Neem As Animal Feed

Parts of neem have been used as animal feed as they contain amounts of nutrients, proteins and minerals, required for animal health.

Neem Leaf: Contains sufficient amounts of proteins, amino acids, carotene, minerals except zinc. The fibre content is lower as compared to other leaves. They are also a source of providing sufficient amounts of Nitrogen, Potassium and Calcium. Animals like goat and camel are fed neem leaves as a part of their daily feed during winter. High quantity of digestible crude protein and total digestive nutrients makes its apt for being fed to cattle and buffaloes. Leaves as a feed have alos led to weight gain in sheep and crossbred lambs

Chemical Composition of Neem Leaf

• Parameter
• Moisture
• Protein
• Fat
• Fibre
• Carbohydrate
• Mineral
• Parameter
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Thiamine
• Niacin
• Vitamin C

Seed Cake: are high in protein content so it used to reduce shortage of animal protein supplement in high producing animals. It contains all essential and non essential amino acids, sulphur etc.

Chemical Composition of Neem Seed Cake

• Moisture
• Carbohydrate
• Fat
• Organic Matter
• Crude Protein
• Ether Extract
• Silica
• Mineral
• Phosphorous
• Calcium
• Potash

Though neem seed cake is bitter, but after water washing and other treatments helping in removing the bitter principles, it can be used as an animal feed for cattle on a regular basis. It has been an excellent source of cheap protein supplement for almost all kinds of livestock.