Ways to improve the quality of domestically produced proteins for use in the animal feed industry
The European Commission, DG XII, has published the results of a study on "Ways to improve the quality of domestically produced proteins for use in the animal feed industry", funded under its specific RTD programme in the field of agriculture and fisheries (FAIR). The study focuses on the issue of protein deficiency in the European Union, which imports large amounts of soya bean and other oil cakes, and the possibilities for increasing the share of domestically produced proteins. The study is also intended to provide an insight into the role of the physiology of farm animals in relation to the uptake and excretion of nitrogen, and the possible role of more efficient diets and feeding systems. Finally, the study aims to provide an insight into the effects of the common agricultural policy and GATT on the degree of protein self-sufficiency possible in the European feed industry. The study forms part of a series of studies launched by the FAIR programmme on important issues pertaining to food and non-food research. These studies are designed to present the current state-of-the-art and make recommendations for future research which could remove obstacles to introducing new technologies and products from the agro-industrial sector into the market place.