From waste to wealth: utilisation of Mangifera indica waste in poultry nutrition - a review on functional and productivity benefits

SUMMARYThe rapid expansion of mango (Mangifera indica) processing industries generates substantial agro-industrial residues (15–25% peel and 10–20% kernel), which remain underutilised despite their high nutritional and functional potential. These by-products offer a cost-effective alternative feed resource for poultry systems challenged by escalating feed costs and sustainability concerns. Mango peels and kernels are enriched with bioactive compounds including mangiferin (4.5 mg/g), quercetin and gallic acid, along with dietary fibre (30–50%), lipids (8–12% in kernels) and residual proteins (6–10%), contributing to significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and growth-promoting activities. This review critically evaluates the compositional characteristics, processing strategies and dietary inclusion approaches for incorporating mango residues into poultry diets. Dietary inclusion of mango by-products at the concentration of 2–10% in broiler diets has been reported to improve feed conversion ratio by 5–12%, increase body weight gains by 6–15% and enhance carcass yield by up to 8%. In laying hens, supplementation improves egg weight (3–7%) and yolk oxidative stability by reducing malondialdehyde levels. Mechanistically, these benefits are attributed to improved gut morphology, modulation of beneficial microbiota (Lactobacillus spp.) and activation of antioxidant defence pathways, including Nrf2, alongside suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammation. However, anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and phytates may limit nutrient utilisation, necessitating processing methods like fermentation, enzymatic treatment or heat processing to enhance bioavailability. Overall, the strategic incorporation of mango processing residues as functional feed ingredients offers a cost-effective approach to improve poultry performance while reducing agro-industrial waste, supporting sustainable and circular bio-economy for poultry production systems.