Development of Sustainable Animal Feed Using Waste Sludge from Ghee Production

Abstract

The sustainable use of by-product like sludge obtained during Ghee production has gained attention due to growing concerns about the waste management of the dairy sector. By adding ghee sludge obtained from Milco (P\rt) Ltd to traditional chicken feed formulas, this study sought to create an animal diet that is both more nuhitious and environmentally friendly. Three treatments were made: 12 with 5Yo g$ee sludge, T3 with 10% ghee sludge, and the control (Tl) without sludge. To ascertain the moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and ash content of the prepared feeds, a proximate analysis was carried out in accordance with AOAC standard protocols. With moisture 10.24oA, crude protein 22.8Yo, crude fat 8.53Vo, crude fibre 2.67Yo, and ash 5.81%, the Tl formulation with 5Yo ghee sludge strowed the best nutritional content among the treatments. While keeping acceptable levels of fibre and ash, the feed's protein and fbt contents were greatly increased by the moderate addition of ghee sludge. The enhanced palatability and balanced nutrient content seen in Tl suggest that feed quality and nutritional effrciency are maximized at a 5Yo inclusion level. Thus, with 5% inclusion, ghee sludge can be used as a sustainable i$gredient in chicken feed composition, offering a cost-effective substitute that also supports environmental sustainability and waste valorisation in the dairy sector. . Keywords: Ghee sludge, Sustainable feed development, Proximate analysis, Poultry feed, Dairy by-products, Milco (Pvt) Ltd