Let the Animals Eat Macadamia Nut Cake

Mar 17, 2021

When macadamia nut oil is processed, what’s left is a byproduct called macadamia nut cake (MNC). Until recently, MNC was considered a waste product and therefore, went straight to the landfill.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences saw an opportunity to put this waste to use. Associate Professor Rajesh Jha explored the nutritional and functional values of MNC as a potential alternative feedstuff for livestock, which could potentially reduce production costs and the need for imported feeds. MNC is one of several alternative feedstuffs Jha is investigating for its nutritional and functional value. Oils of Aloha, the only producer of macadamia nut oil on Oʻahu, provided the MNC needed for the investigation.

After a series of experiments and studies, Jha’s research group was able to convert what was previously thought of as a “waste and environmental burden” into a “valuable animal feed ingredient.”

“I believe their potential is great, and could potentially contribute to healthy and environmentally friendly animal production, while maintaining the competitiveness of the industry,” said Jha.

Jha’s research group is currently working on additional papers that explore the role of MNC in modulating the intestinal microbiota of pigs and poultry, and the use of MNC in pastured chicken.

Source : hawaii.edu

Video: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.