Pumpkin as a natural feed additive in livestock production: A review

The livestock industry is currently facing several significant challenges, including high feed costs, restrictions on antibiotic use, and growing consumer demand for high-quality animal products.Consequently, there is increasing interest in identifying alternative feed ingredients that promote animal health and enhance productivity.Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) has emerged as a promising natural feed additive due to its favourable nutritional profile, including proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds.This review aims to examine the potential applications of pumpkin in livestock nutrition, with a focus on its impact on animal health, growth performance, product quality, and sustainability.Studies have indicated that the inclusion of pumpkin and its derivatives (fruit, seeds, oil, and green parts) in the diets of ruminants, swine, poultry, and rabbits can improve feed efficiency, meat, milk, and egg composition, and support immune function.In addition, pumpkin seeds demonstrates antiparasitic properties, while pumpkin oil exerts antioxidant and metabolic regulatory effects.Although further research is needed to determine optimal inclusion levels and processing methods, current evidence suggests that pumpkin could be a viable alternative to conventional protein sources.Its integration into livestock feeding strategies is consistent with current trends in sustainable agriculture, offering both economic and environmental advantages while improving animal welfare and food quality.