Modern animal nutrition goes beyond just feeding. It’s about boosting immunity, improving gut health, and enhancing overall performance. One of the most promising innovations in this space is the use of bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolysates.
Protein hydrolysates are the result of breaking down full proteins into smaller fragments—called peptides—through hydrolysis. This process mimics digestion, making nutrients more bioavailable to animals. The smaller size of peptides enhances their absorption in the gut and allows them to perform various regulatory functions in the body.
Beyond basic nutrition, protein hydrolysates offer unique functional properties. They supply essential amino acids like glutamate and produce bioactive peptides—short chains of amino acids (usually 2–20 in length) that provide physiological benefits. These include:
These benefits collectively support improved intestinal structure and function, enhance immunity, and result in better feed conversion ratios (FCR) and growth performance in animals.
Protein hydrolysates are used in feed formulations for a wide variety of animals including:
Another important advantage is sustainability. Protein hydrolysates can be produced from animal by-products, brewer’s spent grains, or underutilized plant materials. This not only reduces waste but also turns low-value ingredients into high-quality feed components—making it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.
Plant- and animal-protein hydrolysates are redefining animal nutrition with their high digestibility, functional bioactive peptides, and wide-ranging benefits. Whether through enzymatic, chemical, or microbial processes, their application in feed helps improve animal health, productivity, and sustainability. As research continues and technologies advance, protein hydrolysates are set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of animal agriculture.
