The largest cattle farm in the Basque Country has 1,000 head of cattle in Oleta (Álava) that produce five million litres of milk a year. For half a month, 150 of these cows had their diet changed to feed enriched with coffee grounds. The same feed formula was given to a flock of sheep. The experience was closely followed by Azti scientists and nutritionists. The trial has been a success: “We have achieved a new ingredient that is safe, nutritious, competitive and environmentally friendly,” says researcher David San Martin. The ingestion of feed mixed with coffee waste does not alter the quantity or quality of the milk these animals produce, and a 20% reduction in the methane emissions they generate is achieved. “It is an ingredient that could revolutionise the future of livestock farming,” says San Martín.

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