Abstract

The valorization of agri-food and agro-industrial by-products has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable food and feed production systems. Traditionally considered waste, these by-products are now recognized as valuable resources rich in proteins, fibers, lipids, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Their strategic incorporation into livestock and pet food formulations enhances nutritional quality, gut health, and overall animal performance while contributing to resource efficiency and circular economy objectives. Technological innovations in rendering, extrusion, fermentation, and bioprocessing have enabled the transformation of heterogeneous by-products into safe, functional, and nutritionally standardized feed ingredients. Mechanistic insights from recent studies highlight improved nutrient digestibility, antioxidant potential, and modulation of the gut microbiota, thereby linking compositional attributes with measurable physiological and productive outcomes in animals. From an environmental perspective, valorization substantially reduces waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environmental footprint of food production by diverting organic residues from landfills. Economically, it decreases feed formulation costs and opens novel market opportunities through the development of eco-labeled, sustainable pet food and livestock feed products. However, challenges such as compositional variability, regulatory compliance, and consumer perception remain barriers to large-scale adoption. Ongoing research into nutrient standardization, traceability, and green processing technologies continues to bridge these gaps. The efficient utilization of agri-food and agro-industrial by-products exemplifies the convergence of sustainability, technology, and innovation. It represents a viable pathway toward resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible food and feed systems aligned with global sustainability goals.

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