Abstract
Simple SummaryPumpkin waste are part of the millions of tons of vegetable residues produced yearly that could be used in livestock feeding. Their value not only relies in its nutritional content as its bioactive compounds could modify meat, milk, and egg composition which are of uttermost value for human nutrition. Furthermore, pumpkin waste, which cannot be used in human consumption, may contribute to diminish human-livestock competition for cropland. In this review, we describe the potential of pumpkin waste as animal feedstock as a strategy for more sustainable livestock production while making emphasis on the importance of food from animal origin in human health.Meat, milk, and egg contribute positively to the nutrition and health of humans; however, livestock requires a large number of resources, including land for fodder and grains. Worldwide millions of tons of vegetable waste are produced without any further processing, causing pollution and health risks. Properly managed vegetable waste could provide a source of feed for livestock, thus reducing feeding costs. In this regard, pumpkin waste (Cucurbita sp.) is an alternative. Research on pumpkin waste on animal nutrition is scarce, however, it has potential as animal feed not only for its nutritional value but also for its antioxidants, pigments, and polysaccharides content that could enhance quality of meat, milk, and egg, as well animal health. In this review, we describe the environmental impact of livestock as a result of greater demand for food of animal origin, including the importance of the consumption of animal foods in human nutrition and health. Moreover, we emphasize the potential of plant residues and, particularly, on the characteristics of pumpkins and how their use as feedstuff for livestock could improve productivity and modify the composition of meat, milk, and egg.
Highlights
As a result of the worldwide increase in the human population [1], the demand for meat, milk, and eggs will increase in subsequent years, there will be more demand for fodder to feed livestock [2]
Research on the use of pumpkins in animal feed is scarce and its benefits in the productivity and quality of meat, milk, or egg are attributed to its protein and fat content in the case of seeds, and carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins in the case of the fruit [13]
We summarize the importance of using ingredients not suitable for human consumption in animal feed
Summary
As a result of the worldwide increase in the human population [1], the demand for meat, milk, and eggs will increase in subsequent years, there will be more demand for fodder to feed livestock [2] This will increase the production of greenhouse gases originated by livestock [3]. Research on the use of pumpkins in animal feed is scarce and its benefits in the productivity and quality of meat, milk, or egg are attributed to its protein and fat content in the case of seeds, and carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins in the case of the fruit [13]. We summarize the importance of using ingredients not suitable for human consumption (as plant residues) in animal feed With these ingredients, food of animal origin can be produced. The importance of the consumption of animal foods in human nutrition and health are discussed
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