Feathers are a by-product of broiler, turkey and poultry processing. High pressure cooking is the main processing method used in the production of feather meal.

The process is reduced to the hydrolysis of feathers at elevated temperatures with further pressure, drying and grinding. The process of hydrolysis under pressure is necessary to convert hard fibrous proteins, mainly keratin, which is the main component of feathers, into flour containing amino acids.

Hydrolysis of feathers before drying destroys protein bonds in the raw material and makes the flour more digestible. Hydrolyzed feather meal is a natural source of protein and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, which are used as ingredients in pet foods, pigs, birds, fish and other animal feed.