In vivo evaluation of spent coffee grounds as a ruminant feed

Abstract

Two samples of spent coffee grounds were examined in the laboratory, using sheep to determine their potential as a ruminant feed. Analyses showed a high cell wall content (74–77% DM). In vivo digestibility coefficients for organic matter (0·22·0·48) were rather low and coefficients for gross energy were very low (0·02·0·17). The very low digestible energy (0·5·4·3 MJ kg⁻¹ DM) and negative metabolisable energy contents indicate that coffee grounds are worthless as a ruminant feed.