Research Progress on Feed Resources of Zanthoxylum bungeanum By-Products

Zanthoxylum bungeanum generates substantial by-products (e.g., branches, leaves and seeds) that are mostly discarded, leading to severe resource waste and environmental pollution. Dominated by seeds and leaves, Zanthoxylum bungeanum by-products are abundant in high-quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber, as well as a diversity of bioactive substances (including volatile oils, amides, flavonoids, alkaloids and coumarins) and various mineral elements and amino acids, thus exhibiting great potential for development and utilization as innovative feed resources. At present, these by-products have been widely applied in the feed formulation for poultry, monogastric animals and ruminants. The appropriate supplementation of different Zanthoxylum bungeanum by-products can significantly improve the production performance, product quality and somatic health of livestock and poultry, enhance their antioxidant and immune capacities, regulate the structure of intestinal microflora, and boost the digestibility and utilization efficiency of nutrients. Nevertheless, the feed application of Zanthoxylum bungeanum by-products is still limited by anti-nutritional factors such as alkaloids and amides. In-depth research is still needed on the detoxification technologies, optimal addition levels of these by-products.