The primary concern with animal protein sources is:

• A. Transfer of disease
• B. High cost
• C. Low palatability
• D. Excess fat

Answer: (A)

Disease transmission risk is the primary concern with animal protein sources because these ingredients can carry pathogens that infect livestock and, in some cases, humans. Animal-derived feeds have the potential to introduce bacteria, parasites, or even prions into animals, leading to illness, reduced performance, and serious food-safety issues. This risk has driven strict processing, sourcing controls, and regulatory restrictions (for example, bans on certain animal proteins in ruminant feeds) to minimize disease transmission. While factors like cost, palatability, and fat content matter in formulation, they do not carry the same broad and severe implications for health and safety as the possibility of disease transmission.