Sep 6, 2024
PEANUT AS AN ANIMAL FEED
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younas and Qamar ud Din Usman
IADS,
FAH, UAF
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Introduction
Peanut-based feed is derived
primarily from the by-products of peanut oil extraction. After the oil is
pressed from peanuts, what remains is a dense, protein-rich material called
peanut meal or cake, depending on the extraction process. This feed has gained
considerable attention due to its high nutritional value, affordability, and
availability, especially in regions where peanuts are extensively cultivated.
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea),
also known as groundnuts, are grown in a variety of regions across the world,
with certain countries leading in production due to favorable climatic
conditions. Peanuts thrive in warm climates with well-drained sandy loam soils,
making them particularly suited to tropical and subtropical regions.
Top
Peanut-Producing Countries
1.
China: China is the largest producer
of peanuts in the world, accounting for nearly 40% of global production. Major
peanut-growing regions include Shandong, Henan, and Guangdong provinces. The
crop is primarily used domestically for oil production, food products, and
export.
2.
India: India is the
second-largest peanut producer, globally,
contributing significantly to the world’s total peanut production. The country
accounts for about 15-20% of global peanut production.
3.
United States: The US is one of
the largest peanut producers, with the majority of cultivation concentrated in
the southern states like Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Florida. Georgia alone
accounts for over half of the US peanut production. Peanuts in the US are
primarily grown for consumption in various forms, including peanut butter,
snacks, and oil.
4.
Nigeria: Nigeria is the leading peanut
producer in Africa. In the northern regions, particularly in states like Kano
and Kaduna, peanut farming is widespread. Peanuts serve as an important cash
crop and are also used for oil extraction and as a food staple.
5.
Sudan: Sudan is another significant
peanut producer, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions. The crop is a
key source of oil and food for the domestic population and for export to
international markets.
6.
Argentina: Argentina is the largest
peanut exporter in the world. The main peanut-growing areas are located in the
Córdoba province, where the country produces high-quality peanuts for global
markets, particularly for roasting and confectionery uses.
7.
Other
Significant Producers: Indonesia, Senegal, Chad, and Myanmar are also notable peanut-producing countries, contributing
to global supply, particularly in their regions.
Peanut Production in Pakistan
Peanut or Groundnut production is a popular and profitable agricultural activity in Pakistan, though it is a relatively small producer of peanuts compared to countries like China and India. Production could vary based on climatic factors, crop management, and market demand, but the country has potential to expand its peanut cultivation. The Pakistan is home to several peanut varieties, and the crop is grown in various regions where climate and soil conditions are suitable particularly in the Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially the rain-fed areas like Rawalpindi and Attock. As of recent data, Pakistan produces approximately 100,000 to 120,000 metric tons of peanuts annually. During 2021, Pakistan ranked 33rd in the world in terms of peanut consumption at 120,000 metric tons. Pakistan's peanut production is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 0.8% between 2021 and 2026, reaching 100,700 metric tons by year 2026.
Peanuts
are a versatile crop that may be used for multiple purposes, including human
consumption, animal feed, and oil production. The Punjab province contributes
about 90% of groundnut in Pakistan with dry land Pothwar (Rawalpindi Division)
as the core production area i.e., more than 90% of Punjab’s area. District
Attock contributes almost 25% of the Rawalpindi Division area and has an
average yield of almost 1000 Kg/ha which is above than rest of Punjab's average
yield.
This production is primarily for
domestic use, including food products and snacks, and a small portion goes
towards oil extraction. While not a major player in the global peanut market,
Pakistan's peanut industry serves local consumption needs effectively.
Peanut Varieties
in Pakistan
The
country is home of many peanut varieties depending upon the growth rate,
disease resistance, and age of maturity. Groundnut Research Station, Attock, is
working on developing high-yielding groundnut varieties with drought and
disease tolerance as climate change adaptation characteristics. Some varieties
that are grown in the country are: M-335, M-548, and M-522. The Barani
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal has produced three useful
varieties which are BARI-2016, BARI-2000 and Golden and cultivated on a wider
area.
Peanut Production in India
Peanuts
are mainly grown in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil
Nadu. The country exports a significant amount of peanuts, while domestic use
includes oil production, snacks, and animal feed.
India’s peanut production is vital to the domestic economy, contributing to
both local consumption and international trade. India produces approximately
6.8 to 7 MT of peanuts each year. The leading peanut-producing states in India
are: Gujarat (Accounts for over 40% of India's peanut production), Rajasthan:
Significant production area. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra also
contribute a substantial share.
Peanuts in India are used for
various purposes, including: (i) Oil extraction: Peanuts are a major source of
edible oil in India. (ii) Food: Peanuts are widely used in snacks,
confectionery, and traditional dishes. (iii) Exports: India is one of the
largest exporters of peanuts, primarily shipping to Southeast Asia, Europe, and
the Middle East.
Climatic Conditions for Peanut
Cultivation
Peanuts require warm temperatures,
with an optimal growing temperature of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The crop
also needs 120 to 150 frost-free days, which is why peanut cultivation is
concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions with mild winters and long
growing seasons.
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Peanut
Plant illustration with labeled parts, showing the key features like roots,
stem, leaves, flowers, pegs (gynophores), and peanuts (pods) growing
underground. |
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Here
is a bar graph showing the top peanut-producing countries based on annual
production (in million metric tons). China leads the global production,
followed by India, with significant contributions from countries like the
United States, Nigeria, Sudan, and Argentina. The graphic presentation shows
the major countries growing peanut.
Peanut as an Animal Feed
Keeping
in view the huge production and consumption of peanuts in Pakistan, we also
have a large amount of peanut residues in the form of whole peanut product has
high energy source, peanut hay, silage, skins and hulls. Some peanut
by-products or residues supply substantial quantities of feedstuffs to beef
cattle, goats and sheep grown in the same region where peanuts are produced. In
Pakistan, the peanut hay and its by-products are present largely in Chakwal,
Attock, and Rawalpindi. Many goat and cattle farmers are relying on peanut hay
and its by-products and utilizing it as a non-conventional fodder resource.
Residual peanut hay is by far the most commonly utilised peanut byproduct fed
to beef cattle, and when correctly harvested with little leaf shatter, it has
nutrient value comparable to high-quality grass hays.
Peanut Meal: After oil extraction from peanuts, the remaining
byproduct, peanut meal or cake, is a high-protein feed commonly used for
cattle, poultry, and other livestock. It has a protein content of around
40-50%, making it comparable to other protein meals like soybean meal. Perennial peanut
fodder provides an effective protein and energy supplement for wintering
cattle, particularly those fed low-protein grass hay. Thus, perennial peanut is
highly nutritious and popular with ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, and goats).
Perennial peanuts appear to have comparable nutritional value to alfalfa,
however its source should be reputable supplier.
Peanut
skins: Peanut skins are frequently used in
small amounts in cattle and pet meals, providing both protein and energy.
Peanut skins with a high tannin content can induce severe performance
depressions in beef cattle if included at more than 10% of the diet, unless
diets have reasonably high CP (over 15% CP) or other N sources are provided
such as ammonia or urea. Dairy cattle diets frequently exceed 16% CP in total
dietary DM peanut skins may increase milk production when added at levels
up to 16% of the dry matter.
Peanut
hulls: Peanut hulls can be well utilised as a
roughage source in beef finishing rations at levels of up to 20%, as bedding in
dairy cow loafing sheds (if tested and shown to have minimal aflatoxin levels),
and in a number of manufactured products. Peanut hulls are competitively priced
due to their large amount, intrinsic high fibre, and low CP content, however,
they should not be fed as a primary feedstuff to beef cattle and horses. Peanut
by-products are often less expensive than other by-products and can be used in
a variety of supplements and diets for cow herds, growing-finishing cattle, and
dairy cows. While low in nutrition value, hay improves digestion and bulk up
ruminant diet.
Perennial
Peanut Hay:
In research studies conducted in Florida and Georgia, perennial peanut forage
has been found to be rich in nutrients for beef and dairy cattle, and goats
also. Dried peanut plants, including vines
and leaves, are fed to ruminants such as cows and goats. It offers good fiber
content and moderate nutritional value. Gelaye et al. (1990) reported that goats
fed perennial peanut hay had slightly better and greater digestibility of dry
matter, fiber, and protein than those fed the alfalfa hay in control. The goats
also voluntarily ate more perennial peanut hay than alfalfa hay.
Feeding
peanut hay to Horses: Perennial peanut hay is highly
palatable, thus horses should not consume too much. Perennial peanut hay should
rarely be self-fed to horses due to its high nutritional value. Perennial
peanut hay works best as a supplement to other feeds, such as grass hay.
Tips
for feeding peanut hay: Peanut hay is a highly palatable fodder
with good digestibility and intake but this digestibility can be reduced if it
is as fed with long particle size, due to the increased retention time in the
rumen of the ruminants. Moreover, it contains sand in it that can result in
refusal by the animals. So, it is advised to chop the peanut hay to reduce its
particle size before offering to the animals. To remove the sand in it, it is
necessary to filter it with mesh or gauze, that will remove the dust and stand
in it.
Peanuts can serve as a nutritious
animal feed due to their high protein, fat, and energy content. Peanuts, when
used appropriately, can be a cost-effective and nutritious feed option for many
types of livestock. There are several forms of peanuts that can be used in
animal feed, including:
Nutritional Benefits
One of the standout features of
peanut-based feed is its protein content, which ranges between 40% and 50%. It
also contains a fair amount of fat, fiber, and essential amino acids, making it
an excellent source of protein for livestock. The key nutritional components of
peanut meal include:
1.
Protein: Peanuts, provide an excellent source of high protein
contents (CP 25-28% in whole nuts), ideal for supporting animal growth and
development particularly monogastric animals like poultry, and milk production
in ruminants like cattle and goats. While peanut meal is rich in protein (40-50%
in peanut meal after oil extraction), it is slightly deficient in lysine,
an essential amino acid, so it is often combined with other protein
sources to achieve a balanced diet. As peanut supports muscle development,
growth and milk production in goats and particularly useful for growing kids
and lactating does. Improving both quantity and quality. Protein-rich diets
help maintain reproductive health, ensuring better fertility and kidding
outcomes.
2.
Energy: Peanuts contain healthy fats (residual fat contents ~
3-10%), contributing to its good (concentrated) energy source for animals. Solvent-extracted
meals have lower fat compared to expeller-extracted meals. It helps meet the
high energy demands during lactation and promotes growth and weight gain in
young goats. In times of high demand (like cold weather
or during illness), the extra energy from peanut-based feed can support the
animal’s health and can improve body condition in
underweight goats.
3.
Fiber: The fiber content of peanut meal is moderate,
providing bulk to the diet and promoting digestive health. Peanut hay, made
from the peanut plant’s vines and leaves, provides a good source of roughage
and moderate protein (8-12%). Roughage helps maintain proper rumen function,
preventing digestive issues like acidosis. Peanut hay can be an excellent
substitute for other hays when pasture or traditional forages are limited
during winter.
4.
Essential
nutrients: They provide essential vitamins
and minerals, such as Vitamin E, B-vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, and
potassium contributing to overall animal health, immune function and metabolic
processes. The scientists have reported various benefits of peanut based feed
and their impacts on livestock nutrition. One feed ingredient that has proven
versatile and beneficial over time is peanut-based feed, commonly referred to
as peanut meal or peanut cake which enhances nutritional profile of the goats
diet.
5.
Availability: In peanut-producing regions, the availability of peanut
meal ensures a steady supply of feed throughout the year, making it a reliable
component of livestock rations.
6.
Palatability and Affordability: Peanut
products tend to be palatable to goats, encouraging good feed intake. This is
particularly useful in situations where goats may have reduced appetite or when
transitioning them to new feeds. In regions where peanuts are widely grown,
peanut meal is often a cost-effective alternative to more expensive protein
sources like soybean meal. This can lower feeding costs while providing
adequate nutrition. Some animals may not find peanut meal as palatable as other
protein sources. This can be mitigated by introducing the feed gradually or
combining it with other more appealing ingredients.
7.
Environmental
Sustainability: Feeding peanut by-products, such as peanut meal or hay, is
environmentally sustainable since it utilizes waste from peanut oil production.
This helps reduce agricultural waste and improves resource efficiency.
Nutritional Benefits and Best
Practices
Addition of peanut have been studied
extensively as dietary needs of goats and the potential benefits of various
feed ingredients. Peanuts and peanut-based products can be valuable additions
to a goat's diet when used appropriately. This guide will explore the
nutritional advantages, feeding methods, and important considerations for
incorporating peanuts into goat nutrition.
Feeding Guidelines
Start with small amounts to allow
the goats' rumen microbes to adapt this feed. Moderation is Key: Limit peanuts
to no more than 10% of the total diet on a dry matter basis. Balanced Diet:
Peanuts should complement, not replace, the primary forage and grain components
to make a balance diet. Monitor Health: Keep an eye on body condition,
digestion, and overall health when introducing new feeds.
Benefits Specific to Goats
Improved Milk Production: Lactating
does may produce more milk with higher butterfat content due to the additional
energy and protein. Enhanced Growth Rates: Kids may experience better weight
gains when peanuts are included in their diet. Better Body Condition: Peanuts
can help thin or malnourished goats regain optimal body condition.
Limitations and Challenges
Every herd is different. It's
essential to tailor feeding practices to the specific needs of your goats,
considering factors like age, reproductive status, and overall health. Despite
its benefits, peanut-based feed does have a few considerations that livestock
producers should be aware of: (i) Consult a Nutritionist: Work with an animal
nutritionist to formulate a balanced diet that meets all nutritional
requirements. (ii) Regular Health Checks: Schedule routine veterinary check-ups
to ensure goats remain healthy when dietary changes are made. (iii) Quality
Control: Always source peanuts and peanut products from reputable suppliers to
ensure feed safety.
Peanut meal is versatile and can be
used in different livestock diets: Poultry: As a high-protein feed, peanut meal
can be used in broiler and layer diets, but it should be balanced with lysine
supplements. Ruminants: Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, can utilize peanut
meal effectively, particularly as a protein supplement during periods of
low-quality forage availability.
Challenges
of Feeding Peanuts to Goats
While
peanuts can be beneficial, there are some important considerations and risks to
be aware of:
1.
Aflatoxin
Contamination: Peanuts can sometimes be
contaminated by Aspergillus, which produces aflatoxins, which are toxic and
harmful to goats and can cause liver damage, immune suppression, and reduced
productivity. It's important to ensure peanut feed is stored properly and tested
for contamination. The best solution will be to source high-quality peanut
products and store them in a cool, dry place to prevent contamination. Regular
testing for aflatoxins may be necessary if peanuts are a significant part of
the diet.
2. Fat Content: High-fat peanut meal should be fed in moderation, as
excessive fat can affect rumen fermentation and digestion negatively. Peanut meal or
whole peanuts with higher fat content should be fed in moderation. Goats
require a balanced diet, and too much fat can interfere with rumen fermentation
and digestion. The best solution to this will be to limit high-fat peanut feed
to avoid disrupting normal rumen function.
3. Lysine Deficiency: Peanut meal is rich in protein, it is deficient in
lysine, an essential amino acid. A lysine-deficient diet can affect growth,
milk production, and overall health. This can
be balanced by adding other protein sources or supplements with lysine rich
feed like soybean meal or commercially available lysine supplements to balance
the diet.
4.
Choking
Hazard: Whole peanuts may pose a choking
risk, especially for young or small goats. Best solution will be to grind or
crush peanuts before feeding.
5. Allergic
Reactions: While rare, some goats may be
sensitive to peanuts. In such cases, introduce peanuts slowly and monitor for
any adverse reactions.
Conclusion
Peanut-based feeds are a highly
nutritious, cost-effective, and sustainable option for ruminants. By
integrating peanut meal or hay into their diets, farmers can improve the
productivity of their livestock while reducing feeding costs. However, it's
crucial to do so with care, considering the potential risks of aflatoxin
contamination, amino acid deficiencies and the need for a balanced diet. By
following best practices and monitoring your herd, you can successfully
incorporate peanuts into your goat feeding program, supporting their health and
productivity.
Feeding peanuts or peanut-based
products, such as peanut meal, peanut hay, or whole peanuts, to goats can offer
several nutritional benefits. However, it’s important to use these feeds wisely
to ensure the health and productivity of the goats. Due to their high-fat
content, peanuts should be fed in moderation, especially to animals prone to
obesity or those that do not require high-fat diets.
When used correctly, peanut meal can
enhance the performance and health of various livestock species, contributing
to more sustainable and productive farming practices. By integrating peanut
meal into balanced feed rations, we can optimize animal production while making
efficient use of agricultural by-products—a win for both the environment and
the economy.
Diagrams copied from:
1. https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/groundnut-plant.html
2. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/peanut-field
3. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=106192
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