Microwave Application for Animal Feed Processing to Improve Animal Performance

Feed nutritive value and its utilization by the animal are the two important factors that influence the profitability and sustainability of animal production systems. Microwave (MW) technology is one of the efficient technologies being used for physical processing of feed to improve feed nutritive value in the animal digestive system. Previous research has demonstrated that MW treatment may have been useful for improving feed digestibility and changing its utilization in animals’ bodies. Crude protein (CP) is one of the most important nutrients, MW treatment is effective at reducing concentrate feed CP rumen degradability, potentially leading to more efficient utilization of protein in the ruminant intestine. It reduces the anti-nutritional factors present in the feeds, which can limit animals’ intake and utilization. In this chapter, the application of MW treatment for feed processing and the prospects for the future use of MW technology in animal production systems will be discussed.