Chart 1: Wounds Related to Cannibalism (Poultry Innovation Lab Aeres)
The chart above illustrates the average wound score related to cannibalism at four age points. The Control group shows a marked increase at 42 weeks (~0.35) and a sharp rise at 64 weeks (~0.8), while the PAPs group remains near zero throughout, reaching only ~0.15 at 64 weeks.
Chart 2: Feather Quality (Damage) (Poultry Innovation Lab Aeres)
Feather damage scores for the Control group climbed steadily from ~0.05 at 33 weeks to ~1.8 at 64 weeks. The PAPs group showed substantially lower damage at every age point, reaching only ~1.3 at 64 weeks — a meaningful welfare improvement across the entire laying period.
Chart 3: Mortality — Lab Test (Poultry Innovation Lab Aeres)
In the laboratory setting, both groups began with low mortality near 27 weeks. As hens aged, the Control group's mortality rose sharply, reaching approximately 85% by 85 weeks, while the PAPs group ended at around 50% — a dramatic difference demonstrating the sustained welfare benefit of PAP inclusion.
Chart 4: Mortality Rate — Field Tests (Poultry Field Tests)
Comparisons of results in practice (field tests) compared a non-PAP feed with one containing 3.5% PAP in hens aged between 53 to 85 weeks old. While there was no difference in production parameters, as in the lab test, the mortality rate was 50% less in the PAP fed group — a result consistent with the laboratory findings and highly significant for commercial poultry operations.
Customer Feedback on Use of Porcine PAP in Poultry Diets
"Processed Animal Proteins are able to lower the carbon footprint of animal feed while improving welfare in layers."
Lower Water & Feed Intake
Lower water intake gave lower faecal moisture and better litter quality. Lower feed intake possibly indicates better fulfilment of animal requirements.
Reduced Mortality
Reduced mortality and better behavioural aspects, potentially indicating less cannibalism across the flock.
Better Feather Quality
Production parameters maintained with PAP inclusion, alongside benefits in reduced cannibalism and improved feather condition.
Fewer Feed Additives
Reduced use of feed additives supporting gut health, assumed to be driven by improved gut health from PAP inclusion.
Performance of Poultry PAP in Porcine Feed
At the Teaching and Experimental Farm Köllitsch, 592 piglets consumed feed containing poultry and fish meal in four consecutive experimental runs in two breeding units. Researchers weighed each piglet at the start, day 7 and day 35. Test feed was supplied for four weeks after day 7.
The trial compared feed of 14% HP soy (44% XP) to 10% poultry meal (65% XP) and 4% grain (2% wheat & 2% barley), both types of feed had the same energy and lysine content.
Higher Acceptance & Growth
Piglets accepted poultry PAP more easily, likely due to the favoured "Umami" taste. Higher feed intake led to better physical development.
Improved Gut Health
Poultry PAP fed piglets developed significantly less diarrhoea, illustrating increased gut health and a stronger immune response.
Quieter Behaviour
Researchers found reduced noise and aggressiveness. Restless behaviour occurred half as often as in the control group.
Animal Welfare Gains
Less tail biting and necroses observed. These factors play an important role in raising pigs with intact tails.
Performance and Welfare Benefits of Non-Ruminant PAP in Animal Feed