Mango seed kernel (Mangifera  indica)

Common name: Mango

Local names: Hindi: Aam Manipuri: Heinou Tamil: Ma Telugu: Mamidi Malayalam: Mangga

Kannada: Mavinamara Marathi: Amba Konkani: Ambo

It is a large spreading tree that is native to tropical Asia but cultivated in most tropical countries. The round or oval fruit is somewhat flattened and can weigh up to 0.5 kg. In the centre of fruit, there is large fibrous flat seed containing a kernel. The kernels constitute about 15% of the weight  of the fruit  and  may  well  be  used for  livestock.  Mango seed  kernel  is  a  waste  product  of  mango  fruit canning industry. It is available after extraction of juices from  mangoes or from  the leftover of fruits after  the  same  has  been  consumed  by  human beings.  Mango  seed  kernels are  available to  the

tune  of  1  million  tones  annually  in  India  (Punj, 1988).

Nutritive value: Mango seed kernel is a poor source of protein (6% CP).The TDN content is 55%.

Deleterious factor: Mango seed kernels contain high level of tannins (5-6%). Therefore, its more use in animal feed may affect growth and health of animals.

Inclusion

Mango seed kernel is palatable to the animals. The kernels can be incorporated up to 10% level in the concentrate mixtures of milch cattle (daily milk yield 8 kg), (Punj, 1988). Mango seed kernels can be safely used up to 20 and 40% level in the ration of growing  calves and bullocks, respectively (Talpada et al., 2002). Ruminants can tolerate concentrates with up to 50% mango kernels without adverse effects (FAO, AFRIS).