Animal plasma is the liquid component of blood, valued in commercial applications for its unique nutritional and functional properties. Harvested primarily from porcine (pig) and bovine (cattle) sources, it is processed into a valuable ingredient used across agriculture and health sectors. This substance contains numerous bioactive molecules that offer benefits beyond basic nutrition. The commercial product is derived from the blood of animals deemed healthy for human consumption, ensuring a high-quality starting material.
Defining Animal Plasma
Animal plasma, commercially known as spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP), is a pale, highly concentrated protein powder. It is obtained by collecting whole blood from healthy animals at inspected abattoirs. The liquid plasma is separated from red and white blood cells through centrifugation. The plasma is then filtered and subjected to spray drying, a mild dehydration technique that rapidly removes water while preserving protein activity. The final product is a fine powder containing 70% to 80% protein, categorized as a functional protein ingredient.
Key Components and Biological Value
The biological value of spray-dried animal plasma stems from its complex mixture of functional proteins and bioactive compounds. The most studied components are immunoglobulins (antibodies like IgG, IgA, and IgM). These antibodies provide passive immunity by binding to and neutralizing pathogens and toxins within the gastrointestinal tract. Immunoglobulins, particularly IgG, make up a significant portion of the functional protein content. Plasma also contains albumin, which helps maintain fluid balance, and various growth factors and peptides that support the intestinal lining and tissue repair. This composition provides a superior amino acid profile and an exceptional protein digestibility rate, often reported near 99%.
Primary Applications in Animal Nutrition
The main commercial application for spray-dried animal plasma is its inclusion as a functional ingredient in animal feeds, especially for young livestock and aquaculture species. It is widely used in the diets of newly weaned pigs, which often experience stress and reduced feed intake. Plasma inclusion improves growth performance and feed efficiency by helping to maintain the integrity of the gut barrier and supporting immune function. The components modulate the immune system, allowing the animal to dedicate more energy toward growth rather than fighting inflammation. This mechanism makes plasma a successful non-antibiotic alternative for promoting health and growth in swine, poultry, and calves, and is also used in pet food to improve texture, palatability, and nutrient digestibility.
Sourcing and Safety Considerations
Animal plasma is sourced as a co-product from animals processed for the human food supply chain. Blood is collected only from healthy animals that have passed federal inspection, ensuring initial product safety. The manufacturing process is regulated by strict oversight to minimize risk, with safety secured through multiple processing steps. The spray-drying technique involves heating the product to a minimum of 80°C, a validated step known to inactivate many viruses. Manufacturers follow protocols similar to World Health Organization guidelines, including post-drying heat treatments and rigorous final product testing before release.