# Valorization of Date Fruit (_Phoenix dactylifera_ L.) Processing Waste and By-Products: A Review
## 4. Valorization Approaches of Date Processing Waste
### Conversion of Date Processing Waste to Animal Feed  
The conversion of date processing waste into animal feed is an important valorization approach due to its nutritional benefits, abundance, and availability. Animal feed produced from date processing waste is high in fiber and carbohydrates, which are essential nutrients for livestock and poultry [16]. [PERSON] et al. [84] found that date processing waste is particularly useful for animal feed production, as it is readily available in regions where the date industry is prevalent.  
Various methods can convert date processing waste into animal feed, including ensiling, drying, and pelletization. Ensiling is a useful method for the safe and long-term preservation of moist biomass, while minimally impacting the nutritional quality of the biomass [85]. Drying is a practical technique that reduces the moisture content of a product, resulting in increased stability and facilitating its transportation. Pelletization can improve the handling and storage properties of the feed [86,87]. The use of date processing waste as animal feed has several advantages. [PERSON] et al. [77] observed that incorporating up to 30% whole date waste into the diets of ostrich chicks not only ensures uncompromised growth performance but also holds the potential to improve stress-related variables and antioxidant status in growing ostrichs.  
However, using date palm waste as a source of animal feed is also challenging. For example, economically, it raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of transforming waste into feed, as well as issues related to transportation. Nutritionally, questions arise about whether animal feed derived from date palm can meet the animals' dietary requirements and the need for potential formulation improvements. Furthermore, safety considerations encompass compliance with food laws and potential risks such as fungal and viral infections during the processing stages [88].  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c l l l} \hline \hline
**By-Products** & **Possible Use** & **Product** & **References** \\ \hline Low-grade dates & Juice and following product & Date juice; concentration: date spread, syrup and & \\  & production & liquid sugar; fermentation: wine, alcohol, & [5,13] \\  & Composting & Nutrient-rich fertilizer & [74] \\  & Biofuel production & Ethanol & [75] \\  & Phenolic compound extraction & Used as raw materials or additives in food, health & [76] \\ Date processing & Animal feed & Ostrich chick feed additive & [77] \\ wastes & Fiber extraction & Functional fiber ingredients in food industry & [78] \\  & Soap production & Soap formula additives & [79] \\  & Food packaging & Improved film & [80,81] \\ Date pits & Oil production & Date pit oil & [10,19] \\  & Phenolic compound extraction & Used as raw materials or additives in food, health & [10,76] \\  & Water desalination & Coagulant and flocculant & [82] \\ Date leaves & Water desalination & Adsorbent & [83] \\ Date seed oil & Palm olein alternative & Cooking oil & [20] \\  & Biofuel production & Bio-jet fuel; green diesel & [22] \\  & Margarine production & Crucial ingredient & [19] \\  & Participate in cosmetic formulations & Body creams, shaving soap, and shampoo & [21] \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 4: Possible applications of date by-products for their valorization.