Had it been rendered, it could have been turned into an element of a number of products, including chemicals or feed for poultry or livestock, he said.

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"The challenge has to do more with genetics, and the right balance for this fast growing bird, " says Martin Humphries, Feed Sales Director for an English specialist poultry feed supplier.

CNN: The incredible, edible crayfish?

Poultry, beef and pork producers, facing rising feed bills, have called for the mandate to be waived.

ECONOMIST: Another food crisis looms