The Chemical Characteristics and In Vitro Degradability of Pineapple By-Products as Potential Feed for Ruminants

Abstract

Pineapple fruit, which is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas, is processed by the food industry, generating a large amount of waste. Using pineapple by-products in animal nutrition could reduce feeding costs and contribute to the containment of pollution. The chemical composition and the in vitro fermentation of five pineapple by-products (crown, bud end, peel, core, and pomace) from two West African pineapple varieties (Smooth Cayenne—SC and Sugarloaf—SL) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed between the varieties and by-products. The dry matter (DM) content was low and superimposable between varieties, averaging 17.7%. On a DM basis, pomace showed the highest protein content (SC 8.10% and SL 8.81%, p < 0.001), whereas the crown showed the highest (p < 0.001) NDF content (47.62% and 39.01% for SC and SL, respectively). Due the high sugar content, the core and pomace showed high in vitro organic matter degradability (SC: 85.09% and SL: 83.98%), estimated metabolizable energy (SC: 7.91 KJ/kg and SL: 7.66 KJ/kg), and volatile fatty acid production (96.86 mmol/g and 90.62 mmol/g). Based on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility results, this study suggests that pineapple by-products have the potential to be used in ruminants’ diets, considering the crown, bud end, and peel as fiber sources and the core and pomace as substitutes or supplements to concentrate feedstuffs. Further research should be conducted on the storability of these by-products through in vivo trials evaluating animals’ performances and the quality of their products.

Livestock feed resources used as alternatives during feed shortages and their impact on the environment and ruminant performance in West Africa: a systematic review

“…The study found that combining cassava peels with Cajanus cajan hay in a 1:3 ratio resulted in an improvement in nitrogen content, digestibility, and optimal levels. According to Kiatti et al (49), fruit by-products can be used as a base for ruminant feed based on their nutritional content of sugar and fiber. Pineapple by-products, specifically the core and pomace, were found to have low structural carbohydrate content, high in vitro degradability, and high volatile fatty acid production.…”