Dr. Leticia Pacheco: Single Cell Protein in Pet Food | Ep. 143

Mar 5, 2026

Dr. Leticia Pacheco, a monogastric nutrition researcher and regulatory specialist at Biorigin, explains yeast-based single-cell protein for pet nutrition. She covers what single-cell protein is and how yeast offers high protein with complete amino acids. Listeners hear about digestibility, inclusion limits and palatability, plus safety, environmental advantages, and practical formulation challenges.

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ANECDOTE

Leticia's Journey From Poultry To Pet Nutrition Specialist

Leticia described her academic path from poultry amino-acid work to doctoral studies on protein metabolism in dogs.
She moved from R&D at Biorigin into technical, commercial and regulatory roles while continuing postdoc research.

INSIGHT

Single Cell Protein Is A Multifunctional Nutritional Ingredient

Single-cell protein (SCP) are microbial biomass grown in controlled fermenters offering high protein and bioactive compounds.
Leticia Pacheco explains SCPs synthesize nucleotides, beta-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides and vitamins, giving immunomodulatory and metabolic benefits.

INSIGHT

Fermentation Offers Predictable, Resource Efficient Protein Supply

SCP fermentation is land- and weather-independent, enabling predictable outputs and supply security.
Pacheco highlights growth in vertical fermenters using low-value substrates like molasses and agri by-products for circular bioeconomy gains.

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In this episode, Dr. Leticia Pacheco, Technical and Regulatory Affairs Specialist at @Zilor - Biorigin, explains how yeast-based single-cell proteins are reshaping pet food nutrition. She discusses nutritional quality, digestibility, safety considerations, functional benefits, and environmental advantages compared to traditional animal proteins. Dr. Pacheco highlights sustainability, formulation challenges, and future adoption in pet food systems. Learn practical insights for science-driven pet nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Yeast protein provides a complete amino acid profile, including essential amino acids that are typically limiting in plant-derived protein ingredients.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Leticia Pacheco graduated in Animal Science from UNESP Jaboticabal and earned her master’s and doctorate in Monogastric Nutrition. Her work focuses on poultry, canine, and feline nutrition, protein metabolism, and yeast-based ingredients for functional pet food applications. She is a Technical and Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Biorigin and a postdoctoral researcher under Professor Aulus Carciofi.

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What will you learn:

(00:00) Highlight
(01:16) Introduction
(05:28) Single-cell protein
(10:53) Yeast nutrition value
(13:08) Digestibility benefits
(15:29) Safety considerations
(19:39) Sustainability impact
(22:35) Final Questions

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