When considering co-products in the animal industry, feathers are frequently overlooked and disregarded as a valuable raw material [1]. However, thanks to the innovative processes and technologies developed by BRF Ingredients, chicken feathers have transformed into highly nutritious inputs for the animal nutrition sector. These feathers now serve as rich resources with significant nutritional value. In recent years, feather hydrolysates have gained significant attention in the animal feed industry due to their dual advantages of nutrition and environmental friendliness. This shift marks a major breakthrough in how we perceive and utilize animal by-products. It is noteworthy that these materials, once considered waste, are being repurposed into functional and sustainable ingredients. This transformation not only enhances the quality of animal feed but also reduces environmental pollution significantly. One prime example of this transformation is BioActio Efficiency, a feather hydrolysate product developed by BRF Ingredients using feathers sourced from BRF's integrated production system. Enriched with functional bioactive peptides, BioActio Efficiency promotes efficient nutrition for livestock while offering producers a superior cost-to-benefit ratio. Additionally, the feather hydrolysate aligns with BRF Ingredients' commitment to sustainability by minimizing environmental waste. A key aspect of sustainability involves redefining animal co-products. By doing so, more than 13 million tons of waste are diverted annually from landfills, rivers, and soil, drastically reducing environmental impact. The production of BioActio Efficiency relies on an enzymatic hydrolysis process that utilizes water along with enzymes to break down protein molecules into smaller units, creating bioactive peptides. This method ensures that the final product contains peptides that are readily absorbed into the bloodstream of animals, thereby improving their apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) [2]. Scientific studies have shown that these peptides enhance animal health, metabolism, and overall performance, particularly in aquatic and swine species. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the significance of incorporating feather hydrolysates into animal nutrition and the reasons why products like BioActio Efficiency should be included in animal diets. Feather hydrolysates represent a high-quality protein source that is rich in all essential amino acids necessary for meeting the metabolic demands of animals. These hydrolysates not only provide energy, vitamins, and minerals but also emphasize the principles of precise and tailored nutrition. Hydrolyzed proteins also play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of food allergies in animals. Unlike intact proteins, hydrolyzed proteins are less likely to provoke an immune response [3]. Specifically, BioActio Efficiency boasts 100% of its bioactive peptides below 3,500 Da, indicating a low molecular weight. This characteristic reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions and elevates the crude protein content to 89%. For these reasons, hydrolyzed proteins are becoming increasingly popular in animal nutrition. Hydrolyzed proteins offer numerous benefits when included in animal diets, such as those provided by BioActio formulations. Some notable advantages include improved nutrient digestion and absorption, reduced risk of food allergies, enhanced gut health, increased growth rates, and decreased food waste. One of the standout benefits is the reduction of food waste. The protein ingredients developed by BRF Ingredients exhibit a high degree of palatability, thanks to various factors inherent in their formulation, making them more appealing and digestible for animals. For instance, BioActio Efficiency demonstrates over 87% preference among weaned piglets compared to only 13% for animals fed a control diet. This data was validated through scientific research conducted by the State University of Western Paraná—Unioeste—with 1,350 weaned piglets analyzed five days post-weaning. It is clear that including BioActio Efficiency in animal diets is essential for optimizing species health and metabolism, as discussed further below. Moreover, it is vital to consider the cost-effectiveness of such formulations for producers. Studies indicate that animal nutrition accounts for approximately 70% of operational costs, with protein comprising 33.3% of this total [5]. Thus, investing in nutrition and formulations that cater to the metabolic needs of animals while focusing on both animal health/well-being and producer profitability is both prudent and beneficial. Specifically, enhancing food conversion (the ratio of weight gain to consumed food), and reducing undigested food waste in ecosystems, as achieved by BioActio Efficiency. As discussed earlier, the integration of formulations rich in bioactive peptides, derived from chicken feathers, creates a highly enriched ingredient that offers superior performance and cost-efficiency with a strong emphasis on sustainability. But what concrete results does BioActio Efficiency deliver? Improved Animal Performance Weight Gain and Feed Conversion Low Molecular Weight Palatability Specific Benefits in Fish, Shrimp, and Pork In shrimp diets, the incorporation of BioActio Efficiency improves nursery phase zootechnical indices—weight by 4%, biomass by 15%, and feed conversion rate by 6%. In the fattening phase, it increases weight by 18%, biomass by 17%, and improves feed conversion rate by 5%. For swine nutrition, BioActio enhances palatability, leading to an 87% increase in piglet feed preference. All these results and benefits are scientifically verified through tests and research conducted by BRF Ingredients and collaborating universities and research institutions, compared against control diets or fish hydrolysates. In summary, feather hydrolysates are emerging as a promising protein and nutrient source in the animal feed industry. BioActio Efficiency, by BRF Ingredients, showcases its scientifically proven benefits and advantages for animal nutrition and cost-effectiveness for aquaculture and swine farmers. By improving animal health and metabolic quality, BioActio Efficiency enhances species performance while promoting sustainable practices through the valorization of co-products from BRF's production chain. Through the reuse of chicken feathers as raw materials, BRF Ingredients not only develops enriched ingredients but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility via innovation. To learn more about the applications and benefits of BioActio Efficiency in aquaculture and swine diets, contact one of our experts at BRF Ingredients. [1] Science Direct. Hydrolysates can be defined as proteins that are chemically or enzymatically broken down to peptides of varying sizes. Available in: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/hydrolysate. Accessed: August 2023. [2] Komarcheuski, Alina Stadnik. Digestibility and Palatability of Enzymatic Feather Hydrolysates in Dogs. Universidade Federal do Paraná. Available in: https://acervodigital.ufpr.br/handle/1884/69104. Accessed: August 2023. [3] Nascimento, Adriana Helena do. Reasons and Benefits of Including Feather Hydrolysates in Animal Diets. Available in: https://www.locus.ufv.br/handle/123456789/11005 (ufv.br). Accessed: August 2023. [4] Pacheco, Gabriel Faria Estivallet. Chicken Feather Meal: A Sustainable Protein Source for Dogs and Cats? Editora Stilo. Available in: https://www.editorastilo.com.br/pet-food/pet-food-2/farinha-de-penas-uma-fonte-proteica-sustentavel-para-caes-e-gatos/. Accessed: August 2023. [5] Embrapa. Animal Production and Water Resources. Available in: https://www.embrapa.br/busca-de-publicacoes/-/publicacao/1048070/producao-animal-e-recursos-hidricos. Accessed: August 2023. [6] Moura, Adolpho Marlon Antoniol. The Concept of Ideal Protein Applied to Avian and Swine Nutrition. Available in: https://www.nutritime.com.br/artigos/artigo-004-conceito-da-proteina-ideal-aplicada-na-nutricao-de-aves-e-suinos/. Accessed: August 2023. Whole Octopus,Cooked Frozen Octopus,Cooked Whole Octopus,Frozen Boiled Octopus Zhejiang Zhoufu Food Co., Ltd. , https://www.zhoufu-food.comThe Importance of Hydrolysates in Animal Nutrition
Results and Benefits of BioActio in Aquaculture and Pig Farming
Bioactive peptides possess specific functionalities, providing antioxidant actions and improving nutrient metabolism (both in vitro and in silico analyses).
As stated previously, BioActio is easily absorbed and rapidly metabolized, contributing to weight gain and better feed conversion rates.
All peptides are below 3,500 Da, making BioActio hypoallergenic and increasing the apparent digestibility coefficient of crude protein to 89%.
The enzymatic hydrolysis of chicken feathers from BRF's supply chain generates compounds with lower molecular weights, resulting in a more attractive and palatable ingredient.
In tilapia diets, the inclusion of BioActio Efficiency boosts post-larvae weight gain by 41% and fingerling weight gain by 25%. It also improves feed conversion rates by 31% (post-larvae) and 18% (fry), and enhances final growth rates by 42% (post-larvae) and 23% (fry).
Concluding Thoughts
References
The benefits of BioActio Efficiency in the Industry of Animal Nutrition
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