COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NUTRITIONAL POTENTIALS OF SELECTED TUBER PEEL MEALS AS FEED SUPPLEMENTS FOR RUMINANT ANIMALS

Abstract

The research explores the nutritional potentials of selected tuber peel meals namely Cassava, (Manihot esculenta), Sweet Potato, (Ipomoea batatas); and Irish Potato, (Solanum tuberosum L,) as sustainable feed supplements for ruminant animals. With the world drifting toward sustainable agriculture to meet the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the inclusion of agro-industrial by-products such as tuber peel meal is one assured way to advance ruminant productivity with reduced environmental waste. The tuber peels used in this study were collected, processed, and analyzed for their proximate and mineral compositions. The results showed that cassava peel meal (CPM) is energy-dense, with a high crude fiber content; sweet potato peel meal (SPPM) is rich in ether extract; and Irish potato peel meal (IPPM) has the highest crude protein and nitrogen-free extract values. The findings further stated that the selected tuber peels are high in nutrients, fiber, carbohydrates, and minerals and hence nutritionally adequate for supplementing ruminant feeds. These findings project tuber peel meals as cheap and nutritionally adequate supplements in ruminants’ diets, especially in dry seasons. The study recommends government support for research funding, machinery, processing, and preservation technologies, to improve tuber peel use in animal feed, thereby reducing production costs, promoting ruminant production, and environmental conservation in the tropics.