Feather Meal in Animal Feed: Poultry, Pig and Fish Uses and Amino Acid Balance

Quick answer: Hydrolysed feather meal adds concentrated protein (80–85%) to poultry, pig, fish and pet feed at relatively low cost. It is rich in cystine but low in lysine, methionine and histidine, so it works best at moderate inclusion with complementary proteins and synthetic amino acids. Digestibility depends on proper hydrolysis.
Updated October 2026 · NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Sarawak, Malaysia
Key facts
| Protein | 80–85% |
|---|---|
| Rich in | Cystine (sulphur amino acid) |
| Low in | Lysine, methionine, histidine |
| Best use | Moderate inclusion with other proteins |
| Key quality | Pepsin digestibility 75%+ |
| Species | Poultry, pigs, fish, pets |
Nutritional strengths and gaps
| Nutrient | Feather meal |
|---|---|
| Crude protein | Very high (80–85%) |
| Cystine | Very high |
| Lysine | Low |
| Methionine | Low |
| Histidine | Low |
How to use it well
- Use at moderate levels so amino acid gaps do not limit growth.
- Combine with lysine-rich proteins such as fish meal, soybean meal or blood meal.
- Add L-lysine and DL-methionine to balance the diet.
- Choose well-hydrolysed meal with proven digestibility.
Uses by species
- Poultry: supports feather growth thanks to its cystine.
- Pigs: partial protein replacement in grower and finisher diets.
- Fish: partial fish meal replacement in some species.
- Pet food: a hydrolysed protein source.
See our feather meal buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is feather meal good for animal feed?
Yes, at moderate levels. It provides a lot of protein but must be balanced because it is low in lysine and methionine.
Why combine feather meal with blood meal?
Blood meal is rich in lysine, which complements feather meal’s low lysine.
Which animals can eat feather meal?
Poultry, pigs, fish and pets, as part of a balanced diet.
Related
- Buy feather meal in bulk
- Feather Meal Buying Guide: Hydrolysed Protein, Digestibility and Bulk Supply
Buy in bulk: request a wholesale quote from NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Siburan, Sarawak. Call or WhatsApp +60 13-739 1922 or email info@ndrgkokalenterprise.com.