The chemical composition and ruminal disappearance of pistachio by-product

Abstract

Iran is the greatest pistachio producer in the world. A large quantity of pistachio by-product (at least 150,000 tons in DM) is produced from pistachio dehulling process in Iran, annually. The results of some experiments show this by¬product can be used as a feedstuff for ruminants (Shakeri and Fazaeli, 2005; VAhmani et. al., 2005). However, more information about physical and chemical compositions of this by-product is needed. Pistachio by-product is mainly consists of epicarp, peduncle, leaf and a little amount of mesocarp and kernel. The aim of this study was to determine chemical composition and in situ dry matter disappearance of each part of pistachio by-product (Ohadi variety) after 0, 12 and 24 h incubation in the rumen.