Nutritional Evaluation of Spondias mombin and Theobroma cacao as Potential Poultry Feed Supplements in Nigeria

Poultry feed constitutes a significant portion of production costs in the poultry industry. Exploring underutilized plant species as alternative feed ingredients could help mitigate these costs while enhancing feed quality. However, limited research exists on such alternatives in Nigeria. This study evaluates the nutrient composition of byproducts from Theobroma cacao (cocoa bean shell) and Spondias mombin (hog plum) and their potential as poultry feed supplements in comparison with FAO standards. Kernel and husk samples of S. mombin and T. cacao, respectively, were collected from various locations, air dried and sun-dried for 80 hours respectively, ground, sieved (0.5 mm), and analyzed for proximate composition, metabolizable energy, minerals, and amino acids using AOAC methods. Results revealed significant variations in nutrient composition, with T. cacao husk exhibiting higher crude protein, moisture content, and in vitro organic matter digestibility (p<0.001) compared to S. mombin kernel. Additionally, S. mombin provided essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, along with lysine, which aligns with FAO requirements for poultry diets. While neither ingredient meets FAO standards individually, their complementary nutrient profiles suggest that a strategic blend could enhance overall feed quality. These findings highlight the potential of T. cacao and S. mombin byproducts as sustainable alternatives to conventional poultry feed ingredients, particularly in reducing reliance on soybean-based protein sources.