Orphan crops: Sourcing alternative poultry feed from Nigerian pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Abstract

Orphan crops also known as minor crops are plant species that are not among the major staple crops. In many areas, these crops are  being lost altogether, along with a wealth of traditional knowledge about their uses. Maize, a major constituent in poultry feed is facing a  major threat in Nigeria due to adverse climate change, resulting in scarceness and skyrocketed price. This has directly affected the prices  of animal feed with consequence effect on animal products. Sourcing for alternative or supplement for maize in animal feed has become  non-negotiable to ameliorate the situation. This paper reviewed the possibilities of substituting or supplementing staples in feed with   potential orphan crops with emphasis on maize and pumpkin respectively. Pumpkin is a minor crop in Nigeria, it has high nutritive values  required by poultry for optimal productivity. To ensure food security in Africa and beyond, useful minor crops have to be  popularized.