Protein nutrition is shifting from ‘less nitrogen’ to protecting performance

For years, the biggest reason to refine protein nutrition was simple: reduce nitrogen waste. Lower crude protein, shrink excretion, improve air quality and check a sustainability box. It was (and still is) a valid objective.

But what stood out in the nutrition conversations at the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta last week was something slightly different: protein nutrition is being discussed less like an environmental cleanup tool and more like a performance protection strategy.