Question

Which of the following is an example of an edible oil cake for feeding cattle?

• A. Castor
• B. Mahua
• C. Neem
• D. Mustard

Hint:

Edible oil cakes include Mustard, Groundnut, Sesame, Coconut, and Cottonseed.
Non-edible oil cakes include Castor, Neem, Mahua, Karanja, and Linseed (sometimes considered borderline).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Oil cakes are the solid residues remaining after extracting oil from oilseeds.
They are classified as either edible (suitable for livestock feed because of their high protein content) or non-edible (toxic to animals, used primarily as organic manure).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each oil cake listed:
- Castor oil cake (A): Derived from Ricinus communis.
It contains highly toxic glycoprotein compounds, primarily ricin, making it strictly non-edible for livestock.
It is used solely as an organic fertilizer.
- Mahua oil cake (B): Derived from Madhuca longifolia.
It contains toxic saponins (mowrin) that are highly irritating to the digestive tract of animals, making it non-edible.
- Neem oil cake (C): Derived from Azadirachta indica.
It contains bitter triterpenoids, such as azadirachtin, nimbin, and salannin.
Its extreme bitterness and physiological toxicity make it non-edible.
It is used in agricultural soils as a natural nematicide and nitrification inhibitor.
- Mustard oil cake (D): Derived from mustard seeds (Brassica spp.).
While it contains glucosinolates, it is highly nutritious, protein-rich, and safe for cattle after processing.
It is widely used across India as a standard edible oil cake for feeding livestock.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Mustard oil cake is an example of an edible oil cake for feeding cattle.