuable in feed formulations.
Soybean Meal is another key derivative, widely used in animal nutrition due to its balanced amino acid profile and relatively low levels of anti-nutritional factors. Its crude protein content ranges from 40% to 48%, depending on processing methods.
Animal-derived proteins, such as Meat and Bone Meal, Feather Meal, and Poultry Meal, come from by-products of the meatpacking industry. While they offer a good source of protein and minerals, their composition can vary significantly, affecting their nutritional value.
Recent trends in animal feed include the use of processed proteins, such as functional peptides and hydrolysates. Enzymatic hydrolysis is being explored to break down complex proteins into bioactive peptides that offer additional health benefits. For example, Chicken Protein Hydrolysate has shown promising results in improving the performance of fish and poultry due to its high digestibility and balanced amino acid profile.
Feather Enzymatic Hydrolysate is another innovative product, derived from feathers, which are typically difficult to digest. Through enzymatic treatment, these proteins become more accessible, providing essential amino acids and functional benefits.
Insect meal, particularly from species like Tenebrio molitor, is gaining attention as a sustainable protein source. It offers a high protein content and a well-balanced amino acid profile, making it a viable alternative to traditional sources like soybean meal.
Other alternatives, such as yeast, bee pollen, and plant-based by-products like cottonseed and sunflower bran, are also being tested. These options not only provide nutritional value but also support sustainable practices in animal farming.
In conclusion, the animal feed industry is continuously evolving, with new protein sources and processing technologies playing a vital role. As research advances, the focus remains on developing high-quality, functional ingredients that enhance animal performance, health, and welfare. The integration of enzymatic hydrolysis and novel protein sources represents a significant step forward in achieving sustainable and efficient animal nutrition.