Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on the reuse of food losses—specifically former food products and bakery by-products—as sustainable alternative feed ingredients for monogastric and ruminant livestock. The authors argue that both categories hold significant nutritional value and can replace traditional cereal-grain ingredients without adverse effects on animal performance or health, whilst simultaneously reducing environmental burden and mitigating human–animal feed competition. The findings suggest that valorising food waste into animal feed is a viable strategy for reducing the climate footprint of animal agriculture.
Regional applicability
These findings are relevant to UK livestock producers and feed manufacturers seeking compliance with sustainability targets and circular economy principles. However, UK regulatory frameworks governing the use of food by-products in animal feed (particularly post-2020 changes and retained EU law) will require attention to implementation, and perceptual barriers among producers and consumers regarding food-waste-sourced feed may necessitate communications support.
Key measures
Nutritional composition of food leftovers versus standard feed; animal growth performance; feed efficiency; feed safety parameters; environmental footprint and climate impact of feed formulations
Outcomes reported
The study examined the nutritional properties, safety profile, and environmental impact of former food products (FFPs) and bakery by-products (BBPs) when used as alternative feed ingredients in pig and ruminant diets compared to standard feed formulations. It assessed whether these food leftovers could replace traditional grain-based feed ingredients without compromising animal growth performance or feed efficiency.
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