Fruit peels as maize alternative in broiler diets

One promising alternative is the use of fruit peels—such as banana, orange, and mango peels—as partial replacements for maize in broiler diets.

David Corredor

Fruit peels as maize alternative in broiler diets

As feed costs continue to rise, poultry farmers are exploring innovative ways to reduce expenses without compromising flock productivity. One promising alternative is the use of fruit peels—such as banana, orange, and mango peels—as partial replacements for maize in broiler diets. This approach offers economic advantages and promotes sustainability.

• Maize is a primary energy source in poultry feed, but its price volatility and competition with human consumption make it costly.
• Fruit peels, abundant agricultural by-products, are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• When properly processed, they can serve as viable energy sources in poultry diets.

A study by Sugiharto et al. (2020) investigated the effects of replacing maize with fermented banana peel meal in broiler diets. The results showed that inclusion levels up to 15% had no detrimental effect on growth performance, haematological responses, or carcass traits. In fact, birds fed with fermented banana peel exhibited improved gut health, including reduced coliform populations and increased ileal villi height.

Fermentation plays a key role in enhancing the nutritional value of fruit peels. Two-stage fermentation using fungi and beneficial bacteria can reduce anti-nutritional factors and improve protein digestibility. This process increases the inclusion potential of fruit peels in broiler feed without compromising bird health.