Horticulture wastes as animal feed
Orange
wastes: -Orange wastes in the form of peels, rags and seeds are dried as a livestock
feed in Florida and California. These are low in crude proteins, fibers and fat but rich
in carbohydrates. Often it is classed as a carbonate concentrate. The liquid concentrate
made from crude citrus waste is called molasses. Since its use is similar to cane
molasses, it is widely used for feeding dairy and beef cattles. Growing yeast on it and
using it for animal feed is further helpful.
Apple:
-There is always acute shortage of fodder in hilly areas during winters. Apple drops and
culls can be partly used to meet shortage by slicing apples, fumigating and partially
drying, and making them into compressed blocks. These blocks can be coated with molten wax
to avoid microbial or insect attack. At the time of use, wax is scrapped and apple blocks
can be used as animal feed.
At the
Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu, method of conversion of pomace into ensilage has been
developed.
Pineapple:
-Pineapple bran has a great demand as a cattle feed in the Hawaiian Island. Cannary wastes
are also being fed to the dairy cattle in Hawaii after ensiling. Proximate composition of
the silage made out of pineapple tops and leaves with molasses and urea is almost
comparable to any of the commonly used grass silage. |
