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30 Pages·2012·1.63 MB·English

Meal Particle Size & Its Effect on Feline
Palatability, Processing Parameters & Texture
Kristopher Figge

Sr. Scientist, TSM

AFB International

Introduction
General discussion about felines

Factors affecting feline palatability (PAL)

Hypotheses

Experimental design, measurements

Results

Conclusions

General Items about Felines
As obligate carnivores, will choose higher protein diets over

lower protein diets.
Cats are more likely than dogs to avoid spoilage aromas.

Lack lateral jaw movement; hence, texture and size are very

important.
Lack molars, and cannot grind their food. Acidification may

help salivation.
Surface texture plays a role in palatability.

Different breeds of cats pick up their food differently with their
tongue (Royal Canin 2002).
In PAL testing, cats tend to consume food from both bowls.

First choice is not necessarily linked to total consumption.
Feeding time is generally 15 hours.
Factors Affecting Feline PAL
Raw Materials
(Fats, oils, meals, palatants, etc.)
Texture / Size / Processing
Shape
(sME, etc.)
Pilot Study PAL Results
In an initial study conducted at the Lovejoy Resource

Center, we saw a significant PAL improvement with the meal
that was double ground.
Ration A Ration B IR-A FC-A CR PREF p-value
Double Grind Disc Control Grind Disc 0.65 0.68 1.8A 12A : 3B 0.002
However, this study only focused on PAL.

During the extrusion we found some very interesting

changes in processing parameters with the double ground
kibble.
Also, anecdotally, we noticed some texture differences

Hypotheses—New Study
Meal particle size will affect:
The processing parameters of a dry feline
1)
diet.
The texture and physical profile of a dry
2)
feline diet.
The PAL of a dry feline diet.
3)
Experimental Design
Standard / fixed reference points:

 Both diets were extruded as a disc, based on previous
research.
 Same lot of meal used for both diets.
Meal: 34% protein / 13% fat; by-product meal & grain-based.
 Both diets coated with the same components:
Fat: 5.0% poultry fat
Palatant: 1.5% dry cat palatant
 Same moisture content
Actual: 7.2% (control) and 6.5% (double)
3
 Same bulk density (lbs./ft )
Actual: 21.5 (control) and 23.0 (double)
Experimental Design (cont’d)
Variable(s) in the study:

1) ―Control‖ ground meal
2) ―Double‖ ground meal
• WHOLE
Hammer Mill (#3)
GRAINS
• VITAMINS
Mixer • MINERALS
• OTHER INGREDIENTS
Hammer Mill (#3)
Pre-Conditioner Batch Hopper
Pre-Conditioner
Extruder
Dry Feline Formula
INGREDIENT POUNDS %
CHICKEN BY-PRODUCT MEAL 1125 28.13%
CORN FLOUR 853 21.33%
CORN GLUTEN MEAL 630 15.75%
WHEAT FLOUR 405 10.13%
BREWER'S RICE 405 10.13%
SOYBEAN MEAL 225 5.63%
FISH MEAL, MENHADEN 135 3.38%
CELLULOSE 135 3.38%
CALCIUM, GRANULAR 22.5 0.56%
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 22.5 0.56%
SODIUM CHLORIDE 11 0.28%
CHOLINE CHLORIDE 11 0.28%
TAURINE 6.5 0.16%
VITAMIN PRE-MIX 4.5 0.11%
MINERAL PRE-MIX 4.5 0.11%
D,L-METHIONINE 4.5 0.11%
TOTALS 4000 100.00%
Equipment