Date: 29/05/2025

The search for nutritional efficiency and functional performance has driven the adoption of more technological ingredients in animal nutrition formulations. Among these, hydrolyzed protein stands out for its high digestibility, bioactive peptide profile and applicability in different species and production phases. Its use represents a technical advance that combines biological value, versatility of use and high metabolic response.

In systems such as pig farming, aquaculture and dog and cat food, the benefits go beyond the delivery of amino acids, as the effects on nutrient absorption, intestinal integrity and immunomodulation have placed hydrolyzed proteins at the heart of formulation strategies for premium products.

In this content, we address the technical foundations that underpin this performance and present the differentials of BioActio Health & Performance, a functional solution from BRF Ingredients that has been validated in multiple species.

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How hydrolyzed proteins contribute to nutritional efficiency

Hydrolyzed proteins occupy a strategic position in the formulation of premium foods for different species, acting simultaneously as a source of amino acids and as modulators of physiological processes.

The enzymatic hydrolysis process, when applied to raw materials of animal origin, promotes the breakdown of protein structures, generating smaller peptides and free amino acids, as well as compounds with potential beneficial bioactivities for the body (Kristinsson & Rasco, 2000; Dieterich et al., 2014; Sary et al., 2017).

This technological advance has made it possible to produce ingredients with high digestibility, excellent solubility and extended functionality, which makes them relevant in diets formulated for high metabolic performance.

Therefore, enzymatic hydrolysis is considered an advantageous method compared to other forms of protein modification, because it allows greater control over the reaction, generates fractions with a more predictable composition and ensures reproducibility between batches (Kristinsson & Rasco, 2000; Dieterich et al., 2014; Bernardi et al., 2016), since it uses milder reaction conditions than other chemical processes and is based on the specificity of the enzyme for the substrate, factors that reduce unwanted variations and make the results more consistent.

In addition, by facilitating the fragmentation of proteins into smaller structures, nutrient absorption is improved and a variety of compounds with positive physiological effects are released. This set of factors gives the ingredient functional characteristics, making it possible to consider it as part of a food strategy with bioactive properties (Bernardi et al., 2016; Toldrá et al., 2016).

In intensive production systems, such as pig farming and aquaculture, the nutritional and functional benefits of hydrolyzed proteins are reflected in zootechnical indicators, promoting better feed conversion, weight gain and batch uniformity.

The use of agro-industrial by-products as a base for enzymatic hydrolysis also contributes to the use of underutilized raw materials with high biological value, which represents a technically and economically viable solution for the sector (Mullen et al., 2017).

In pets, such as dogs and cats, the application of hydrolyzed proteins is associated with greater food acceptance, lower risk of adverse reactions and better digestive tolerance, attributes that are especially relevant in specific diets, such as those aimed at managing food allergies, intestinal health or nutritional support at critical stages of life.

Metabolic benefits of hydrolyzed protein in pigs, fish, dogs and cats

The metabolic action of hydrolyzed proteins goes beyond digestibility, as these ingredients contribute to mucosal integrity, favor the immune response and optimize the use of nutrients, which directly impacts productive and physiological performance in different feeding systems.

In critical phases, such as weaning piglets, their inclusion in the diet helps to reduce the antigenic load and protect against enteric disorders, offering nutritional support with lower digestive requirements

In aquaculture production, hydrolysates have been successfully used to improve feed efficiency and promote digestive stability, especially in intensive systems or in the early stages of rearing. In addition to their highly available protein profile, these ingredients have excellent solubility and contribute to the balance of the microbiota, making them strategic allies in formulations that require rapid absorption and minimal enteric impact.

In the pet segment, especially in diets formulated for dogs and cats with specific needs, hydrolyzed protein has proved effective in reducing adverse reactions and promoting gastrointestinal comfort.

Its application also promotes the use of more concentrated and personalized diets, with a positive impact on the biodisponibility of essential amino acids, which are factors that reflect as a functional alternative both in commercial lines and in veterinary clinical support diets.

Applications and recommendations for using hydrolysates in different systems

The application of hydrolyzed proteins in multi-species formulations requires technical knowledge about the characteristics of the ingredient and how it interacts with the food matrix.

The choice of the type of hydrolysate, the inclusion point and the processing method directly impact the stability of the product and the effectiveness of the nutritional delivery, and these factors need to be adjusted according to the species, the production phase and the nutritional objective of the formulation.

In extruded feed, both for dogs and cats and for fish, it is essential that the hydrolysate has sufficient thermal stability to maintain its functional integrity after processing. In addition, homogeneous distribution in the mixture ensures greater uniformity of performance between batches.

In wet or liquid diets, such as those used in the early stages of pig farming or intensive aquaculture, the solubility of the ingredient becomes even more critical, as it influences absorption and intestinal transit time.

The inclusion of hydrolysates can also be strategic in specific formulations, such as premixes, protein supplements, allergen-restricted diets or products intended for nutritional recovery. In these cases, in addition to protein quality, attributes such as palatability, absence of residues and compatibility with additives become important differentials.

When well selected and carefully applied, these ingredients add value to the formulation, strengthen the functionality of the diet and meet the growing demands for performance, quality and safety.

BioActio Health & Performance: Hydrolyzed Protein from BRF Ingredients with validated performance in different species

BioActio Health & Performance is a functional protein source developed by BRF Ingredients from the enzymatic hydrolysis of chicken raw material.

This controlled process generates an ingredient rich in bioactive peptides of low molecular weight, highly soluble and with high biodisponibility, with results on digestibility, modulation of physiological processes related to nutrient absorption, immunity and metabolic balance.

Analysis of its composition identified the presence of 78 different bioactive peptides, which represents a 100% increase compared to conventional animal meals. These peptides have specific functionalities, such as stimulating nutrient absorption, supporting the immune system and additional biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-lipogenic and anti-hypertensive action.

This functional performance has been validated in different species and contexts. In tilapia, the inclusion of 2% to 2.7% BioActio promoted an increase in final weight at all stages of rearing, with weight gains of +23% in post-larvae, +22.5% in fry and +5% in adults, compared to the control group. The data was obtained through in vivo tests conducted in partnership with the Universidade do Oeste do Paraná, including industrial-scale experiments with 300 kg of tilapia distributed in net tanks.

In pig farming, the ingredient has been shown to reduce the feed conversion rate by up to 7%, as well as promoting greater daily weight gain in weaned piglets, as observed in an in vivo study conducted with 1,600 animals aged between 21 and 69 days, in partnership with the Universidade de São Paulo.

In the pet segment, we highlight the study carried out on felines which evaluated the possible antihypertensive action of the peptides present in BioActio. The in silico test, conducted in partnership with the Universidade Estadual de Maringá, showed a reduction in the animals' systolic blood pressure, associated with inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in controlling blood pressure and sodium balance.

Combining technology, functionality and an integrated production chain, BioActio Health & Performance is a complete ingredient option for premium formulations. Its validated performance, added to the traceability guaranteed by BRF Ingredients, consolidates the product as a strategic choice for industries seeking advanced nutritional solutions with a direct effect on animal performance and health.

Final considerations

Hydrolyzed protein is a strategic ally for those looking to raise the nutritional and functional standards of formulations for different species. Its use enables direct gains in digestibility, nutrient absorption and physiological modulation, with proven positive effects on zootechnical performance and metabolic health.

BioActio Health & Performance is the result of applying this concept on an industrial scale, with strict control of raw materials, biotechnology and much more. The ingredient's performance has been evaluated in different species, including pigs, tilapia, dogs and cats, demonstrating its versatility in formulations aimed at nutritional efficiency and functionality.

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