Stephen French

Dr. Stephen French


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 February 2025 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SFStephen French
Stephen French
CCChun-Yen Cochrane
Chun-Yen Cochrane
MFMichael Faurot
Michael Faurot
PAPernilla Audibert
Pernilla Audibert
TBTomas Belloso
Tomas Belloso
DBDayakar Badri
Dayakar Badri
Protein production through precision fermentation is an attractive option to reduce animal use in food production. This study focused on the safety and digestibility of food containing a test ingredient, brewed lamb protein (Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing a lamb protein), at inclusion levels of 0% (control), 15%, 30%, or 40% were evaluated over 182 days in 40 dogs. No significant differences in body weight, body condition score, body composition, physical examination, food intake, or urinary parameters were observed among groups. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were within reference ranges and were largely similar among groups. Levels of chloride, cholesterol, and homocysteine were significantly lower at some time points in dogs fed the test ingredient foods compared with the control food, but all remained within reference ranges. Whole blood taurine levels indicated no deficiency. Alanine aminotransferase levels were above the normal range at Day 177 in dogs in the control and 15% test ingredient groups. Fecal score was slightly decreased in dogs fed the 30% or 40% test ingredient foods, and fecal pH was decreased in dogs fed any of the test ingredient foods. Digestibility of most parameters was similar among foods, but apparent fat digestibility was significantly lower in foods with the test ingredient. Overall, these results indicate that the test ingredient is safe for use in dog food.