Effect of Fresh Citrus Pulp Supplementation on Animal Performance and Meat Quality of Feedlot Steers

Abstract

The use of fruit by-products such as citrus pulp represents a feeding ingredient that deserves to be evaluated as an energy source in animal rations. Thirty-six British breed steers were allotted to one of the three feeding treatments (12 steers/treatment): 0%, 15% and 30% of fresh citrus pulp inclusion in the ration in a randomized complete block design to evaluate animal performance and carcass and meat quality traits. In the present study, the inclusion of fresh citrus pulp up to 30% of the diet did not affect the animal average daily gain (p > 0.05) but steers that were fed the pulp consumed less feed (p < 0.05) and presented a lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) than their counterparts without citrus pulp in their diet. No effect of fresh citrus pulp was observed on carcass and meat quality (p > 0.05). A greater lipophilic antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) in meat was observed when fresh citrus pulp was offered at 15% of the diet. Fresh citrus pulp used up to 30% as a feed ingredient in feedlot rations does not negatively affect animal performance or meat quality but, rather, has a positive effect on dry matter intake and a better feed conversion ratio.

A comparative analysis of the proximate and mineral composition of whole Citrus limon and Citrus clementina as a prospective alternative feed resource for livestock farming in South Africa

“…However, the value of protein content in the whole C. limon and C. clementina fruits was lesser in value when compared to the one (14.90%) reported by Luzardo et al (2021). Fresh citrus fruits can be used in diets for feedlot steers as it was reported to give a positive effect on animal productivity, especially as a result of a positive result on their dry matter intake and a better feed to weight gain ratio of the animal (Luzardo et al, 2021). Citrus fruit by-products have also been used to improve the performance and milk production of sheep and other ruminants (Bampidis and Robinson, 2006;Zoiopoulos et al, 2008;Bakr, 2020).…”

“…68%) of dried Citrus and orange fruit, which was reported by several other authors (Bampidis and Robinson, 2006;Allam et al, 2011Allam et al, , 2020Palangi et al, 2013;Santos et al, 2014). However, the value of protein content in the whole C. limon and C. clementina fruits was lesser in value when compared to the one (14.90%) reported by Luzardo et al (2021). Fresh citrus fruits can be used in diets for feedlot steers as it was reported to give a positive effect on animal productivity, especially as a result of a positive result on their dry matter intake and a better feed to weight gain ratio of the animal (Luzardo et al, 2021).…”

Valorization of tropical fruit‐processing wastes and byproducts for biofuel production

“…stated that the high nutritional value of citrus by‐products makes them play a key role in livestock fattening without altering animal health. Luzardo et al ., 20 Scerra et al ., 39 and De Evan et al 40 . also confirmed that feeding by mixing up to 35% of fruit waste/byproducts with byproducts of cereal crops does not have a significant effect on the health and meat quality of ruminants, and hence suggested, as a promising method for improving feed quality, reducing the environmental impact and cost of feed without compromising animal health and meat quality.…”

“…Parallel to increasing waste generation, global energy demand also increased with an increasing rate of industrialization, urbanization, and continuous population growth 20 . According to the International Renewable Energy Agency 21 and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 22 approximately 1 billion people worldwide are currently without energy, and demand is expected to increase by more than 50% by 2050.…”

“…Fruit wastes are also a good alternative material for enzyme production, acting as catalysts, 45 and help to save energy and chemicals in comparison with the conventional process of producing various products in large‐scale processing industries. This is a win‐win approach that enables the companies to comply with stringent legislation that strongly encourages processing industries to implement a circular economy (i.e., reduce and manage their waste) 20,39 …”