Which description best matches feather meal?

Which description best matches feather meal?

• A. It is expensive, highly palatable, and contains about 85% CP
• B. It is inexpensive, unpalatable, and contains about 85% CP
• C. It is a plant-based protein with low digestibility
• D. It is a protein supplement with 30% CP

Answer: (B)

Feather meal is a high-protein byproduct from poultry processing, produced by breaking down feathers. Its standout feature is a very high crude protein content—about 85% on a dry matter basis—making it an attractive way to boost protein in rations. Because it’s a byproduct, it tends to be relatively inexpensive compared with premium protein meals. However, palatability is poor for many animals due to odor and texture, which can limit intake. The keratin structure in feathers resists digestion, so true digestibility and amino acid availability are limited, and the amino acid balance is often not ideal (low in some essential amino acids). For these reasons, feather meal is used to supplement protein rather than as the sole protein source, and processing that hydrolyzes keratin can improve digestibility. Therefore, the description that best matches feather meal is inexpensive, unpalatable, and contains about 85% CP.

Feather meal is a high-protein byproduct from poultry processing, produced by breaking down feathers. Its standout feature is a very high crude protein content—about 85% on a dry matter basis—making it an attractive way to boost protein in rations. Because it’s a byproduct, it tends to be relatively inexpensive compared with premium protein meals. However, palatability is poor for many animals due to odor and texture, which can limit intake. The keratin structure in feathers resists digestion, so true digestibility and amino acid availability are limited, and the amino acid balance is often not ideal (low in some essential amino acids). For these reasons, feather meal is used to supplement protein rather than as the sole protein source, and processing that hydrolyzes keratin can improve digestibility.

Therefore, the description that best matches feather meal is inexpensive, unpalatable, and contains about 85% CP.