Short communication: Cocoa husks can effectively replace soybean hulls in dairy sheep diets—Effects on milk production traits and hematological parameters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the effect of replacing soybean hulls with different doses of cocoa husk (CH) on milk production traits and the hematological profile of dairy ewes. Twenty-four mid-lactating Sarda dairy ewes were allotted to 3 homogeneous experimental groups (8 animals per group divided into 4 pens). Each group received a total mixed ration as a basal diet and a supplement that differed among groups. The first group was supplemented with 100 g of soybean hulls/d per head (SBH group). In the second group, soybean hulls were replaced with 50 g of CH/d (CH50 group). In the third group, soybean hulls were replaced with 100 g of CH/d per head (CH100 group). The study lasted 8 wk, with 3 wk of adaptation and 5 wk for the experimental period. The replacement of soybean hulls with 50 and 100 g of CH/d did not affect dry matter intake, milk production, and milk coagulation properties. Milk fat, protein, casein, and somatic cell count concentration and curd-firming time showed a significant interaction between treatment and sampling date. During the experiment, the somatic cell counts were lower in both the CH50 and CH100 groups than in the SBH group. Most of the hematological parameters were not affected by treatments except for basophiles, which were significantly higher in the SBH group than in the CH50 and CH100 groups. In conclusion, CH can be substituted for soybean hulls in the diet of dairy sheep without adverse effects on milk production or apparent negative effects on animal health conditions.

Acute oral toxicity of a novel functional drink based on Ilex guayusa, Vernonanthura patens, and cocoa husk

“…Some reports about V. patens leaves demonstrate antifungal activity associated with the pentacyclic triterpenoid lupeol [ 13 , 31 ]. The cocoa husk is the principal by-product of the cocoa agroindustry which still contains a high nutritional value [ 32 ]. Major bioactive compounds identified in cocoa husk are phenols, theobromine, caffeine, procyanidins, and catechins [ 33 ].…”

“…The cocoa shells' soluble dietary fiber promotes health beneficial effects on the regulation of cholesterol levels and reducing food intake and body weight gain [ 34 ]. Other studies have reported health protective effects on lipid and glucose metabolism and oxidative stress [ 32 ]. In a study with experimental animals, the cocoa soluble fiber from cocoa shells favorable changes of weight, insulinemia, lipids, glycemia, and blood pressure for the treatment of metabolic syndrome diseases [ 34 ].…”

LC-QTOF/MS Untargeted Metabolomics of Sheep Milk under Cocoa Husks Enriched Diet

“…To our knowledge, experimental data on theobromine carry over in milk are not available, as well as the metabolic effects of cocoa husks diet supplementation. In a previous work, milk and blood parameters of ewes supplemented with different doses of cocoa husks were evaluated [5]. In this experiment DMI and milk yield were not affected; however, milk protein content increased with cocoa husk supplementation.…”

“…Furthermore, the cocoa husks supplementation lowered milk somatic cell count (SCC), suggesting a beneficial role of these by-products on mammary health status. Both systemic and local health conditions were good as evidenced by hematological parameters and electrophoretic profile of serum protein fractions [5]. Both systemic and local health conditions were good as evidenced by hematological parameters and electrophoretic profile of serum protein fractions [5].…”

“…Cocoa husks are obtained after the removal of the cocoa beans, the principal commercial product of cocoa processing [3]. Husks represent 70-75% of the fruit weight [4] and, besides limited local use, are considered as waste [5]. Cocoa pod husks along with other industrial by-products such as cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean meal and cocoa germ can be used as feed especially in the developing countries.…”