PS7-2. Performance of Cultured Chicken Cells as Complementary Protein Sources in Extruded Cat Diets.

Abstract In light of increasing global demand for a diversity of sustainable protein sources in pet nutrition, cultured chicken cells (Bond Pet Foods; crude protein: 52.0%, crude fat: 4.8%, crude fiber: < 1.0%) was assessed for palatability, nutrient digestibility, and stool quality, in adult cats. The cultured chicken cells were included at 0%, and 2.5%, in chicken-based extruded cat diets (formulated to 41% crude protein, 19% crude fat, 2% crude fiber). The study was approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. A standard 2-bowl palatability test over a 2-day period was executed (n = 30 cats each) to determine intake ratios between 0% and 2.5% cultured chicken cell diets. Total tract nutrient digestibility was evaluated (n = 8 cats per diet) with 5 days of diet acclimation followed by 5 days of total fecal collection. Stool quality was evaluated on a 1 to 5 scale, with 2.5 being well-formed. Palatability data were analyzed using pair t-test. All digestibility data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA in Minitab. LS means were separated using Tukey’s HSD, and significance was defined as P < 0.05. To test for differences in stool quality outcomes between Control and 2.5% cultured chicken cells cats, an equal variance t-test was applied. Statistical significance was set at 5% type 1 error rate. Palatability was not impacted (P > 0.05) with inclusion of cultured chicken cells 2.5%. Dry matter, protein, fat, ash, fiber, and energy digestibility, and stool quality were similar between diets (P > 0.05). The cultured chicken cells tested showed merit as a potential protein ingredient source that maintains palatability, digestibility, and stool quality in adult cats.