Apple Pomace-Derived Fiber in Ruminant Nutrition: Processing, Biological Mechanisms, and Economic Implications
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Product Developer-Arat Food Industries, Safadasht, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Abstract
Apple pomace, a major by-product of fruit processing, has emerged as a promising source of dietary ber for ruminant nutrition. This review explores its physicochemical characteristics, processing techniques for feed integration, and biological effects on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and animal performance. Comparative insights with conventional ber sources highlight apple pomace's fermentability, antioxidant potential, and prebiotic properties. Furthermore, its utilization supports circular agriculture by reducing feed costs and valorizing agro-industrial waste. In addition to its high pectin content and moderate antioxidant activity, apple pomace provides fermentable carbohydrates that stimulate volatile fatty acid production, enhance microbial protein synthesis, and support immune modulation. Economic analyses indicate that partial replacement of conventional feed ingredients with dried apple pomace can lower ration costs by 5{12% in apple-producing regions. Despite its potential, challenges remain in standardizing composition, ensuring palatability, and optimizing inclusion rates. Future research should focus on long-term health outcomes, regional formulation strategies, and scalable processing technologies to fully realize its role in sustainable livestock production.
Keywords
References
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Shao T. Effects of brewers spent grains on fer-
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vitro digestibility of mixed silage prepared with
corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato
vine. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2022 Dec
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Y, Goel G. Multivariate analysis of structural and
Apple Pomace-Derived Fiber in Ruminant Nutrition: Processing, Biological Mechanisms, and Economic
Implications: 33{37 36
functional properties of bres from apple pomace
using different extraction methods. Food Produc-
tion, Processing and Nutrition. 2023 Feb 3;5(1):6.
[5] Gadulrab K, Sidoruk P, Kozowska M, Szumacher-
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ways. Frontiers in veterinary science. 2022 Jan
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Journal of dairy science. 2012 Mar 1;95(3):1041-
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[1] Boyer J, Liu RH. Apple phytochemicals and
their health bene ts. Nutrition journal. 2004 May
12;3(1):5.
[2] Boyer J, Liu RH. Apple phytochemicals and
their health bene ts. Nutrition journal. 2004 May
12;3(1):5.
[3] Dai T, Wang J, Dong D, Yin X, Zong C, Jia Y,
Shao T. Effects of brewers spent grains on fer-
mentation quality, chemical composition and in
vitro digestibility of mixed silage prepared with
corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato
vine. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2022 Dec
31;21(1):198-207.
[4] Fidriyanto R, Singh BP, Manju KM, Widyastuti
Y, Goel G. Multivariate analysis of structural and
Apple Pomace-Derived Fiber in Ruminant Nutrition: Processing, Biological Mechanisms, and Economic
Implications: 33{37 36
functional properties of bres from apple pomace
using different extraction methods. Food Produc-
tion, Processing and Nutrition. 2023 Feb 3;5(1):6.
[5] Gadulrab K, Sidoruk P, Kozowska M, Szumacher-
Strabel M, Lechniak D, Koodziejski P, Pytlewski
J, Strzakowska N, Horbaczuk JO, Jwik A, Yanza
YR. Effect of feeding dried apple pomace on ru-
minal fermentation, methane emission, and bio-
hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in dairy
cows. Agriculture. 2023 Oct 21;13(10):2032.
[6] IFIF F. Good Practices for the Feed Sector-
Implementing the Codex Alimentarius Code of
Practice on Good Animal Feeding.
[7] Kruczek M, Gumul D, Kaniov M, Ivanihov E, Ma-
reek J, Gambu H. Industrial apple pomace by-
products as a potential source of pro-health com-
pounds in functional food. Journal of microbiol-
ogy, biotechnology and food sciences. 2017 Aug
1;7(1):22-6.
[8] Ma Y, Ma X, An Y, Sun Y, Dou W, Li M, Bao H,
Zhang C. Green tea polyphenols alleviate hydro-
gen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, in amma-
tion, and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithe-
lial cells by activating erk1/2nfe2l2hmox1 path-
ways. Frontiers in veterinary science. 2022 Jan
25;8:804241.
[9] Murad HA, Azzaz HH. Microbial pectinases and
ruminant nutrition. Research Journal of Microbi-
ology. 2011 Mar 1;6(3):246-69.
[10] Pascoalino LA, Barros L, Barreira JC, Oliveira
MB, Reis FS. Closing the loop: exploring apple
pomace as a source of bioactive compounds in the
framework of circular economy. Sustainable Food
Technology. 2025.
[11] Pi~neiro, M. FAO program on mycotoxin manage-
ment. InMycotoxins: detection methods, manage-
ment, public health and agricultural trade 2008
(pp. 387-401). Wallingford UK: CABI.
[12] Schmid V, Trabert A, Schfer J, Bunzel M, Karb-
stein HP, Emin MA. Modi cation of apple pomace
by extrusion processing: Studies on the composi-
tion, polymer structures, and functional proper-
ties. Foods. 2020 Oct 1;9(10):1385.
[13] Shalini R, Gupta DK. Utilization of pomace from
apple processing industries: a review. Journal of
food science and technology. 2010 Aug;47(4):365-
71.
[14] Strieker MJ, Morris JG, Feldman BF, Rogers QR.
Vitamin K de ciency in cats fed commercial sh-
based diets. Journal of small animal practice. 1996
Jul;37(7):322-6.
[15] Szymanska-Czerwinska M, Niemczuk K,
Wierzbicka A, Strzakowska N, Jwik A. Ap-
ple pomace in feeding of dairy cattle as an
element of sustainable agriculture strategy-a
review. Animal Science Papers & Reports. 2024
Jul 1;42(3).
[16] Tiwari SP, Narang MP, Dubey M. Effect of feed-
ing apple pomace on milk yield and milk com-
position in crossbred (Red Sindhi x Jersey) cow.
Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2008
Aug 27;20(4):293-7.
[17] Tulej W, Gowacki S. Modeling of the drying pro-
cess of apple pomace. Applied Sciences. 2022 Jan
28;12(3):1434.
[18] Vendruscolo F, Albuquerque PM, Streit F, Es-
posito E, Ninow JL. Apple pomace: a versatile
substrate for biotechnological applications. Criti-
cal reviews in biotechnology. 2008 Jan 1;28(1):1-2.
[19] Zebeli Q, Aschenbach JR, Tafaj M, Boguhn J,
Ametaj BN, Drochner W. Invited review: Role of
physically effective ber and estimation of dietary
ber adequacy in high-producing dairy cattle.
Journal of dairy science. 2012 Mar 1;95(3):1041-
56.
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