The Probable Use of Genus amaranthus as Feed Material for Monogastric Animals

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In monogastric production, feeds account for about 50–70% of the total costs. Protein ingredients are one of the most expensive inputs even though they are not included in large quantities as compared to cereals. Monogastric animal industries are faced with a major problem of limited protein sources, moreover, the competition for plant materials is expected to further increase feed prices. Therefore, to tackle this problem, interventions are required to find alternative and cost-effective protein sources. One identified crop that meets these requirements is amaranth. Studies have shown the potential and contribution that amaranth has as an alternative ingredient in diets for monogastric animals. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to provide a detailed understanding of the potential use of amaranth as feed for monogastric animals, and further indicate processing techniques are suitable to improve the utilization of grain amaranth and leaves. Amaranth has shown to improve performance and health status of monogastric animals because of its high nutritional value and availability of phenolic compounds. The conclusion of this review provides evidence from which stakeholders such as feed manufacturers and farmers can use to make more informed decisions in relation to the use of amaranth as an ingredient in monogastric animals. ABSTRACT: This review presents, discusses, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential use of amaranth as feed for monogastric animals. Amaranth is an ancient nutritious crop that has been cultivated for multiple purposes. In America, Asia, and Africa, the leaves of amaranth species are used as vegetables. The change in climatic conditions globally has resulted in shortages of rainfall, unpredictable weather, and lack of inputs such as fertilizer. This has led to scarcity of protein sources in the market and instability in prices which makes it necessary to consider alternative ingredients in poultry, pigs, fish, and rabbits feed formulation. Amaranth is rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds which have some health benefits in animals and can be used to improve productivity. It also contains anti-nutritional factors which can be reduced by several processing methods. Moreover, its use in monogastric nutrition is useful because amaranth has shown to improve monogastric productivity without having any adverse effect on animals’ productivity. Thus, from this review, it can be concluded that amaranth leaves and grains can be used successfully in monogastric animals though different processing methods which might need to be employed in order to reduce anti-nutritional factors before use in animals.