Potential of Apple Wasteas a non-conventional feed for Livestockand poultry

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) is one of the most cultivated and consumed treefruits in the world and is widely grown fruit in Jammu & Kashmir which is considered as apple bowl of country. It is a major horticulture produce and is the backbone of the rural economy of this region. Out of the total production of 1348.15 metric tonnes, its share (%) in the total apple production in the country is 70%. Approximately an amount of 65722.31 metric tonnes of apple pomace is being produced from apple processing industry. Thisposesa disposal problem,environmental pollution and loss of valuable biomass and nutrients. Apple pomace is a heterogeneous mixture consisting of peel, core, seed, calyx,stem and soft tissues,rich source of fermentable carbohydrate, protein, crude fibre and mineralsusedfor feeding to livestock. Apple pomace has high moisture content, possesses insoluble carbohydrates. (Cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin), reducing sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), rich source of minerals and vitamin C. However, it is low in protein and essential amino acids. Typically, apple pomace contains 66.4-78.2% moisture and 9.0-22% carbohydrates. Its value depends mainly on carbohydrates, crude fibre, fermentable sugar, pectin and mineral contents. Being a good source of energy, it can be included inlivestockand poultryrationfor profitable production.Key words:Apple waste, Livestock feed, Nutritive value