Processed animal protein (PAP)

Processed animal proteins, play first fiddle in the feed industry. That’s what we do at PEPITO: We transform animal by-products into valuable protein sources for pet food and aquaculture feed production. If you’re interested in the details, read on about individual types, production methods, uses, regulatory standards and key parameters.

Types of processed animal proteins by source:

• pork
• beef
• poultry
• fish
• insect
• and more

Production methods

There are several steps involved in the production of processed animal protein to ensure its safety and quality:

1. Collection and preparation

   • Raw materials are collected from slaughterhouses, meat processing plants and other sources.

   • Inspection and sorting ensures that raw materials are free of any contaminants and meet regulatory standards.

2. Processing method

   • Wet rendering: The raw materials are boiled in water or steamed to separate the proteins and fats.

   • Dry rendering: Materials are heated without water, which leads to faster processing (but with a higher risk of oxidation).

3. Processing

   • Heating and sterilization: Reliable pathogen elimination and compliance with microbiological standards is ensured.

   • Grinding and drying: The cooked materials are ground up into a fine powder and dried.

   • Refining: Further refining processes remove any impurities and ensure that the necessary standards are met.

Main parameters in a nutshell

Parameter	Description
Crude protein content	Indicates the nutritional value and suitability for various feed recipes.
Crude ash content	Measures the content of minerals that can affect digestibility and nutritional balance.
Humidity	Determines the shelf life and stability of the product.
Crude fat content	Indicates the energy supply in feed doses.
Digestibility	Ensures easy intake and utilization of protein by animals
Microbiological safety	Product safety is ensured by regular testing for pathogens (such as Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae).

Use of processed animal proteins

• Animal feed
  • Pet food: Processed animal proteins provide essential nutrients and significantly improve the taste of pet food.
  • Aquaculture feed: Processed animal protein is widely used in fish and shrimp feed for its high protein content and digestibility.
  • Livestock feed: Despite strict regulations, processed animal protein can be used in certain livestock feed compounds as a rich source of protein.
• Fertilizers
  • Organic fertilizers: Processed animal proteins are used as a component in organic fertilizers, as they enrich the soil with essential nutrients.

Regulations and quality control

The EU has introduced strict regulations for overseeing the production and use of processed animal proteins to ensure their quality and safety. These are also the standard here at PEPITO:

• Traceability: All raw materials and finished products must be traceable all the way to their origin.
• Hygiene standards: Strict hygiene procedures are implemented in order to prevent any contamination during processing.
• Microbiological testing: Regular pathogen testing is essential to ensure product safety.
• Category 3 material: Only Category 3 animal by-products considered to be low-risk can be used in the production of processed animal proteins.

The environmental impact?

Negligible. The processing of animal by-products into animal proteins contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. Waste is minimized by converting by-products into valuable proteins. The circular economy is also supported by processing waste material into basic nutrients for the production of feed and fertilizers.