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Proteins are a critical constituent of animal diets, and have a
wide range of both nutritional and biological functions.
Nutritionally, they are essential sources of amino acids and can
also provide energy. They have many biological effects on amino
acid, glucose, lipid and bone metabolism, on blood pressure, immune
function, food intake and body weight. Bioactive peptides influence
mechanical, hormonal and neuroendocrine functions of the
gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and modify the microbiome. However,
the current practice of feed formulation for farm animals largely
ignores the bioactive properties of proteins that can be important
for animal health and performance. The dietary protein content in
animal feeds is frequently considered as simply a source of amino
acids. The dietary protein content of commercial animal feeds also
has two further significant consequences for animal production.
Firstly, protein is an expensive feed ingredient and secondly it is
a major contributor to environmental pollution. Therefore, both
nutritionally and economically, effective feed protein management
is essential.
The demand for feed protein on a worldwide basis is very large.
It was estimated to be worth USD 150 billion in 2019 and is
projected to grow to USD 220 billion by 2026. There are three
possible sources of animal feed proteins, animals, plants and
insects. However, the major source of feed proteins is of plant
origin, mainly soyabeans, which is more than one half of total
oilseed meal production. The EU consumes about 15% of global
oilseed meals in animal feeds. However, only 27% of EU consumption
is actually produced within the EU. This is certainly an incentive
to stimulate EU production of feed protein sources. Although
oilseeds represent the major source of feed proteins in recent
years another plant protein source has appeared, distillers dried
grains with solubles (DDGS). This is a co-product from the
bioethanol industry and is derived, from maize, or wheat. Processed
animal proteins and insects are alternative feed protein resources
but have a very restricted use in the EU. Modern animal nutrition
is totally dependent upon soyabean meal as the sole major protein
source.
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