A recent paper published in Animal Feed Science and Technology (2024) describes research on keratin from chicken feathers (feather meal) which investigates the feasibility of feather meal as a sustainable, high-protein, pet food ingredient. This research uses extrusion processing, a technology, to facilitate the digestibility and functional structural characteristics of feather meal – two persistence problems in the utilization of feather meal as a novel protein source.
A keratin protein created by processing chicken feathers into extruded feather meal to optimize the availability and digestibility of keratin protein.
| Feature | Application Insight |
| Novel Protein Source | Sustainable use of low-cost feather keratin protein |
| Digestibility | Improved through targeted extrusion techniques |
| Formulation Use | Ideal for dry kibble, extruded treats, or supplemental protein blends |
| Sustainability | Aligns with zero-waste and circular feed strategies |
| Palatability Concerns | Requires palatants to enhance taste and acceptance among pets |
| Functional Structure | Provides textural benefits like kibble firmness and crunch |
Keratin from feathers is a sustainable, high-protein source of potential innovation for pet food development – particularly in sectors valuing waste valorization and circular economy. For producers to be successful, they must mitigate digestibility and palatability concerns because of optimizing extruded processes and addition of flavor elements.
As large scale extrusion is developed and readily available, keratin-rich feathers meal could be a low-cost and sustainable option in dry kibble, functional treats or blended diets.
Citation: Animal Feed Science and Technology (2024). Extrusion Processing of Feather Meal for Improved Keratin Digestibility in Pet Diets. DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2024.XXXXX
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