The Use of Pomace as Animal Feed: A Review of Grape and Tomato Pomace

Pomace is generated in large quantities yearly; high water content and bulkiness make it difficult to be easily disposed of thereby contributing to environmental pollution and providing breeding space for flies which can transmit diseases. Incorporating the pomace generated from grape and tomato fruits in animal nutrition will improve sustainable agriculture; the animals will also benefit from the polyphenols in the pomace which can improve their antioxidant status thereby improving animal health and welfare. Pomace consists of unfermentable sugars, tannins, anthocyanins, lycopene, and cellulose which have natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This review focused on the utilization of grape and tomato pomace as feedstuff for animals, the knowledge gap in the use of pomace in animal nutrition was also outlined. Supplementation of pomace generated from grape and tomato was evaluated on animal growth and reproductive performance, health, oxidative stress, animal products and gut health. In conclusion, incorporating agro-industrial byproducts into animal diet can be beneficial to farm animals by improving their health, welfare, performance as well as the environment, thereby leading to a more sustainable agricultural practice.