Researchers turn cocoa waste into feed, cutting methane emissions by 44%

THAILAND – Researchers at Chulalongkorn University have developed a cocoa-based mineral supplement that converts low-grade cocoa beans and discarded cocoa husks into value-added livestock feed, offering a solution that improves animal performance, lowers feed costs and reduces methane emissions.

The innovation, developed by researchers at the Faculty of Integrated Agriculture, uses cocoa waste from climate-damaged crops to produce nutritional supplements for cattle as part of a circular economy model. 

The project comes as cocoa farmers face growing losses from extreme weather, while livestock producers struggle with rising feed costs linked to prolonged drought conditions.

The research team, led by Asst. Prof. Dr Tansiphorn Na Nan, Acting Assistant Dean for Research and Academic Services and Director of the Innovation Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Cocoa Thailand (ISTC), developed the supplement as a way to create additional value from cocoa by-products that would otherwise be discarded.

According to the researchers, climate-related challenges have caused cocoa crop losses of up to 80-90%, leaving producers with significant volumes of unsellable beans and husks.

To address the issue, the team developed two feed supplement formats: a compressed mineral lick block for smallholder farms and a powdered formulation for larger commercial feeding systems. 

Both products can incorporate up to 30% cocoa waste, creating a new market for agricultural by-products while reducing feed ingredient costs.

Cocoa compounds improve animal performance and health

Researchers found that naturally occurring cocoa compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and theobromine, provide multiple benefits for livestock production.

In dairy cattle, trials showed the supplement reduced somatic cell counts associated with mastitis by more than 70% while increasing milk fat content by up to 15%, indicating improvements in udder health and milk quality.

Theobromine, a bioactive compound naturally present in cocoa, was also found to improve animal wellbeing, reduce inflammation and enhance feed conversion efficiency.

Results in beef cattle demonstrated significant improvements in meat quality. 

Researchers reported that animals previously sold as standard beef cattle for between 20,000 and 30,000 baht (US$610-915) achieved premium A3 and A4 grades after supplementation, with some animals valued at more than 100,000 baht (US$3,050).

Beyond productivity gains, the research identified important environmental benefits. 

Tannins present in cocoa were found to suppress methane-producing microorganisms in the rumen, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 44%.

By lowering methane production, more dietary energy becomes available for growth and fat deposition, thereby improving marbling and carcass quality while reducing the environmental footprint of beef production.

The project reflects growing global interest in feed additives and alternative feed ingredients that simultaneously improve livestock productivity and support climate goals.

Researchers are now expanding trials into other livestock sectors, including poultry, goats and shrimp production, with the aim of creating additional value chains from cocoa by-products and strengthening agricultural sustainability.

The initiative demonstrates how feed innovation and circular-economy approaches can transform agricultural waste into functional livestock nutrition products.

This benefits both crop and livestock producers while contributing to more sustainable food production systems.

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