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Coffee hulls, fruit pulp and by-products

Datasheet

Description
Click on the "Nutritional aspects" tab for recommendations for ruminants, pigs, poultry, rabbits, horses, fish and crustaceans
Coffee tree (Coffea arabica), fruit and leaves, Maui
Coffee tree (Coffea arabica), fruit, Maui
Sun drying of coffee beans
Manual depulping of coffee
Coffee bean structure
Dry coffee beans with parchment
Coffee (Coffea arabica), leaves
Coffee production, dry processing
Coffee production, wet processing
Common names 

Coffee, coffee tree, Arabian coffee, arabica coffee, robusta coffee [English]; caféier d'Arabie [French]; Arabika Kaffee [German] caffè arabica [Italian]; kawa arabska [Polish]; caféeiro, café, cafeiro [Portuguese]; cafeto arábico, cafeto de Arabia [Spanish]; アラビカコーヒーノキ [Japanese]; kopi arabika [Java];بن عربي [Arabic]; قهوه عربیکا [Farsi]; קפה ערביקה   [Hebrew]; 커피나무 [Korean];  കോഫി അറബിക [Malayalam];  Cà phê chè [Vietnamese]; 小果咖啡 咖啡, 小粒咖啡, 高山芹根 [Chinese]

Product names: coffee pulp, coffee hulls, coffee husks, coffee parchment, silverskin, coffee oil meal, coffee grounds, instant coffee by-product, coffee leaves, cherco meal

Species 

Coffea arabica L. ; Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner [Rubiaceae]

Feed categories 
Related feed(s) 
Description 

The coffee bean (Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre ex. Froehner) is used to make one of the most popular beverages in the world and considerable amounts of coffee bean are processed every day, leading to large quantities of by-products that may be used to feed livestock.

The coffee tree is an evergreen, perennial, erect shrub. It is 2 to 5 m high in plantations but can reach up to 15 m in the wild. Stems are opposite, rather thin, first semi-erect then pendulous. Leaves are opposite, oval shaped, 10 to 15 cm long and 4-6 cm broad. They are dark green, with slightly crinkled surfaces (Ecoport, 2009). Flowers are borne in clusters along the branches. They are white, fragrant and star-shaped.

The coffee tree begins to bear fruits 6 to 7 years after planting as a seedling and will be productive for 30-40 years. Average yield in Kenya is 2 to 3 t/ha and 0.5 t/ha in Brazil. The fruit, or cherry, is a reddish 2-seeded berry, 1 to 1.5 cm long and 6 to 7 mm broad (Ecocrop, 2009).

The coffee cherry consists of four anatomical layers: the outer skin or exocarp, the mesocarp (comprising the pulp and the pectin-rich mucilage), the endocarp (parchment, often called hulls), and the beans (endosperm). The latter are covered by a thin silvery skin sometimes called "silverskin". On a dry matter basis, the beans account for about 55% of the fruit, the parchment for 10–12%, the mucilage for 5–14%, and the outer skin for about 9% (Ecocrop, 2009).

There are two main processes used to obtain the green bean, the wet process and the dry process (see Processes). The by-products of the wet process are the coffee pulp (which includes the outer skin, the pulp and some residual mucilage; 26–30% of the dry weight of the cherry), the mucilage (5–14%), and the parchment. The main by-product of the dry process is the coffee husks (sometimes called hulls), a mix of outer skin, pulp, mucilage, and parchment (Braham et al., 1979). A variant of the dry process eliminates separately the parchment resulting in a product called "sticky coffee hulls" (casca de café melosa) (Carvalho et al., 2011). Note that the terms "hulls" and "husks" are ambiguous.

The industrial processing of roasted coffee generates by‑products such as coffee grounds from soluble coffee manufacture, which are characterised by a relatively high ether extract content (Murthy et al., 2012; Campos-Vega et al., 2015).

Distribution 

The coffee tree is native to the wet highland forests of Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya (Ecocrop, 2009). It was introduced into Arabia in the 15th century and to the West Indies and Central America in the 18th century, and then reached India and Sri Lanka (Orwa et al., 2009).

The tree grows in the subtropics within 22°N and 27°S in deep soils, from sea level to an altitude of 1000 m and where annual rainfall ranges from 1500 mm to 2000 mm. In equatorial regions, it may be cultivated within an altitude between 1300 m and 2800 m or even higher. A moderate dry period is necessary to induce flowering. It is also reported to withstand moderate frost but this results in a lower harvest (Ecocrop, 2009).

Processes 

The coffee beans are obtained either by a wet process (resulting in coffee pulp) or a dry process (resulting in coffee husks).

Wet processing

In wet coffee processing, the envelopes covering the beans are removed before drying through pulping, fermentation, washing and drying. Pulp is first removed mechanically or manually, then the beans ferment in water for 12–48 hours so enzymes can break down the mucilage layer. This step helps develop acidity, fruitiness and more complex flavour notes. After fermentation, the beans are washed and dried on raised beds or patios until they reach about 10–12% moisture, with the parchment layer still attached. The process generates several by-products, including pulp, mucilage, parchment and wastewater. Compared with dry processing, it offers better control and greater consistency, but requires large volumes of water and produces wastewater that must be managed. Wet processing can strongly influence coffee quality and flavour profile (Tsigkou et al., 2025). Coffee pulp can be used as a feedstuff or as an organic fertilizer to be applied to coffee trees (Bressani, 1991).

CaO (5%) was added to coffee hulls under moist and anaerobic conditions, allowing CaO to convert into Ca(OH)₂ and enhance cell‑wall solubilization (Nunes et al., 2020; Roseira et al., 2020).

The high water content of the pulp from the wet process causes problems in handling, transport, stability and processing. For feed applications, the pulp should be dried as quickly as possible to avoid spoilage, or should be preserved, e.g. by ensiling. The wet coffee pulp is subjected to a drying operation with or without partial water removal, by pressure, with or without the addition of calcium hydroxide. Drying is accomplished by solar dehydration, by forced hot air-drying, or a combination of both. The product obtained is dried coffee pulp (Bressani, 1991).

Dry process

Dry coffee processing begins with cherries harvested either by selective picking of ripe fruits or by strip harvesting of fruits at mixed maturity. Before drying, cherries are separated in water: light impurities float, while sound cherries sink. The whole cherries, with fruit flesh, mucilage and parchment still attached to the beans, are then sun-dried and regularly turned for four to six weeks until they reach about 10–12% moisture. Subsequent steps include dehulling, cleaning, grading, polishing and sorting. This method produces coffee husk as the main by-product, made up of the outer skin, pulp, mucilage and parchment. Because the beans dry slowly inside the fruit, sugars break down during processing, often giving dry-processed coffee a sweeter, heavier profile with fruity, wine-like notes and hints of wild honey. The main risk is over-drying, which can damage bean quality (Tsigkou et al., 2025).

There is also a less common process: the hybrid, or semi-dry, method, which combines elements of dry and wet processing. In this process, coffee cherries are pulped, then partially dried while some mucilage remains attached to the beans. As drying progresses, the mucilage becomes crumbly and is later removed by grinding or threshing (Tsigkou et al., 2025).

Ensiling

Wet coffee pulp can be ensiled with 4-6% sugar cane molasses. Although fresh coffee pulp can be directly ensiled, better quality is obtained if the moisture content is around 75%. A well-packed trench silo holds an average of 325 kg of coffee pulp per cubic metre. Additives, such as urea (10%), sodium metabisulphite (0.3-0.5%), calcium hydroxide (2%), and mixtures of inorganic acids (10% HCl + H2SO4), can be included.

A different and attractive ensiling process is to mix grasses, sorghum or corn, with coffee pulp in layers of about 30 cm with or without sugar cane molasses (4-6%). The silage, whether of coffee pulp alone, or mixed with grasses, is ready to be used in about 3 weeks and if well packed, it can be preserved for up to 18 months. The silage from coffee pulp alone or mixed with other forages can be used as it is, or it can be dehydrated (but this operation is not necessary)(Bressani, 1991).

Environmental impact 

As a perennial evergreen shrub, the coffee tree provides important amounts of litter to the soil and helps to maintain soil organic matter levels as well as cation exchange capacity, thus reducing leaching losses. Caffeine is also referred as to a natural herbicide able to control Amaranthus spinosus seedlings (Orwa et al., 2009).

In some cases, coffee pulp and hulls are thrown into rivers and lakes near the processing regions, which cause serious environmental concerns (Brand et al., 2000).

Feeding livestock with coffee by-products is a way to alleviate their environmental impact. Pulp and hulls may also be used as green manure.

Nutritional aspects
Nutritional attributes 

Coffee by-products have a highly variable composition, as they result from the combination of different anatomical layers discarded during the processes, which are themselves variable. The coffee pulp contains about 8-15% DM of crude protein with ADF 28-55% DM. The coffee husks are less rich in protein (about 10% but with a large variability) and more fibrous (ADF 25-68%), as they contain parchment (more fibre) but also more mucilage (pectins), which dilutes the composition. The parchment is poor in protein (< 10%) and very rich in fibre (ADF 50-80%).

Instant coffee byproduct is a very atypical product, with a large amount of fibre (ADF 56-77%) including lignin (19-31% DM) but also a large fat content (15-29% DM).

Potential constraints 

The cherry and the leaves contain caffeine, an alkaloid that is a psychoactive stimulant drug, as well as tannins, polyphenols and high amounts of potassium (Bressani, 1982). The presence of these factors contributes to the antinutritional and antiphysiological activity of coffee by-products, as observed in both monogastrics and ruminants, such as low palatability, feed intake, protein digestibility and nitrogen retention. Coffee hulls used as bedding have been reported to cause caffeine intoxication in horses, leading to non‑specific neurological disorders (Delfiol et al., 2012; Benezoli et al., 2019). Physical (percolation), chemical (alcohol extraction) or microbiological (fermentation) methods may help reduce caffeine content and enhance animal performances (Brand et al., 2000; Peñaloza et al., 1985; Molina et al., 1974).

Fungi may develop on coffee by-products, which produce toxins harmful to the animal (Bressani, 1991).

Ruminants 

Treating coffee hulls with 5% CaO reduces NDF, ADF and lignin, increases the soluble and potentially degradable fractions, and decreases the undegradable fiber fraction, thereby improving ruminal degradability of DM and NDF (Roseira et al., 2020). In vivo, CaO‑treated coffee hulls showed slightly lower DM and CP digestibility (up to 160 g/kg DM) (Nunes et al., 2020).

Dairy cows and heifers

In female cattle, coffee hulls can replace 15% (lactating dairy cows, Rocha et al., 2006), 18% (heifers, Souza et al., 2005) or 25% (lactating dairy cows, Oliveira et al., 2007) of the diet concentrate (maize). Increasing levels of coffee hulls in the ration (up to 10.5%, DM basis)  decreased microbial protein synthesis, promoted N excretion and limited weight gain in heifers (Souza et al., 2010).

Cattle

In steers, coffee hulls inclusion resulted in decreased body weight gain but used to replace 20 % ground ear maize was economically feasible (Nascimento et al., 2003). Other maximum recommendation levels are 30 % (Ribeiro Filho et al., 2000) and 42 % (Vilela et al., 2001).

In calves and dairy heifers, inclusion of coffee hulls appears to alter animal growth performance (Jarquin et al., 1974a; Souza et al., 2006a; Teixeira et al., 2007). Inclusion levels ranging from 7 % (Souza et al., 2006a) to 14 % (Teixeira et al., 2007) when coffee hulls replace ground maize or maize silage. 

Sheep

Coffee hulls have been reported to replace several feeds in sheep diets. It is suggested to feed them with a high energy fodder (Leitao et al., 2005). Recommended inclusion rates range from 15% to 25% of the diet when replacing concentrate and berseem hay, or ground maize respectively (El-Sayed et al., 1999; Souza et al., 2004). CaO-treated coffee hulls could be included up to 160 g/kg DM to replace corn silage without impairing intake and animal performance of lambs (Nunes et al., 2020).

Pigs 

Coffee pulp (dried or not), coffee hulls (sticky or dried) have an overall deleterious effect on pigs (Buitrago et al., 1970; Balogun et al., 1973; Balogun et al., 1975; Jarquin et al., 1974b; Oliveira et al., 2001). However, feeding pigs with coffee by-products may still have a role and the following table sums up some recommended levels of inclusion. In 2005, it was reported that pigs fed with rations containing up to 15% of coffee pulp ensiled with 5% molasses had equal or better total weight gain than those fed commercial concentrates (Rathinavelu et al., 2005).

Recommended inclusion rate of coffee pulp in pig diets

Product Level Country Reference
Coffee pulp (dried) 8% in growing pigs Venezuela Jarquin et al., 1974b
Coffee pulp (dried) 18% in growing pigs Guatemala Berducido Pinzón, 1975
Coffee pulp (dried or sticky) 5% in growing pigs Brazil Parra et al., 2008
Coffee pulp (dried or sticky) 9.5% in finishing pigs Brazil Parra et al., 2008
Dried coffee pulp 5% in growing and finishing pigs Brazil Oliveira et al., 2001
Dried coffee pulp 20% maize replacement in finishing pigs Brazil Oliveira et al., 2002
Dried coffee pulp 30% wheat bran replacement in growing pigs Ghana Okai et al., 1991
Poultry 

In broiler diets, dried coffee pulp was reported to have a low nutritive value and the maximum recommended level is 2.5% (Donkoh et al., 1988).  A later study reported that true dry matter digestibility (TDMD),  and True nitrogen digestibility (TDN) and True Metabolisable Energy corrected for N (TMEn) were significantly reduced when coffee hulls inclusion level was over 5 % in the diet. Therefore levels higher than 5% were not recommended (Acosta et al., 1997).
Drying followed by several months of storage may reduce the amount of antinutritional factors (Bressani et al., 1973). Coffee pulp fermented with Aspergillus niger was used successfully at 10% of the diet (Peñaloza et al., 1985).

As of 2026, no experimental studies were found after 1997 on the use of coffee pulp, coffee hulls, parchment or silverskin in poultry feeding; available data rely exclusively on older trials (1970–1997).

Rabbits 

Several studies have assessed coffee pulp in rabbit feeding.

Dried coffee pulp

In Cameroon, 10% sun‑dried coffee pulp could be fed to rabbits and was optimal for animal performance and feed cost, whereas higher levels resulted in deteriorated feed conversion ratio (Noumbissi et al., 2025).

Dried vs. fermented coffee pulp

In Balinese local rabbits, unfermented coffee pulp (10–20%) performed slightly worse than a control diet without coffee pulp, whereas fermented coffee pulp at the same inclusion level (10%) markedly improved growth and feed conversion, as well as energy and protein retention and carcass traits (Nuriyasa et al., 2015).

Alkali‑treated coffee pulp

In Nigeria, coffee pulp was treated for 12 h with potash derived from cocoa pod ash (K₂CO₃), then washed, sun‑dried and finely ground before incorporation at graded levels into rabbit diets (0, 4%, 8% and 12%). The best results were obtained at 8%, with the highest daily weight gain (22.22 g/day), the best feed conversion ratio (4.47 vs 5.90 in the control) and the highest carcass weights. At 12%, feed intake, growth and carcass traits declined. It was therefore recommended not to exceed 8% in weaner rabbits (Mustapha et al., 2023).

Horses and donkeys 

No nutritional studies were found on the use of coffee pulp, coffee hulls, parchment, silverskin or spent coffee grounds in horses or donkeys. Available information relates only to caffeine toxicity in horses following accidental ingestion of coffee by‑products (Delfiol et al., 2012; Benezoli et al., 2019).

Fish 

Coffee pulp

Treated and untreated coffee pulp

In Costa Rica, untreated and chemically or biologically treated coffee pulp were assessed for tilapia fingerlings feeding. Raw coffee pulp depressed feed intake, growth and nutrient digestibility due to its high fibre, caffeine and tannin contents. However, when fish were reared in earthen ponds with natural food available, untreated coffee pulp could be included up to 130 g/kg without impairing growth, indicating that pond productivity partly offsets the negative effects of coffee pulp. Chemical (NaOH) and biological (Bacillus spp.) treatments reduced anti‑nutritional factors and improved palatability, but growth depression still occurred at moderate to high inclusion levels. Biologically treated pulp was tolerated only at 60 g/kg, while higher levels (≥120 g/kg) reduced feed intake and growth. Critical thresholds for fibre (≈106 g/kg), tannins (≈4.4 g/kg) and caffeine (≈2.4 g/kg) were identified, corresponding overall to no use of raw coffee pulp and only low inclusion levels of treated coffee pulp in tilapia fingerling diets (Rojas, 2002).

Fresh and ensiled coffee pulp

Dried ground coffee pulp from the wet processing of coffee beans and ensiled coffee pulp (same origin) were used to feed tilapia fingerlings in Mexico. Both pulps were included at levels supplying 20% of the daily protein allowance. Both fresh and ensiled pulp severely depressed growth, feed utilisation and nutrient digestibility, with fresh pulp causing the strongest negative effects (including weight loss). Ensiling slightly improved protein and energy utilisation, but not enough to make coffee pulp a suitable feed ingredient for tilapia fingerlings (Moreau et al., 2003).

Coffee parchment as a feed additive

In Thailand, coffee parchment has been evaluated as a functional feed additive in Nile tilapia, with very low inclusion levels (0.5–4%). The best responses were obtained at 5 g/kg (0.5%), which improved growth, feed conversion, immunity and gut microbiota. Higher levels (4%) did not improve performance (Doan et al., 2025).

Nutritional tables
Tables of chemical composition and nutritional value 

Avg: average or predicted value; SD: standard deviation; Min: minimum value; Max: maximum value; Nb: number of values (samples) used

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 89.6 3.4 83.5 95.7 26  
Crude protein % DM 10.1 3.5 2.8 20.1 32  
Crude fibre % DM 35.8 6.1 27.9 46.6 13  
Neutral detergent fibre % DM 60.3 10.5 35.9 76.4 20  
Acid detergent fibre % DM 50.4 11.7 24.5 68.1 18  
Lignin % DM 16 6.3 10.2 31.7 12  
Ether extract % DM 1.9 1.3 0.7 5.5 24  
Ash % DM 7.4 2.3 1.3 12.7 28  
Insoluble ash % DM 0.2 0.09 0.05 0.3 8  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 18.4   17.2 21.9 4 *
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine g/16g N 3.5       1  
Arginine g/16g N 2.2       1  
Aspartic acid g/16g N 7.1       1  
Glutamic acid g/16g N 7.7       1  
Glycine g/16g N 4.5       1  
Histidine g/16g N 2.1       1  
Isoleucine g/16g N 2.8       1  
Leucine g/16g N 4.6       1  
Lysine g/16g N 2.7       1  
Methionine g/16g N 0.4       1  
Phenylalanine g/16g N 2.9       1  
Phenylalanine+tyrosine g/16g N 4.4       1 *
Proline g/16g N 3.7       1  
Serine g/16g N 3.3       1  
Threonine g/16g N 2.9       1  
Tyrosine g/16g N 1.5       1  
Valine g/16g N 3.8       1  
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 6 5.6 0.3 24 15  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 1.4 0.9 0.2 3.6 14  
Potassium g/kg DM 24.2 9.1 2.7 36.8 10  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.5          
Chlorine g/kg DM 1       1  
Magnesium g/kg DM 0.9 0.3 0.2 1.2 9  
Manganese mg/kg DM 31   20 42 2  
Zinc mg/kg DM 56   8 153 3  
Copper mg/kg DM 39 31 16 89 5  
Iron mg/kg DM 233   144 372 3  
               
Pig nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Energy digestibility, growing pig % 34       1 *
DE growing pig MJ/kg DM 6.3         *
MEn growing pig MJ/kg DM 5.8         *
NE growing pig MJ/kg DM 3.1         *
Nitrogen digestibility, growing pig % 29.8       1 *
               
Poultry nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
AMEn cockerel MJ/kg DM 3.7         *
AMEn broiler MJ/kg DM 3.6         *
               
Ruminants nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 77.7         *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 74.6         *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 11         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 75.6         *
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=6%) % 60       1 *
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=4%) % 62       1 *
a (N) % 53       1  
b (N) % 22       1  
c (N) h-1 0.026       1  
Dry matter degradability (effective, k=6%) % 39       1 *
Dry matter degradability (effective, k=4%) % 42       1 *
a (DM) % 31       1  
b (DM) % 26       1  
c (DM) h-1 0.029       1  
               
Rabbit nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
DE rabbit MJ/kg DM 5.8         *
MEn rabbit MJ/kg DM 5.5         *
Energy digestibility, rabbit % 31.6         *
Nitrogen digestibility, rabbit % 53.2         *

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

AFZ, 2025; Ajebu Nurfeta, 2010; Azevedo et al., 2012; Carvalho Junior et al., 2009; CIRAD, 1991; Gowda et al., 2004; Leitao et al., 2005; Machado et al., 2023; Marcondes et al., 2009; Munguti et al., 2012; Okai et al., 1984; Oliveira et al., 2007; Parra et al., 2008; Ribeiro Filho et al., 2000; Roa et al., 1997; Rogerson, 1955; Souza et al., 2004; Souza et al., 2006; Tavares et al., 2005; TECHNA, 2017; Teixeira et al., 2007; Vilela et al., 2001

Last updated on 12/06/2026 18:23:59

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 89.6 3.7 85.7 94.9 6  
Crude protein % DM 10.6 2.2 7.5 15.5 25  
Crude fibre % DM 18 3.1 14.3 24 12  
Neutral detergent fibre % DM 48.3 8.7 31.1 58.5 8  
Acid detergent fibre % DM 44.7 7.9 27.6 54.6 8  
Lignin % DM 8.3 8.9 7.9 31.5 5  
Ether extract % DM 3.9 3.6 0.4 13.9 25  
Ash % DM 7.6 2.4 0.8 11.5 25  
Insoluble ash % DM 0.5       1  
Total sugars % DM 9.8 3.4 5 14.4 5  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 18.1       1 *
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine g/16g N 3.5       1  
Arginine g/16g N 2.8          
Aspartic acid g/16g N 7.1       1  
Cystine g/16g N 0.3       1  
Glutamic acid g/16g N 7.7       1  
Glycine g/16g N 4.2          
Histidine g/16g N 2.5   2.1 2.8 2  
Isoleucine g/16g N 3.3   2.6 3.8 2  
Leucine g/16g N 4.7          
Lysine g/16g N 3   2.3 4.2 2  
Methionine g/16g N 0.3   0.2 0.3 2  
Methionine+cystine g/16g N 0.6       1 *
Phenylalanine g/16g N 3          
Phenylalanine+tyrosine g/16g N 4.9       1 *
Proline g/16g N 3.7       1  
Serine g/16g N 3.3       1  
Threonine g/16g N 3.1   2.6 3.4 2  
Tryptophan g/16g N 0.4       1  
Tyrosine g/16g N 1.9   1.7 2.3 2  
Valine g/16g N 3.7   3.7 3.8 2  
               
Fatty acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Myristic acid C14:0 % fatty acids 1.4       1  
Palmitic acid C16:0 % fatty acids 40.9       1  
Palmitoleic acid C16:1 % fatty acids 1.5       1  
Stearic acid C18:0 % fatty acids 8.9       1  
Oleic acid C18:1 % fatty acids 5.3       1  
Linoleic acid C18:2 % fatty acids 22.3       1  
Linolenic acid C18:3 % fatty acids 15.9       1  
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 4.4 1.6 2.4 6.3 5  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 1.1 0.4 0.5 1.5 5  
Potassium g/kg DM 24.3 10.5 17.1 42.5 5  
Sodium g/kg DM 1.07   1 1.14 2  
Magnesium g/kg DM 1.7   0.9 2.1 4  
Manganese mg/kg DM 47   9 72 3  
Zinc mg/kg DM 24   9 46 3  
Copper mg/kg DM 29   14 57 3  
Iron mg/kg DM 92   27 172 3  
Selenium mg/kg DM 0.06       1  
               
Pig nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Energy digestibility, growing pig % 49.7         *
DE growing pig MJ/kg DM 9         *
MEn growing pig MJ/kg DM 8.4         *
NE growing pig MJ/kg DM 5.3         *
Nitrogen digestibility, growing pig % 53.1         *
               
Poultry nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
AMEn cockerel MJ/kg DM 4.4         *
AMEn broiler MJ/kg DM 4.3         *
               
Ruminants nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 85       1 *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 81.9       1 *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 12.2         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 80       1 *
Dry matter degradability (effective, k=6%) % 27   26 39 2 *
Dry matter degradability (effective, k=4%) % 30         *
a (DM) % 15   13 17 2  
b (DM) % 27   25 29 2  
c (DM) h-1 0.047   0.047 0.047 2  
               
Rabbit nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
DE rabbit MJ/kg DM 7.8         *
MEn rabbit MJ/kg DM 7.5         *
Energy digestibility, rabbit % 43.3         *
Nitrogen digestibility, rabbit % 56.7         *

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

Abate et al., 1986; Ameca et al., 2018; Braham et al., 1979; CIRAD, 1991; Costa et al., 2025; Gil-Ramírez et al., 2024; Machado et al., 2023; Moreau et al., 2003; Negesse et al., 2009; Noumbissi et al., 2025; Orskov et al., 1992; Phuong et al., 2019; Pozy et al., 1996; Rojas, 2002; Tuah et al., 1996

Last updated on 12/06/2026 18:06:35

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 91.8 6.5 80.3 97.3 9  
Crude protein % DM 5.3 2.7 1.9 10.3 10  
Crude fibre % DM 65.1   51.8 74.3 3  
Neutral detergent fibre % DM 83.1 7.6 74.4 90.5 5  
Acid detergent fibre % DM 70.6 10.1 57.9 80.9 5  
Lignin % DM 19.9   17 22.7 2  
Ether extract % DM 2 2.8 0.2 7.5 6  
Ash % DM 2.4 2.4 0.7 7.2 7  
Insoluble ash % DM 0.5   0.4 0.6 2  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 20.1         *
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 2.8   2.1 3.4 2  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 0.8   0.2 1.4 2  
Potassium g/kg DM 13.5   2 25 2  
Magnesium g/kg DM 1.1   0.5 1.6 2  
               
Pig nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
DE growing pig MJ/kg DM 3         *
MEn growing pig MJ/kg DM 2.7         *
NE growing pig MJ/kg DM 1.9         *
Nitrogen digestibility, growing pig % 0         *
               
Poultry nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
AMEn cockerel MJ/kg DM 1.9         *
AMEn broiler MJ/kg DM 1.8         *
               
Ruminants nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 38.7         *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 36.9         *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 5.8         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 13.4         *
               
Rabbit nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
DE rabbit MJ/kg DM 2.3         *
MEn rabbit MJ/kg DM 2.1         *
Energy digestibility, rabbit % 11.5         *
Nitrogen digestibility, rabbit % 70.5         *

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

AFZ, 2025; Azevedo et al., 2012; CIRAD, 1991; Machado et al., 2023; Negesse et al., 2009; Van Doan et al., 2025; Vilela et al., 2001

Last updated on 12/06/2026 18:33:49

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 86.6 13.2 51.9 94.2 9  
Crude protein % DM 11.3 1.2 8.2 13.1 16  
Crude fibre % DM 44.4 7.8 31.7 59.4 11  
Neutral detergent fibre % DM 71 6.9 59.6 84 14  
Acid detergent fibre % DM 63.9 5.8 55.5 77.4 20  
Lignin % DM 22.2 3 18.8 31 23  
Ether extract % DM 24.2 3.4 15.6 29 16  
Ash % DM 1.2 1 0.4 3.7 11  
Insoluble ash % DM 1.3   0.06 3.8 3  
Starch (polarimetry) % DM 0.3 0.4 0.02 0.8 5  
Starch (enzymatic) % DM 0.3         *
Total sugars % DM 0.4   0.4 0.4 3  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 24.8 0.6 24.1 25.8 7 *
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine g/16g N 4 0.09 4 4.2 5  
Arginine g/16g N 0.5 0.1 0.4 0.7 5  
Aspartic acid g/16g N 3 0.2 2.9 3.3 5  
Cystine g/16g N 0.3 0.05 0.3 0.4 5  
Glutamic acid g/16g N 12.9 1.6 10.5 14.3 5  
Glycine g/16g N 4.7 0.1 4.5 4.8 5  
Histidine g/16g N 1.6 0.1 1.5 1.8 5  
Isoleucine g/16g N 4.2 0.2 3.9 4.4 5  
Leucine g/16g N 8.5 0.2 8.3 8.8 5  
Lysine g/16g N 1.4 0.2 1.2 1.7 5  
Methionine g/16g N 1.2 0.05 1.2 1.3 5  
Methionine+cystine g/16g N 1.6 0.08 1.5 1.7 5 *
Phenylalanine g/16g N 5.2 0.2 5 5.4 5  
Phenylalanine+tyrosine g/16g N 8.3 0.4 8 8.8 5 *
Proline g/16g N 5.6       1  
Serine g/16g N 1.6 0.1 1.4 1.7 5  
Threonine g/16g N 2.6 0.7 2.1 3.8 5  
Tyrosine g/16g N 3.1 0.2 2.8 3.4 5  
Valine g/16g N 5.7 0.2 5.4 5.9 5  
               
Fatty acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Palmitic acid C16:0 % fatty acids 33.7 2.8 28.7 37.1 6  
Stearic acid C18:0 % fatty acids 7.5 0.5 6.8 8.4 6  
Oleic acid C18:1 % fatty acids 9.9 0.5 9.1 10.5 6  
Linoleic acid C18:2 % fatty acids 43.3 4.8 34.6 46.8 6  
Linolenic acid C18:3 % fatty acids 1.6 0.9 1 3.4 6  
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 2 1.7 1 6.2 8  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 0.3 0.3 0.2 1 8  
Potassium g/kg DM 0.5 0.3 0.2 1 7  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.36 0.17 0.2 0.7 8  
Chlorine g/kg DM 0.1   0.1 0.1 2  
Magnesium g/kg DM 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 8  
Sulfur g/kg DM 1.3 0.09 1.2 1.4 5  
Manganese mg/kg DM 52 43 32 139 6  
Zinc mg/kg DM 19 17 9 54 6  
Copper mg/kg DM 38 10 29 57 6  
Iron mg/kg DM 2064 3994 198 9208 5  
Selenium mg/kg DM 0.1 0.01 0.07 0.1 6  
               
Ruminants nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 30.9   29.3 32.6 2  
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 37.7   35.8 39.6 2  
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 7.5         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 0   0 0 2  
               
Rabbit nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
DE rabbit MJ/kg DM 8.7         *
MEn rabbit MJ/kg DM 8.3         *
Energy digestibility, rabbit % 34.9         *
Nitrogen digestibility, rabbit % 67.1         *

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

ADAS, 1988; ADAS, 1990; AFZ, 2025; Morgan et al., 1980; Sikka et al., 1985; Wiseman, 1984

Last updated on 15/06/2026 16:29:17

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 92.3 0.8 90.3 93.6 16  
Crude protein % DM 17 2.3 9.9 22.1 17  
Crude fibre % DM 18.7       1  
Neutral detergent fibre % DM 34.4       1  
Acid detergent fibre % DM 32.1       1  
Ether extract % DM 5.9       1  
Ash % DM 8.2 1.4 6.9 13 16  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 19.2         *
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 6.2 2.4 3.2 11.6 15  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 1.2 0.2 1 1.6 15  
Potassium g/kg DM 29.8 4.6 21.7 37.2 15  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.12 15  
Magnesium g/kg DM 2.4 0.8 1.6 4.5 15  
               
Ruminants nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 63.8         *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 61         *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 9.5         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 67.4         *
               
Rabbit nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
DE rabbit MJ/kg DM 10.3         *
MEn rabbit MJ/kg DM 9.7         *
Energy digestibility, rabbit % 53.5         *
Nitrogen digestibility, rabbit % 65.8         *

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

Deribe Gemiyo Talore, 2015; FAO/US. Dpt of Health, 1968; Pozy et al., 1996

Last updated on 15/06/2026 16:57:00

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Datasheet citation 

Heuzé V., Tran G., 2026. Coffee hulls, fruit pulp and by-products. Feedipedia, a programme by INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://feedipedia.org/node/549 Last updated on June 15, 2026, 17:25

English correction by Tim Smith (Animal Science consultant) and Hélène Thiollet (AFZ)
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