Animal by-products as an alternative feed ingredient

Publication date: 16-07-2026
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Marie-Caroline Lecrenier, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, Belgium; Ikram Belghit, Institute of Marine Research, Norway; Alessandro Gatto, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands; Hermann Broll, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Germany; Anne-Catrin Adam and Pauline Wischhusen, Institute of Marine Research, Norway; Sebastian Broll and Cristiano Garino, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Germany; Abigaël Anselmo and Aline Marien, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, Belgium; Mariève Dallaire-Lamontagne, Laval University, Canada; and Vincent Baeten, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, Belgium

Chapter synopsis:

The global protein shortage is a growing threat to food security as the world population increases. Finding sustainable, safe protein sources is now a pressing priority. Among emerging solutions, animal by-products (ABPs) remain underutilised despite their potential in animal nutrition. After their decline following the BSE crisis, the EU has reconsidered its stance in recent years through the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, aiming to reintroduce ABPs under strict safety conditions. Nonetheless, practical use remains low due to high production costs, species segregation requirements, complex legal frameworks and stringent traceability rules. These challenges make ABPs less attractive than plant-based alternatives such as soy. This chapter explores these regulatory and economic barriers while underlining ABPs’ nutritional and environmental benefits. A case study illustrates how collaboration between industry, policymakers and researchers is essential to support innovation and sustainable livestock systems.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0171.19