As coffee production generates significant waste worldwide, researchers are repurposing its by-products into feed for farmed tilapia.
Coffee parchment—the papery husk making up 12% of coffee cherries—shows promise in sustainable aquaculture. An eight-week trial found tilapia fed diets with 5–40 grams of parchment per kilogram gained weight faster, digested food better, and had stronger immune systems. Researchers identified an optimal incorporation range of 15.06–19.86 g/kg for maximizing growth and immunity while maintaining cost efficiency. Feed optimization studies revealed lower mortality rates and healthier gut bacteria, suggesting parchment’s high fiber and antioxidants enhance fish health.
Another by-product, coffee pulp, faces hurdles. While Costa Rica produces vast amounts, its high fiber and anti-nutritional compounds limit its use. Untreated pulp can harm fish digestion, but scientists are testing methods like fermentation and chemical treatments to neutralize toxins.
Seasonal changes in pulp’s nutrient content add complexity, requiring consistent processing for safe inclusion in feeds.
Trials show tilapia tolerate up to 13% coffee pulp in their diet without growth slowdowns. However, caffeine levels above 2.4 grams per kilogram reduce fish appetite and nutrient absorption.
Tannins and alkaloids—bitter compounds in coffee waste—also affect palatability. Researchers counter this by sun-drying pulp or treating it with fungi like *Aspergillus niger*, which breaks down caffeine. Adding molasses during silage fermentation further improves nutritional value.
Processing transforms coffee waste into viable feed. Drying reduces moisture, while chemical extractions remove toxins. Fermented pulp increases protein content, making it competitive with traditional feed ingredients like soybean meal.
Improved methods lower costs and guarantee waste doesn’t spoil quickly.
Repurposing coffee waste cuts pollution risks and supports circular economies. Farms using these feeds save money by replacing pricier ingredients.
When paired with biofloc systems—where fish waste feeds microbes that clean water—coffee-based feeds promote eco-friendly aquaculture. By tackling both environmental and economic challenges, coffee waste is rewriting how tilapia farming operates.
