exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of pomegranate peel cultivars for enhancing livestock health and productivity

Pomegranate peel, utilized as animal feed, offers significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that enhance livestock health by reducing spoilage and microbial activity, thereby boosting immunity and preventing infections. the effectiveness of these benefits varies with cultivar and climate. this study examines the antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds of pomegranate peels from the rabab, shabestan, and zard nar farooq cultivars in fars province, highlighting the potential of pomegranate peel to improve animal health and productivity in the feed industry. fruits from various cultivars were collected in farooq city, and the peels were separated and dried using shade and oven methods. a water-alcohol extract was prepared for evaluation, with the antioxidant effect assessed using the dpph method and total phenolic content measured by the folin-ciocalteu method. the results were analyzed using spss software (v2016). the test results showed significant differences in antioxidant activity and total phenolic content among pomegranate cultivars. the zard nar farooq cultivar had the highest values, with 459.10 mg/g and an ic50 of 5.38 mg/ml, followed by the shabestan cultivar at 441.40 mg/g and ic50 of 5.30 mg/ml, and the rabab cultivar at 440.75 mg/g and ic50 of 4.87 mg/ml. the zard nar farooq cultivar was more effective than bht (ic50 of 5.20 mg/ml), while the shabestan was equal, and the rabab was less effective. all cultivars had higher total phenolic content than gallic acid (321.49 mg/g). the study emphasizes the notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel, indicating its potential to enhance animal feed, improve health and productivity, and prevent infections. the differences among cultivars highlight the need for careful selection in feed production. further research is suggested to investigate practical applications in livestock management and the long-term effects of these extracts on animal diets, promoting sustainability and welfare in livestock.