EVALUATION OF PIG BRISTLE AS A COMPONENT OF CARP PELLETED FEEDS

Abstract

Four extruded feed formulas were tested. The feeds were isocaloric and of similar nitrogen content, formulated with a 10 % addition of processed hog’s bristle meal. Pellets were evaluated using chemical methods and growth test carried out in experimental ponds. The studies revealed highest efficiency of the feed with bristle meal processed by keratolysis (thermal hydrolysis with 1% ammonia solution). Pig bristle processed this way turned out to be a valuable source of protein and may replace other animal meals in commercial carp feeds.