Biochar as a livestock feed additive
Beyond direct soil application, biochar can be mixed into animal feed in small quantities — typically 0.5% to 1% of feed weight. Its porous structure and adsorptive properties provide direct health benefits to livestock.
After being ingested and passing through the animal's digestive system, biochar enriched with organic matter and nutrients is excreted through manure. This manure is then applied to soil, where the biochar exerts its characteristic agronomic benefits — creating a circular path from animal health to soil fertility.
Benefits for livestock
Digestive health
Biochar's adsorptive properties help reduce pathogen load in the digestive tract, decreasing the frequency of diarrhoea and improving feed conversion.
Mycotoxin reduction
Biochar adsorbs mycotoxins in feed — fungal contaminants common in humid tropical climates — protecting animal health and performance.
Reduced enteric methane
Research indicates that biochar in animal diets can reduce enteric methane production — a potent greenhouse gas — during ruminal fermentation.
Higher weight gain
Improved digestive health and better nutrient absorption result in higher daily weight gain and better feed conversion ratios, improving farmer profitability.
Reduced manure odour
Biochar reduces ammonia and hydrogen sulphide emissions from manure, improving confinement conditions and reducing local environmental impact.
Enriched manure for soil
After passing through the animal's digestive system, biochar — now loaded with nutrients — is excreted in manure and applied to soil as a high-quality amendment.
A truly circular model
Agricultural residues
Coffee husks, bagasse and other local residues.
Biochar production
Pyrolysis converts residues into high-quality biochar.
Animal feed
Biochar added to feed improves livestock health and performance.
Manure → Soil
Biochar- and nutrient-enriched manure is applied to soil, improving its fertility.