New data on the use of poultry based PAPs in pig diets

The results of this study show that the digestible protein content of the products was generally higher than in PAPs of unspecified animal origin in feed tables. This difference was mainly related to variation in nutrient contents and to a lesser extent to differences in digestibility. It was concluded that PAPs require a species-specific inclusion in feed tables. Recent data on the nutritional value are lacking because of the EU-wide ban to use PAPs in diets of food-producing terrestrial animals. European table values of PAPs, e.g. meat-and-bone meal, feather meal and blood meal have generally been established before the EU-ban on the use of PAPs in farm animal diets in 2001. Therefore, these values may not adequately reflect the nutritional value of the present PAPs.

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Determine the value of poultry-based PAPs in growing pigs

The aim of the study was to determine the nutrient composition, ileal and total tract digestibility and nutritional value of poultry-based PAPs in growing pigs. With participation of EFPRA (European Fat Processors and Renderers Association) members, products were selected and provided to reflect the PAPs presently available for animal diets.

The selected products included 3 poultry meals:

1. with varying protein and ash content,
2. feather meal
3. poultry blood meal

The products were included in a basal diet and supplied to growing female pigs in 2 successive periods:

1. focused on the phosphorus digestibility,
2. aimed to determine the protein and amino acid digestibility in the ileum (small intestine) and the total tract digestibility of protein, fat, and energy.

The results indicate that:

• the poultry meals generally have a 5-15% higher protein content with about equal digestibility compared to meat meal and meat and bone meal of unspecified animal origin in feed tables.
• the amino acid pattern and the digestibility of protein and fat of poultry meal was related to the ash (bone) content in the product.
• poultry blood meal deviates in amino acid and mineral content from blood meal of pigs and ruminants.

Overall, this study provides new data on digestibility and nutritional value for the use of poultry based PAPs in pig diets, specifically poultry meal, blood meal and feather meal. Inclusions of up-to-date values for nutrient content and digestibility of these poultry by-products in feed tables will allow their optimal use in pig diets when future EU legislation allows the use of PAPs in farm animal diets.