Biochemical Properties of Using Active Principles of Chestnuts in Animal Feed

Chestnuts (Castanea sativa) are traditionally ingredients of different food and feed, being used in human and animal diet – due to its valuable active principles. The products used are chestnuts (fruits) and also by-products from chestnuts industry like shell, skin, bark, leaves or even flowers. Chestnuts are ingredients with protein – but glutenfree, with low lipid content, high carbohydrates, with hydro-soluble vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C) and minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn). Also, in chestnut products are present different antioxidants which could be extracted and used in processing of food and feed products. Thus, various extraction techniques and solvents are used to obtain good yield of substances that are used in animal feeding (for broiler chicken, pigs, rabbits).