Paw paw, also known as Asimina triloba, is considered the largest fruit native to North America. Up to 6 inches long with large, black, or brown seeds and tender flesh, the sweet-tasting fruit is often compared to pineapple, mango, banana, or cantaloupe.
The pawpaw tree is commonly found throughout the eastern United States and Canada. However, you can find them in many other regions such as the South and Midwest.
Can chickens eat paw paw?
The answer is yes. Paw paw is a safe and nutritious fruit for chickens. They are also commonly added to many chicken dishes and can be used to make delicious ice cream and sorbets that chickens very enjoy.
What are the nutritional ingredients in paw paw?
The pawpaw fruit is an excellent source of nutrition with several essential vitamins and minerals including Calo, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, Mangan, iron, Magie, Vitamin C, zinc, Kali, riboflavin, niacin, Canxi.
In addition to the above nutrients, pawpaw berries also contain some phosphorus, thiamine, and vitamin A.
Some uses of paw paw for chickens
Contains lots of antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that can help protect cells against the damaging effects of free radicals, and pawpaws are foods high in antioxidants. Several studies have found that the antioxidants in pawpaw can play an important role in overall health and may aid in the prevention of digestive and immune system disorders. of chicken.
Pawpaws contain many potent antioxidants that may help support better health. In fact, one test-tube study analyzed the pulp of the pawpaw fruit and found that it contained several antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and p-coumaric acid.
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Prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms
In addition to its antioxidant content, paw paw also has strong antibacterial properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, pawpaw extract can prevent the growth of Corynebacterium xerosis and Clostridium perfringens, two pathogenic bacteria strains that can cause harmful diseases in chickens.
Prevent anemia
Pawpaws contain an excellent source of iron, an important nutrient involved in the production of healthy red blood cells. A deficiency in this important micronutrient can cause iron deficiency anemia, which causes fatigue in chickens
Not only that, pawpaws are also a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption in the body, which may help protect against iron deficiency anemia in chickens.
Protect bone health
Each serving of pawpaw fruit contains many nutrients important for maintaining bone density and preventing problems like osteoporosis. For example, manganese is involved in bone formation and can help strengthen bones.
Several other minerals found in pawpaws can also help strengthen chicken bones. In fact, some studies show that supplementing with manganese along with copper, zinc, and calcium — all found in pawpaw berries — can reduce brittleness in chickens.
What are the other benefits of paw paw?
Besides, protecting bone health, preventing anemia,… Paw paw also has some benefits such as:
Supports healthy digestion
With 2.5 grams of fiber-packed into each serving, adding pawpaw fruit to the chef’s diet can help support better digestive health as a high-fiber food. This is because the fiber moves through the chicken’s body slowly, adding bulk to the stool to prevent constipation and promote regularity.
Additionally, increasing fiber intake can also promote gut microbiota health while protecting against digestive conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, and acid reflux.
Promotes better blood sugar control
Pawpaw berries are rich in manganese, which is an important micronutrient that plays a central role in maintaining blood sugar control. Many studies show that adding more manganese to the chicken’s diet can assist in regulating blood sugar levels and preventing diseases of the intestines and digestive system in chickens.
How to mix the paw paw with the other foods?
Due to its rich creamy texture and sweet taste, paw paw can be given to chickens to be eaten raw or chilled.
It can also be paired with a number of baked goods including sorbet, ice cream, bread, or muffins to bring more flavor to a chicken meal.
Pawpaw also pairs well with other fruits to form sweet salsa. You can also try adding this to your chicken’s meal, they’ll definitely love it.
Some notices when using the paw paw for chickens
Although the paw paw is more useful to chickens, you should notice the bark and leaves of the pawpaw plant contain compounds such as alkaloids, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is best to remove the seeds before eating.
Pawpaw can be irritating when consumed before the fruit is at peak ripeness or when eaten overripe. Other common side effects of consuming pawpaw can include vomiting and fatigue. Therefore, you should check carefully before feeding chickens and should use them at an appropriate dosage level.
Conclusion
So, can chickens eat the paw paw? The answer is yes. Paw paw is a good source of several nutrients, including manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Besides, paw paw is also rich in antioxidants and may help stop cell growth. cancer and bacteria, protects chickens against iron deficiency anemia and osteoporosis, promotes better glycemic control, and improves digestive health. You can buy pawpaw as a chicken dish at many farmers markets, or you can even completely grow your own at home.