Olive Cake in Livestock Nutrition

Abstract

Depending on species and the utilized production system, feed represents the biggest variable cost to livestock producers. For example, feed cost represents 40-50% of the production cost of intensively managed cows and up to 60-70% of the cost of extensively managed sheep and goats. In either case, its proportion is substantial to the profitability of any animal operation. Livestock producers in Jordan face great hardships and challenges related to the environmental impact, animal health, market variability, and, most importantly, feed prices due to the limited feed production stemming from low rainfall. Most of the main feed ingredients in Jordan’s livestock sector are imported making them quite expensive. This review discusses the use of alternative feed ingredients (namely olive cake (OC)) in animal nutrition as a means of reducing the cost of feeding and improving returns to producers. Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils available and represents an important part of the Mediterranean diet. The increased demand for olive oil and olive fruits accelerated the increase in planting olive trees to meet these needs. This, in turn, has led to a significant increase in olive residues, such as olive cake (OC). These residues (byproducts) can be a source of pollution if not disposed of properly. The main objective of this review is to focus on the importance of OC in animal nutrition and its impact on the economics of livestock production. Most of the studies we dealt with in this review have shown that incorporating OC (in small substitutions) into the rations of livestock has no adverse effects on animal health and productivity. Thus, utilizing low-cost, agro-industrial by-products, such as OC, can be beneficial from environmental and economic points of view.