| Cocoa Shells |
| Introduction |
| A by-product of cocoa manufacture. The
beans are removed from large red or yellow pods, roasted,
crushed, processed and the inner material ground to make
cocoa mass. Further processing to cocoa butter by
extrusion or solvent extraction leaves a cocoa residue
suitable for animal feed. The extracted cocoa cake is
sent for animal feed when in excess supply or of reject
quality. |
| Origin |
| Beans originate from Africa, especially
the western region, and S. America. They are usually
processed in the UK or Holland. |
| Nutritional Information |
| Good protein levels but low in energy.
High fibre levels. |
| Colour/Texture |
| Coarse brown meal. |
| Palatability |
| Some sources have a bitter taste, hence
limited inclusion levels recommended. |
| Limits on Usage |
| Palatability is poor, reducing intake, and
fibre levels are high. Theobromine is naturally present
This is a stimulant limited to 700mg/kg in dairy diets,
but toxic in pigs, poultry and horses It is high is
potassium and calcium. Avoid cross contamination with
other feeds and avoid sporting horse feeds. NB If fed to
horses they will fail dope test. |
| Recommended Maximum Inclusion Rates % |
| Calf |
0 |
Creep |
0 |
Chick |
0 |
| Dairy |
2 |
Weaner |
0 |
Broiler |
0 |
| Beef |
2 |
Grower |
0 |
Breeder |
0 |
| Lamb |
0 |
Finisher |
0 |
Layer |
0 |
| Ewe |
2 |
Sow |
0 |
|
|
|
| Handling/Storage |
| No significant problems. |