Digital re-print - March | April 2009

Feature: Feathermeal
Feature title: Adding value to feathermeal

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 Feathermeal Feathermeal
is applied in the low temperature (LT)
fishmeal technology.
It is a two-step hot air drying char-
acterised by short-term retention and
moderate temperatures ensuring that
protein quality retains at high levels. In
the fishmeal manufacturing this drying
process is considered as the most criti-
cal unit operation affecting the quality
and the nutritional value of fishmeal.
In contrast to the fishmeal industry
(producing LT fishmeal) indirect drying
systems such as rotary disc dryer are
still common practice in the poultry
by-product rendering operation.
The main effect due to excess of

Adding value to
heat application is the disruption of
the hydrogen bonds in protein struc-

feathermeal
tures leading to protein denaturation.
In this case denatured amino acids cannot
be recognised physiologically as amino acids
and are utilised, after deamination, as a
very expensive source for energy only, thus
leaving their fullest potential unexploited.
The LT fishmeal technology imparts
minimal denaturing effects on proteins,
by Franz-Peter Rebafka / Ashish Kulshrestha | GePro Gefluegel-Protein Vertriebgsgesellschaft mbh & Co. KG, Germany / Thailand thus preserving inherent digestibility and
biological value.
A comparison regarding specific quality
aspects is shown in Figure 1.
Fishmeal substitute bloodmeal was almost completely digest-
In addition, the Mink digestible protein of ible. In contrast, plate-dried, steam-tube
GoldMehl® FM was very similar to fishmeal dried and ring-dried bloodmeals had a
(data not presented) indicating good potential significantly lower apparent digestibility
of GoldMehl® FM as a fishmeal substitute. compared to spray-dried blood product.
Differences in protein quality of processed Heat-damage has previously been shown
poultry by-products have been observed to have a very significant negative impact on
in a number of
studies (Cho and
Slinger (1979),
Cho et al (1982),
Pfeffer et al

M
illions of tones of fishmeal
are used worldwide in all
animal feeds each year,
including aquaculture.
The proportion of the world’s fishmeal
used for aquaculture is estimated
to reach 66 percent by 2013, though
production will stagnate or even fall in
2009 (IFFO, 2008; forecasts).
If aquaculture is to grow as expected,
alternatives to the limited availability of
fishmeal for aqua feed have to be found. keratin structure, which contains high amounts (1995), Sugiura
Additionally, increasing prices of fishmeal of cross linked - disulphite bondings - cystine.
Superior to disc drying et al (1998),
LT fishmeal is superior to standard Hajen et al
are forcing the industry to decrease the In order to open the S-S bonds and to
fishmeal originated from a drying process (1993) and Dong
inclusion level of fishmeal and to increase make the crude feathers available for diges-
based on disc drying. et al (1993).
the usage of alternative, more economical tive systems, feathers have to be processed.
Realising the beneficial effects of a LT fish- Optimisation
feed ingredients. Currently, processing in continuous hydro-
meal drying system, GePro Gefluegel-Protein of the cooking
Hydrolyzed poultry-based animal proteins lyzer is recognised as the state-of-the-art
Vertriebsgesellschaft (Germany) has recently and drying con-
- for example hydrolyzed feathermeal - are process resulting in a maximum of degree
launched a new product category of processed ditions are con-
economically interesting protein sources used of hydrolyzation or cooking.
poultry by-product based on the LT fishmeal sidered to be
in specific areas of aquaculture such as in sal- Several factors are known to modify
drying system. the main factors
monid feed.These proteins are less expensive, digestibility of protein and amino acids.
Under the brand name GoldMehl®, contributing to
palatable, free of anti-nutritional factors and Among the process conditions the drying
a special processed hydrolyzed protein the high digest-
- by virtue of their conditions in particular, seem to play a major
of poultry feathers origin (GoldMehl® ibility values
origin – free from role in respect to digestibility and nutritional
FM) has been developed specifically for now observed
any marine-based quality of hydrolysed feathermeal.
aquaculture. for poultry by-
diseases and are The purpose of drying is to convert wet,
In several in-vivo trials, conducted at product meal
hence considered unstable materials into a dry and stable
the Fiskeriforskning Institute of Fisheries (Miller, 1996).
bioaqua-secure. substance. The drying is done by heating the
and Aquaculture Research at Tromso in The nega-
However, the material to a temperature where the rate
Norway using minks as a model for fish, tive correla-
use of feathermeal of evaporation is considered satisfactory.
(salmons in particular), the biological tion between
has been limited Increasing the temperature will speed up
digestible protein of GoldMehl® FM has the drying
for reasons such as the drying process, but can easily result in
been assessed. conditions and
poor digestibility. impairing nutritional values.
In comparison with standard/regular protein quality
Unprocessed feath-
feathermeal (produced with a disc dryer) the
ers are high in crude Hot air could also by
mink digestible protein and the biological uti- demonstrated
protein (90 percent), Hot air dryers have already started
lisable protein of the hydrolysed feathermeal by Cho et al.,
but are highly indi- to attract the interests of the fishmeal
manufactured by LT fishmeal technology was 1982 indicating
gestible due to the producers; the principle of a hot air drying
clearly superior (see Figure 2). that spray-dried

14 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | March-april 09 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE

March-april 09 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | 15
 Feathermeal
"Applying a state-of-the art drying process to the
production of feathermeal creates an added value to
feathers. The recycling of feathers is environmental friendly
and is able to partly release pressure on marine raws"
digestibility of protein of bloodmeal for fish
(Cho et al., 1982).
The same pattern has been observed
by El-Haroun and Bureau (2007) measuring
the bioavailability of lysine in blood meal
produced under different drying systems
(disc-dryer, spray-drier, flash-dryer).
Feeding trials
A series of feeding trials were conduct-
ed using Asian Sea Bass juveniles (Lates
calcalifer) to evaluate the potential of
GoldMehl® FM as a protein sources in the
diet. In one of these trials GoldMehl® FM
has been incorporated into commercial
available feed.
As indicated in Figure 3 GoldMehl® FM
showed a significant improvement of differ-
ent growth parameters (weight gain, FCR,
PER) and survival rate.
16 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | March-april 09
Optimal levels for shrimp
In another feeding trial the nutritional
value of GoldMehl® FM as a replacer for
fishmeal has been tested in White shrimps
(Penaeus vannamei). In different treat-
ments fish meal has
been gradually replaced
by GoldMehl® FM at
various ratio (zero
percent GoldMehl® FM
/ 30 percent fishmeal
= 0/30; 4.25 percent
GoldMehl® / 25.5 fish-
meal = 4.25/25.5; 9/21;
and 15/15).
Results indicate
that growth of shrimps
under the test condi-
tions was optimal at
a level of 15 percent
Goldmehl® FM and 15
percent fishmeal, resulting in cost savings
in the diet formulation of almost eight
percent (see Figure 4).
These findings are in line with
studies conducted in Hawaii where
hydrolysed feathermeal was given as
fishmeal replacer to shrimps (Cheng et
al., 2002).
It was concluded that without loos-
ing growth performance hydrolysed
feathermeal could replace fishmeal.
Substitution rate for fishmeal by
feathermeal was assessed to be 33
percent without and 66 percent with
supplementing of crystalline lysine and
methionine.
A positive performance of shrimps
fed with processed poultry derivatives
as fishmeal substitute has been observed
in fresh water shrimps (Macrobrachium
Nipponese), White Shrimps (P.vannamei)
and Black Tiger (P.monodon) cultivated in
various areas (cited in Yu, 2006 [Essential
Rendering]).
Conclusions
GoldMehl® FM has a nutritional compo-
sition and feeding values similar to that of
fishmeal for shrimps and better than regular
feathermeal.
Although the raw material is poultry
feather, the superiority of GoldMehl® FM is
attributed to its special process which is very
similar to the production conditions of high
valuable LT fishmeal. GoldMehl® FM has the
potential to partly substitute fishmeal and help
to reduce formulation costs.
Applying a state-of-the art drying process
to the production of feathermeal creates
an added value to feathers. The recycling of
feathers is environmental friendly and is able
to partly release pressure on marine raws.
Further, it can be regarded as sustainable
protein production in the wake of increasing
poultry production in all the parts of the world.
References:
Cheng, Z.J, Behnke K.C, Dominy, W.G., 2002. Effect of
feather meal on growth and body composition of the
juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.
Journal of Applied Aquaculture. 12 (1): 57-68.
Feathermeal
Cho, C. Y., Slinger, S.J., 1979. Apparent digestibility
measurements in feedstuffs for rainbow trout.
In: Halver, J.E., Tiew, K. (eds): Finfish Nutrition and
Fishfeef Technology, Vol. II. Heenemann GmbH &
Co KG, Berlin, pp. 239-247.
Cho, C.Y., Slinger, S.J., Bayley, H.S., 1982.
Bioenergetics of salmonid fishes: Energy intake,
expenditure and productivity. Comp. Biochem.
Physiol. B. 73, 25-41.
Dong, F.M., Hardy, R.W., Haard, N.F., Barrows,
F.T., Rasco, B.A., Fairgrieve, W.T., Forster, I.P., 1993.
Chemical composition and protein digestibility
of poultry by-product meals for salmonid diets.
Aquaculture 116, 149-158.
El-Haroun and Bureau (2007). Comparison of the
bioavailability of lysine in blood meals of various
origins to that of L-lysine HCL for rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquaculture 262, 402-409.
Hajen, W.E., Higgs, D.A., Beames, R.M., Dosanjh,
B.S., 1993. Digestibility of various feedstuffs by
post-juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha) in sea water. 2. Measurement of
digestibility. Aquaculture 112, 333-348.
Miller, T., 1996. Utilizing rendered products:
Petfood. In: Franco, D.A., Swanson, W. (Eds.), The
Original Recyclers. The Animal Protein Industry,
March-april 09 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | 17
The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation and
The National Renderers Association, Alexandria,
pp. 203-223.
Pfeffer, E., Kinsinger, S., Rodehutscord, M.,
1995. Influence of the propor tion of poultry
slaughter by-product and of untreated or
hydrothermally treated legume seeds in diets
for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
(Walbaum), on apparent digestibilities of their
energy and organic compounds. Aquacult.
Nut.1, 111-117.
Sugiura, S.H., Dong, F.M., Rathbone, C.K., Hardy,
R.W., 1998. Apparent protein digestibility and
mineral availabilities in various feed ingredients for
salmonid feeds. Aquaculture 159, 177-202.
Yu,Y., 2006. Rendered products in shrimp aquaculture
feeds. In: Meeker, D.L. (ed): Essential Rendering].
National Renderers Association (ISBN: 0-9654660-
3-5).
More inforMation:
Franz-peter Rebafka
GePro Gefluegel-Protein
Vertriebgsgesellschaft mbh
& Co. KG
Email: franz-peter.rebafka@ge-pro.de
Website: www.ge-pro.de
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It‘s the mix that makes the difference. Feed manufacturers desire high
durability, reliability and sanitation. Quality feed with minimum operating costs is
a must. Your needs are Buhler‘s first priority. That is why we commit our-
selves to delivering seamless solutions meeting your highest requirements. Get
in touch with one of our specialists worldwide and we will deliver a complete
process design package, equipment, automation and customer service. You and
Buhler – the perfect mix.

Bühler AG, Feed & Biomass, CH-9240 Uzwil, Switzerland, T +41 71 955 11 11, F +41 71 955 28 96
fu.buz@buhlergroup.com, www.buhlergroup.com

The solution behind the solution.

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Benefits of using Extruders to
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To purchase a paper copy of the magazine, or to subscribe to the paper edition please contact
Feathermeal
our Circulation and Subscriptions
Feathermeal Manager on the link above. Conclusions Cho, C. Y., Slinger, S.J., 1979. Apparent digestibility
measurements in feedstuffs for rainbow trout.
The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation and
The National Renderers Association, Alexandria,
GoldMehl® FM has a nutritional compo-
rature (LT) In: Halver, J.E., Tiew, K. (eds): Finfish Nutrition and pp. 203-223.
sition and feeding values similar to that of
Fishfeef Technology, Vol. II. Heenemann GmbH &
fishmeal for shrimps and better than regular Pfeffer, E., Kinsinger, S., Rodehutscord, M.,
drying char- Co KG, Berlin, pp. 239-247.
feathermeal. 1995. Influence of the propor tion of poultr y
tention and Cho, C.Y., Slinger, S.J., Bayley, H.S., 1982. slaughter by-product and of untreated or
Although the raw material is poultry
nsuring that Bioenergetics of salmonid fishes: Energy intake, hydrothermally treated legume seeds in diets
feather, the superiority of GoldMehl® FM is
gh levels. In expenditure and productivity. Comp. Biochem. for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
attributed to its special process which is very
this drying Physiol. B. 73, 25-41. (Walbaum), on apparent digestibilities of their
similar to the production conditions of high
e most criti- energy and organic compounds. Aquacult.
the quality valuable LT fishmeal. GoldMehl® FM has the Dong, F.M., Hardy, R.W., Haard, N.F., Barrows,
Nut.1, 111-117.
potential to partly substitute fishmeal and help F.T., Rasco, B.A., Fairgrieve, W.T., Forster, I.P., 1993.
fishmeal.
to reduce formulation costs. Chemical composition and protein digestibility Sugiura, S.H., Dong, F.M., Rathbone, C.K., Hardy,
eal industry
Applying a state-of-the art drying process of poultry by-product meals for salmonid diets. R.W., 1998. Apparent protein digestibility and
irect drying Aquaculture 116, 149-158. mineral availabilities in various feed ingredients for
c dryer are to the production of feathermeal creates
salmonid feeds. Aquaculture 159, 177-202.
he poultry an added value to feathers. The recycling of El-Haroun and Bureau (2007). Comparison of the
ation. feathers is environmental friendly and is able bioavailability of lysine in blood meals of various Yu,Y., 2006. Rendered products in shrimp aquaculture
o excess of to partly release pressure on marine raws. origins to that of L-lysine HCL for rainbow trout feeds. In: Meeker, D.L. (ed): Essential Rendering].
(Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquaculture 262, 402-409. National Renderers Association (ISBN: 0-9654660-

ADVERTISERS LINKS INFORMATION FOR ADVERTISERS - CLICK HERE

sruption of Further, it can be regarded as sustainable
protein production in the wake of increasing 3-5).
otein struc- Hajen, W.E., Higgs, D.A., Beames, R.M., Dosanjh,
enaturation. Fishmeal substitute bloodmeal was almost completely digest- poultry production in all the parts of the world. B.S., 1993. Digestibility of various feedstuffs by
ino acids cannot In addition, the Mink digestible protein of ible. In contrast, plate-dried, steam-tube post-juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus More inforMation:
lly as amino acids GoldMehl® FM was very similar to fishmeal dried and ring-dried bloodmeals had a References: tshawytscha) in sea water. 2. Measurement of Franz-peter Rebafka
eamination, as a significantly lower apparent digestibility digestibility. Aquaculture 112, 333-348. GePro Gefluegel-Protein
(data not presented) indicating good potential Cheng, Z.J, Behnke K.C, Dominy, W.G., 2002. Effect of
energy only, thus Vertriebgsgesellschaft mbh
of GoldMehl® FM as a fishmeal substitute. compared to spray-dried blood product. feather meal on growth and body composition of the Miller, T., 1996. Utilizing rendered products: & Co. KG
al unexploited. Differences in protein quality of processed Heat-damage has previously been shown Petfood. In: Franco, D.A., Swanson, W. (Eds.), The
juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Email: franz-peter.rebafka@ge-pro.de
hnology imparts poultry by-products have been observed to have a very significant negative impact on Journal of Applied Aquaculture. 12 (1): 57-68. Original Recyclers. The Animal Protein Industry, Website: www.ge-pro.de
ts on proteins, in a number of
digestibility and studies (Cho and
Slinger (1979),
g specific quality Cho et al (1982), It‘s the mix that makes the difference. Feed manufacturers desire high
durability, reliability and sanitation. Quality feed with minimum operating costs is
1. Pfeffer et al a must. Your needs are Buhler‘s first priority. That is why we commit our-
(1995), Sugiura selves to delivering seamless solutions meeting your highest requirements. Get
rying et al (1998), in touch with one of our specialists worldwide and we will deliver a complete
or to standard process design package, equipment, automation and customer service. You and
Hajen et al
Buhler – the perfect mix.
a drying process (1993) and Dong
et al (1993).
fects of a LT fish- Optimisation
Gefluegel-Protein of the cooking

• Visit Ge-Pro online • Visit Buhler online

Bühler AG, Feed & Biomass, CH-9240 Uzwil, Switzerland, T +41 71 955 11 11, F +41 71 955 28 96
fu.buz@buhlergroup.com, www.buhlergroup.com
any) has recently and drying con-
gory of processed ditions are con-
n the LT fishmeal sidered to be
the main factors
me GoldMehl®, contributing to
rolyzed protein the high digest-
gin (GoldMehl® ibility values
specifically for now observed

• Email Ge-Pro • Email Buhler

for poultry by-
s, conducted at product meal
ute of Fisheries (Miller, 1996).
h at Tromso in The nega-
model for fish, tive correla-
the biological tion between
dMehl® FM has the drying
conditions and
standard/regular protein quality
h a disc dryer) the could also by
the biological uti- demonstrated
lysed feathermeal by Cho et al., The solution behind the solution.
al technology was 1982 indicating
2). that spray-dried IAF0902.indd 4 12/03/2009 10:04
Aqua_Feed-09.indd 1 03.02.2009 15:51:05

March-april AquAFeed
16 | InternatIonal 09 | InternatIonal AquAFeed
| March-april 09 | 15 March-april 09 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | 17

12/03/2009 10:02
IAF0902.indd 17 12/03/2009 10:02

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