Cafeteria Food Leftover as Potential Livestock Feed Resource in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

There is a growing massive generation of cafeteria food leftover from Ethiopian public higher education institutions, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and other catering providers that could be diverted into economic opportunities. Converting cafeteria food leftover in to livestock feed is an alternative and feasible option to reduce feed cost, enhance livestock productivity and reduce environmental and health impacts. This review aimed to synthesize, discuss and document the available scientific information on cafeteria leftovers with respect to its value as source of animal feed in Ethiopia. The paper attempted to use previous studies, literatures from journals, on the nutrient composition of cafeteria food leftover and its utilization as livestock feed resource. It has been observed from earlier research works that cafeteria food leftover has high caloric value, low crude fiber and moderate crude protein content signifying its potential to be incorporated in the diets of both non-ruminant and ruminant animals. However, most of the research works focused on non-ruminant animals (poultry and pigs); suggesting the need to evaluate the potential supplementary value of cafeteria food leftover for ruminant animals. Strict regulations mechanisms should be introduced by the Ethiopian government for proper utilization of cafeteria food leftover as animal feed and reduce the risks associated with its utilization.