Coconut Oil Cake

Coconut oil cake is the solid residue left after the mechanical extraction of oil from copra. Though a byproduct, it holds significant nutritional and commercial value, making it an important component of Cocoguru’s sustainable production process.

Composition and Characteristics

Fibre-rich: The primary component of oil cake is dietary fibre, which contributes to healthy digestion in cattle.
Protein Content: It contains approximately 20% plant-based protein, making it an excellent source of nutrition for livestock.
Residual Oil: About 8–10% oil remains in the cake, which adds to its energy value. Mechanical expellers cannot extract this residual oil economically, which is why it remains in the cake.
Appearance: The cake is reddish-brown in colour, due to the roasting process. It is roasted but not burnt or charred, ensuring a pleasant aroma and palatability.
Aroma: The distinct roasted coconut smell makes it attractive to cattle and other livestock, increasing feed acceptance.

Packaging and Handling

Packed in 50 kg plastic or gunny bags, coconut oil cake is easy to handle, store, and transport.
The material is relatively dry, which helps prevent spoilage and makes it suitable for bulk storage.

Applications

Cattle Feed:
  • Due to its high protein and energy content, coconut oil cake is commonly used as a nutrient-rich cattle feed.
  • It enhances milk yield in dairy animals and supports growth in young livestock.
  • The roasted aroma improves palatability, encouraging consistent feed intake.
Poultry and Goat Feed (when mixed):
  • In small proportions, it may be blended with other feed ingredients for poultry or goat diets.
  • High fibre content limits its usage in non-ruminants.
Solvent Extraction:
  • The residual oil in the cake can be further extracted using solvent extraction methods at industrial facilities.
  • This extracted oil is typically used for industrial or non-edible purposes.
Organic Fertilizer (Limited use):
  • When composted, coconut oil cake can add organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
  • This is a secondary and less common application.