The Inclusion of Jujube By-Products in Animal Feed: A Review
Tao Xu, Xiaoling Zhou, A. Allan Degen, Junliang Yin, Shuxian Zhang, Ning Chen
Abstract
Given the increasing demands for the quality and safety of animal-derived foods and the strict regulations on the use of antibiotics in animal feed, the use of functional feed additives has attracted increasing research and development. Jujube fruit is an energy-rich food with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal properties. With the expanding areas of cultivation to jujube trees and the intensive processing of jujube in Asia, especially in China, a large number of jujube by-products are produced. These by-products are used widely in animal feed for pigs, chicken, cattle, goats, and fish, as they improve growth performance, promote digestive tract health, and enhance the quality of animal products. This article reviews the nutritional components and benefits of jujube by-products and their potential incorporation in animal feed. The aim of this review is to introduce jujube by-products as a novel supplement or partial dietary replacement in the animal feed industry.