Almond shells tested as alternative feed for dairy cows

Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) is testing almond shells and hulls in dairy cow diets in New Zealand for a second season. The feedstock is sourced from the company’s almond orchards and processing facilities in the Australian state of Victoria.

The trials are assessing the impact of the new feed ingredient on methane emissions, animal productivity and feed efficiency. Preliminary results indicate potential to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint without lowering productivity, although the research is still ongoing.

Almond shells are already used in Australia as a source of fiber for dairy cattle. In New Zealand, they are being considered as a possible alternative feed component, including as a partial replacement for palm kernel meal.

Ofi is also testing almond shells in combination with the Agolin Ruminant feed additive, which may help reduce methane emissions and improve feed conversion. The company is separately assessing logistics, storage and the economic viability of using the feed.

The project comes as ofi expands its dairy plant in Tokoroa. Following the commissioning of a second drying unit, the plant’s production capacity has increased to more than 45 mln kg of milk solids per year.

Tags: dairy cows, compound feed, almond