Date kernel meal is a co-product of the date fruit processing industry, obtained after oil extraction from date seeds. This product has gained attention in the livestock and animal nutrition industry as a supplementary and cost-effective feed due to its beneficial nutritional composition.
The composition of date seed meal changes after oil extraction, but generally has the following characteristics:
The protein content in raw seeds is between 5% and 9%. In the meal obtained from de-hulled seeds, this amount may be slightly higher. These proteins contain several essential amino acids.
The meal is a rich source of insoluble fibers and lignin, making it difficult to digest for monogastric animals, but highly suitable for ruminants (such as cattle and sheep). The Crude Fiber (CF) content is often high, generally above 10% to 20%.
The most significant difference between the meal and the raw seed is its fat content. In raw seeds, the fat content ranges from 8% to 15%, but in the meal (after the oil extraction process), this amount is significantly reduced, usually dropping below 6-8%.
It contains important mineral elements such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
There is a small amount of digestible carbohydrates (starch and sugars) present.
The production of date seed meal is essentially the process of extracting oil from the seed, which is divided into the following stages:
The seeds are separated from the date flesh, washed to remove any fruit residue, and then dried.
The dried seeds are ground using special mills to increase the surface area for oil extraction.
Pressing Process: The most common method involves using mechanical presses (Screw Presses). The crushed seeds are subjected to high pressure to extract their oil.
Solvent Extraction (Less Common): In some methods, organic solvents (such as hexane) are used for a more complete oil extraction.
The date seed oil is separated, and the remaining solid, low-fat residue is called Date Seed Meal.
Cooling and Packaging: The warm meal exiting the press is cooled and prepared for packaging and distribution as powder, pellets, or in a compressed form.
1. Livestock and Poultry Feed (Primary Application)
2. Partial Substitute in Food Industries
Date kernel meal typically refers to the residue of the date pit after its oil has been extracted, resulting in a lower fat percentage compared to raw, ground date pits. This product is rich in crude protein and fiber. It is mainly used as an inexpensive source of protein and fiber in livestock and poultry feed.
Date pit flour (or date seed powder) is produced by completely grinding date pits after washing, drying, and roasting (or without roasting). This product is rich in dietary fiber (very high), protein, minerals, and natural antioxidants. It has a coffee-like flavor and is caffeine-free. Its applications include making herbal tea and coffee substitutes, as a dietary supplement or additive (due to high fiber) in the production of food items like bread and cookies (usually at a low percentage), and also in animal feed.
Date flour (or date powder) is made from the flesh and by-products of the date fruit (after fruit processing or syrup extraction) and is usually pit-free. Its most important characteristic is its high content of natural sugars (carbohydrates) such as glucose and fructose. It also contains the fruit’s fiber, protein, and minerals. Due to its high energy and sugar content, this product is primarily used as a quick and inexpensive energy source in livestock and poultry feed (substituting barley or corn) and as a natural sweetener in the food industry.
Ala oil Sepahan Company, under the brand name Lador and managed by Mr. Saeed Alaei, produces vitamin and mineral premixes, concentrates, and complete feeds. It also operates accredited specialized laboratories that work to improve feed quality and conduct precise analyses (including dry matter analysis of corn silage). By offering high-quality products, Ladorfat contributes significantly to enhancing the efficiency and economic value of the livestock industry.
Some of these products include: tallow grease, poultry oil, tallow fat, hydrogenated poultry oil, rapeseed oil, omega-3 fat powder, animal feed and concentrate, bulk animal fat powder, etc.
Date kernel meal is a high-potential alternative fiber and protein source, particularly in ruminant nutrition. Given its reasonable price and availability in date-producing regions, it can play a crucial role in reducing reliance on more expensive feed sources. However, its optimal use requires precise ration balancing by a livestock nutritionist to prevent the negative effects of high fiber on digestibility. To purchase or inquire about prices, you can contact Ladorfat consultants.
