A new wood byproduct can now be added to animal feed across many species
What happened
US health regulators have filed a petition to allow a new food additive, hydrolyzed lignin, in animal feed. This means a wood byproduct can now be used as a fiber source for a wide range of livestock and pets.
Why it matters
The cost of animal feed is a major driver of meat and dairy prices. Finding new, cheaper sources of nutrition can lower these costs. This change allows a common industrial byproduct to enter the food chain, potentially reducing waste and creating a new revenue stream for the forestry industry.
The signal
Watch for the final rule approval and then for adoption rates by major feed manufacturers, which would indicate its cost-effectiveness and scalability.