Feather meal

Feather meal is a byproduct of processing poultry feathers; it is used as a fertilizer and in animal feed due to its high protein content.

Production

The production of feather meal involves two main processes: hydrolysis and drying. During hydrolysis, the feathers are subjected to high pressure and temperature, which breaks down the keratin in the feathers into simpler compounds. The resulting product is then dried to reduce moisture content and make it suitable for use in animal feed or as a fertilizer.

Uses

Animal Feed

Feather meal is a common ingredient in animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine. It is a cost-effective source of protein, which is essential for the growth and development of animals. However, the digestibility of the protein in feather meal can vary depending on the method of production.

Fertilizer

Feather meal is also used as an organic fertilizer. It is a slow-release source of nitrogen, one of the primary nutrients required by plants. The slow-release nature of feather meal makes it an excellent choice for crops that require a steady supply of nitrogen over a long period.

Environmental Impact

The production of feather meal helps to reduce the environmental impact of poultry production by utilizing a waste product. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for feather meal to contribute to nitrogen pollution when used as a fertilizer.

See Also

• Blood meal
• Bone meal
• Fish meal
• Poultry farming