In “Forrest Gump,” Bubba extols the virtues of shrimp, the fruit of the sea. Along with shrimp kabobs, shrimp creole and shrimp gumbo, another item can be added to Bubba’s litany of small-crustacean-based products. The parts of the shrimp that Bubba didn’t use to make pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burgers or shrimp sandwiches can be turned into new pets. dietary protein source. Also, squid co-products will find a second chance in the game as pet food ingredients.
Scientists in Portugal and Germany collaborated to evaluate the properties of shrimp and squid co-products as dog food ingredients. They conducted an experiment using squid meal and shrimp hydrolyzate by analyzing the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the byproducts. The researchers also tested the digestibility and palatability of diets consisting of shrimp or squid co-products compared to a conventional commercially available diet.
Experiment with shrimp and squid in dog food
The experiment involved twelve Beagles. Groups of Beagle dogs ate formulations made of squid meal or shrimp hydrolyzate at three levels of inclusion (50, 100 and 150 grams per kilogram) in lieu of a standard diet. The researchers measured apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), metabolizable energy content, fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota.
“Both protein sources showed a higher content of protein and methionine than the substances traditionally used in the formulation of dog food,” the scientists wrote in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Shrimp hydrolyzate showed higher antioxidant activity than squid meal.
Considering the palatability, squid meal or shrimp hydrolyzate did not influence the initial approach or taste, but the Beagles showed a preference for the conventional diet. Nutrient utilization and fecal output and characteristics were not affected by increasing levels of inclusion of both invertebrate protein sources. Both byproducts showed higher ATTD of dry matter, most nutrients and energy of the diets compared to conventional kibble. Shrimp hydrolyzate diets affected microbiota composition, but squid diet did not.
Squid meal or shrimp hydrolyzate has the potential to be included in highly digestible diets for dogs, the scientists wrote.
“Overall, the results suggest that squid meal and shrimp hydrolyzate constitute novel and promising protein sources for dog food, but further research is needed to fully assess their functional value,” they wrote. .
The squid meal comes from Spain-based Inproquisa as a by-product from the canning industry of Dosidicus gigas obtained by steaming and pressing for oil extraction. The shrimp hydrolyzate was supplied by Symrise Aqua Feed, based in France. The shrimp byproduct resulted from the enzymatic hydrolysis of the heads and cephalothoraxes of Litopenaeus vannamei.
“Both by-products showed higher protein and methionine content than commonly used protein sources, and their dietary inclusion increased food digestibility, suggesting their potential to be incorporated into high protein digestible diets,” the researchers wrote. However, they called for further research.
Sustainability of shrimp and squid byproducts
Shrimp hydrolyzate and squid meal can help alleviate environmental concerns associated with byproduct waste disposal while providing a nutritious alternative source of protein for pet food. Incorporating shrimp and squid co-products into pet food formulations can help conserve marine resources by using discarded or low-cost invertebrate components, potentially reducing the need for for fresh seafood and make greater economic use of existing produce. This not only promotes environmental protection but also supports the long-term viability of marine ecosystems and the fishing economy.
