Using peanut skins in cattle feed has several advantages, including their readily available availability, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial properties. In this article, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of peanut skins for cattle feeding. We also discuss availability and costs. So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of peanut skins? The following article will help you decide which products to use. Let’s get started! And remember, you can find more information on the internet.
Contents
Nutrient content
The nutritional value of peanut skins can be increased for cattle. Despite the high tannin content, they are acceptable as a 20% roughage component in cattle feed. They can be used as a source of protein and may even replace soybean hulls in feedlot steer diets. A few concerns about peanut skins for cattle feed are discussed below. These concerns are well worth considering when considering adding peanut skins to your cattle feed.
A significant portion of the protein in peanut skins comes from vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and is commonly found in fatty foods. It also contains thiamine, a B vitamin that helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy. Thiamine has an important role in the heart, nervous system, and muscles. It is also important for the growth of body tissues. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is an important element for a healthy heart.
Antimicrobial properties
Recent studies have demonstrated that peanut skins can be valuable sources of antimicrobial properties. According to a research published in the journal Int J Mol Sci, peanut skins contain polyphenols such as procyanidin A1. These substances have antimicrobial effects and are considered a promising source of nutrients for cattle feed. These findings were made possible by the use of proanthocyanidin A1 and other antioxidants derived from peanut skins.
Studies have found that the antimicrobial activity of peanut skins is largely due to the presence of lactobacillus. These bacteria have the ability to outcompete harmful pathogens and produce antimicrobial metabolites. Peanut flour and peanut skin extract significantly reduced the growth of E. coli and Salmonella. These findings point to the potential of peanut skins as a natural antimicrobial feed additive.
Cost
Peanut skins are the by-product of the processing of peanuts. These are a high-protein and fat feed option for livestock. In cattle, peanut skins make up to 20% of the diet. Nevertheless, their use is limited, as they are bulky and easily blown away. They also disrupt the flow of machinery. Peanut skins also contain moderate protein and energy, but have high tannin levels, which reduce the digestibility of proteins and decrease the palatability of the feed. As a result, they should not be used more than 10% of the dry matter.
The economic value of peanut hulls for cattle feed is not high. They contain high levels of fiber and low concentration of CP. Cattle should not be fed peanut hulls as a primary feed, though. They are more affordable than other by-products of peanut production and are also easily incorporated into a variety of diets and supplements. These products are also beneficial for the environment and can be obtained locally.
Availability
There are several benefits to the use of peanut skins as a feed ingredient for beef and dairy cattle. They are nutritious and high in protein, and cattle readily consume them. However, peanuts’ low bulk density poses logistical difficulties and may decrease their protein digestibility. In addition, peanut skins contain a substantial amount of tannins, which are unpalatable and reduce protein digestibility. These disadvantages can be offset by additional protein sources, however.
In addition to being an excellent source of protein and fat, peanut skins are a waste product of the peanut processing industry. A recent study showed that the peanut skins in lambs fed either the control diet or 20% or 40% peanut skins had higher rib eye areas than those fed the other two diets. These findings support the potential use of peanut skins as an antimicrobial feed additive. However, caution should be exercised when using these products in cattle diets.
