Groundnut De-oiled Cake (DOC) is a by-product obtained after the extraction of oil from groundnut seeds. It is commonly used as animal feed, organic fertilizer, and sometimes as an ingredient in various industrial applications. Here's an overview of its key aspects:

Composition and Nutritional Value

Groundnut DOC is rich in protein and other nutrients, making it a valuable feed ingredient. The typical composition includes:

• Crude Protein: Approximately 40-50%
• Fat: Less than 1%
• Fiber: 5-7%
• Moisture: 10-12%
• Ash: 5-7%

Uses

1. Animal Feed:

   • Widely used in poultry, cattle, and pig feed due to its high protein content.
   • Helps in the growth and development of livestock.

2. Organic Fertilizer:

   • Enhances soil fertility and structure.
   • Provides essential nutrients to plants, promoting healthier crop yields.

3. Industrial Applications:

   • Used in the production of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides.
   • Sometimes used in the manufacture of various industrial products such as adhesives and emulsifiers.

Production Process

1. Cleaning: Groundnut seeds are cleaned to remove impurities.
2. Crushing: The seeds are crushed to break them into smaller pieces.
3. Extraction: Oil is extracted from the crushed seeds using mechanical or solvent extraction methods.
4. Drying: The remaining cake is dried to reduce moisture content.
5. Grinding: The dried cake is ground into a fine powder to produce groundnut DOC.

Benefits

• High Protein Content: Excellent source of protein for livestock.
• Cost-Effective: Cheaper alternative to other protein sources.
• Sustainable: Utilizes a by-product of the oil extraction process, reducing waste.