Using Agricultural Waste in Animal Feeding

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The livestock production sector is considered one of the vital sectors that contribute to food security and support the national economy. However, it faces many challenges, most notably the high cost of traditional feed and the shortage of feed resources. Therefore, using agricultural waste in animal feeding has emerged as an economical and environmentally sustainable solution. Agricultural waste includes crop residues after harvest such as wheat straw, barley straw, corn stalks, rice residues, vegetable and fruit wastes, as well as by-products of agro-industries such as soybean meal and wheat bran. These materials are characterized by their wide availability and low cost compared to concentrated feeds. The use of agricultural waste helps reduce environmental pollution caused by burning or improper disposal. It also improves the utilization of natural resources and supports the principle of sustainability. Moreover, it reduces dependence on imported feed, thus lowering the economic burden on livestock farmers. Despite its many advantages, some agricultural wastes have low nutritional value or are difficult to digest. Therefore, they require special treatments to improve their quality, such as chemical treatment using urea or ammonia, biological treatment using fungi and bacteria, as well as chopping, grinding, and mixing with other feeds to enhance their nutritional value. Agricultural waste is mainly used in feeding ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats due to their ability to digest plant fibers. Some treated wastes can also be included in poultry diets in limited proportions under professional supervision. In conclusion, using agricultural waste in animal feeding is an effective option for achieving sustainable development in the livestock sector, as it helps reduce costs, protect the environment, and increase production efficiency. Therefore, scientific research and extension programs should be encouraged to educate farmers on the best ways to utilize these resources. Al-Mustaqbal University… the leading private university in Iraq.