Feather Meal Buying Guide: Hydrolysed Protein, Digestibility and Bulk Supply

Quick answer: When buying feather meal, choose properly hydrolysed meal with 80–85% crude protein and pepsin digestibility of at least 75%, as raw keratin is indigestible. Ask for a certificate of analysis showing protein, moisture, fat and digestibility. Feather meal is used to raise protein in poultry, pig, fish and pet feed and as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.
Updated October 2026 · NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Sarawak, Malaysia
Key facts
| Crude protein | 80–85% |
|---|---|
| Pepsin digestibility | 75% min |
| Moisture | 10% max |
| Fat | About 3–7% |
| Nitrogen (fertilizer) | About 12–13% |
| Packing | 25–50 kg bags |
Why hydrolysis matters
Feathers are made of keratin, a tough protein animals cannot digest. Cooking feathers under steam pressure (hydrolysis) breaks down the keratin so it can be digested. Poorly processed meal has low digestibility and poor feeding value, so always ask for the pepsin digestibility result.
Feather meal quality checklist
| Test | Target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Crude protein | 80–85% | Protein value |
| Pepsin digestibility | 75% min | How much protein the animal can use |
| Moisture | 10% max | Storage stability |
| Salmonella | Negative | Feed safety |
| Colour and smell | Golden to brown, no burnt smell | Processing quality |
Uses
- Animal feed: a concentrated protein to partly replace fish meal or soybean meal, balanced with amino acids such as L-lysine and DL-methionine.
- Fertilizer: a slow-release organic nitrogen source for orchards, oil palm and long-season crops.
Buying tips
- Request a sample and certificate of analysis.
- Compare price per unit of digestible protein.
- Confirm packing and delivery schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is hydrolysed feather meal?
Feathers cooked under steam pressure so their keratin protein becomes digestible, giving a meal of about 80–85% protein.
What digestibility should feather meal have?
Good hydrolysed feather meal has pepsin digestibility of at least 75%.
Is feather meal good for chickens?
Yes, in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, because it is high in protein but low in some amino acids such as lysine.
Related
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.