Exploring Sustainable Alternatives in Poultry Farming

Strategic Insights -

Poultry farming is a significant industry in Nigeria, but one of its major challenges is the high cost of feed. According to a new study published in the Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, research suggests that poultry feed makes up a substantial portion of production costs. To mitigate these costs and enhance feed quality, scientists have been exploring underutilized plant species as alternative feed ingredients. A recent study has evaluated the nutrient composition of byproducts from Theobroma cacao (cocoa bean shell) and Spondias mombin (hog plum) to determine their potential as poultry feed supplements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that byproducts from Theobroma cacao (cocoa bean shell) and Spondias mombin (hog plum) have varying nutrient compositions, with Theobroma cacao husk exhibiting higher crude protein, moisture content, and in vitro organic matter digestibility.
  • While neither ingredient meets FAO standards individually, their complementary nutrient profiles suggest that a strategic blend could enhance overall feed quality.
  • The research highlights the potential of using T. cacao and S. mombin byproducts as sustainable alternatives to conventional poultry feed ingredients, particularly in reducing reliance on soybean-based protein sources.
  • The study recommends exploring the use of cocoa bean shells and hog plum byproducts as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for poultry farmers in Nigeria.
  • The authors suggest that further research is needed to validate the findings and explore the feasibility of large-scale production of these alternative feed ingredients.
  • The study was conducted by Francis Bosede Adebayo and colleagues from the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology in Nigeria.
  • The research has significant implications for the poultry industry in Nigeria, where high feed costs are a major challenge.

Statistics:

  • Poultry feed constitutes a significant portion of production costs in the poultry industry (research from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology).
  • 80 hours were required for sun-drying of Theobroma cacao husk samples (research from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology).
  • Theobroma cacao husk exhibited higher crude protein (13.5% vs 11.5%) and moisture content (14.7% vs 12.3%) compared to Spondias mombin kernel (research from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology).
  • The in vitro organic matter digestibility of Theobroma cacao husk was significantly higher (28.5% vs 22.5%) compared to Spondias mombin kernel (research from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology).
  • The FAO standards for protein, moisture content, and in vitro organic matter digestibility are 25%, 10%, and 20%, respectively (research from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology).

Sources:

  • Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, 2025, 13(8): 2251-2259.
  • Nutritional Evaluation of Spondias mombin and Theobroma cacao as Potential Poultry Feed Supplements in Nigeria.
  • Hasan Eleroglu, publisher for Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology.
  • Francis Bosede Adebayo, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, PMB 250, Ekiti, Nigeria.
  • Ayodele Adelusi Oyedeji, Tolulope Victor Borisade, Olusegun Emmanuel Ibidiran, Stephen Oluwaseun Ibikunle, additional authors for the study.