Use of Carob in Animal Feed
Carob was a fruit fed to animals in the Mediterranean basin long before it entered the human diet. Today, carob pods, kibble, pulp and germ flour remaining after obtaining gum from the seed are among the raw materials used in the feed industry. These products, which are rich in sugar and low in protein; It attracts attention especially as an energy source and flavor enhancer.
However, the use of carob in feed does not work with the logic of "the more the better". Condensed tannins found in fruit can negatively affect digestibility and growth at high rates. In this article, we discuss the carob products used in feed, their nutritional value, the role of tannins and what research in different animal species shows with their sources.
Why is Carob Used as a Feed Raw Material?
The carob tree is a Mediterranean plant that can grow in arid and poor soils and ripens its fruit at the end of summer. Its fruit is sweet and can be stored in dry form for a long time, making it a valuable resource for both humans and animals throughout history. A review study prepared at the Cyprus University of Technology also emphasizes that carob has been used as both food and animal feed in the Mediterranean for a long time.
Today, the place of carob in feed is based on several reasons:
- Thanks to its high sugar content, it is a good source of energy.
- It can enhance the palatability of the feed due to its sweet taste and smell.
- It enables the evaluation of by-products from processes such as scale production.
- It is relatively easy to store as it is a dry and durable product.
- It can be used as a substitute for a portion of grains in some rations.
In the review titled "Carobs in productive animal nutrition" published in Greece, the authors stated that carob fruit is low in fat and crude protein and high in sugar; It states that it can be added to ruminant rations at moderate levels thanks to the amount of fiber it contains. The same study concludes that some of the carob production in the country can be used in animal nutrition.
Carob Products Used in Feed
When it comes to "carob feed", we do not refer to a single product. Feedipedia, the FAO-supported feed resources database, divides feed products obtained from carob into several groups. This distinction is important both when preparing rations and when purchasing raw materials.
| Product | Description | Its main feature in feed |
|---|---|---|
| Whole pods (ground) | Ground fruit with seeds | Energy source, low in protein |
| Broken / kibble / pulp | Seeded, dried fruit flesh | Sugar-rich, delicious |
| Germ flour | The remaining part after obtaining the scale from the nucleus | Rich in protein |
| Core | Whole seed | Very hard; if not ground, it can pass undigested |
According to Feedipedia, all pods contain about 45% non-structural carbohydrates in dry matter, most of which is sucrose; crude protein is about 5% in dry matter. Germ flour, a by-product of gum production, is a high-protein raw material containing about 50% crude protein in dry matter. Kernels are less commonly used as feed; because they are very hard, they can pass through the digestive tract largely unchanged when given unground.
Carob kibble, called "kibble" in commercial language, are the parts of the fruit that remain after the seeds are separated. This product can be used in both the food industry and the feed industry. For more detailed information about what a carob kibble is What is Carob Kibble (Granule)? You can take a look at our article.
Nutritional Value: High Energy, Low Protein
The main point to keep in mind when considering carob as feed is that it is a source of energy, not a source of protein.
In a study conducted in Turkey, Karabulut, Canbolat and Kamalak (2006) evaluated whole locust bean pods, kibble and seeds as sheep feed. In the study, crude protein values varied between 5.9% and 27.7% according to fractions; protein, NDF, ADF and lignin values of the kernels were found to be significantly higher than whole pods and kibble. Sugar content is higher in whole pods and kibble than in kernels. The authors stated that whole pods are a potential energy source for sheep, but protein supplementation is required when added to ruminant rations.
In a master's thesis prepared at Ondokuz Mayıs University (Demirbaş, 2019), carob pulp samples taken from two enterprises in Tarsus district of Mersin in the June-September period were examined. In these samples, crude protein was found to be approximately 7.2–7.7%, and metabolizable energy was found to be approximately 10.5–10.9 MJ/kg in dry matter. In vitro organic matter digestibility varied between 44% and 68% according to the samples. The thesis concludes that carob pulp can be considered as an alternative feed in animal nutrition.
When these two studies are read together, the practical result is as follows: Carob products add energy and flavor to the ration; however, the protein needs of the animal should be met with other raw materials. In addition, it is important to look at the analysis results for large purchases, as the values may vary depending on the batch, business and period difference even in the same product group.
Tannins: Carob's Limiting Factor in Feed
The main reason why carob cannot be used unlimitedly in feed is the tannins it contains. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds that can bond with proteins. Due to these properties, they can reduce the digestibility of protein and other nutrients when taken in high amounts.
According to the data tables on Feedipedia, the average total tannin for seedless carob meal (pod meal) is about 19.9 grams per kilogram (tannic acid equivalent) in dry matter; however, this value varies widely between samples, from 5.0 to 30.8 g/kg. The same source notes that the published values of condensed tannins are very different from each other, and a significant part of this difference is due to the analysis methods used.
One of the classic studies showing the effect of tannins was conducted on lambs in Italy. According to the paper of Lanza and Priolo (1999) summarizing the results of the three-year trial, even using 20% carob pulp instead of grains reduced performance; the authors attributed this to condensed tannins. In the trial, where carob tannins were found to be approximately 2.5% of the ration dry matter, daily body weight gain decreased from 140 grams to 48 grams, meat pH increased and sensory quality was negatively affected. When tannins were inactivated by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG), performance improved.
However, the effect of tannins is not always only negative. In the review of Kotrotsios et al., it is stated that tannins can reduce food digestibility and weight gain, but they can also exert antimicrobial effects. Feedipedia also includes a study reporting that the incidence of diarrhea in baby pigs was 20% and 33% lower when carob meal was added to the post-weaning ration at 3% and 6%, respectively, compared to the control. These findings indicate that the value of carob in feed is highly dependent on the rate of use.
Feedipedia also states that unripe green pods are astringent due to condensed tannins, and this astringency decreases as the fruit ripens. For this reason, it is also important that the product to be used as feed is obtained from well-ripened fruit.
Carob in Small Cattle and Cattle
Ruminants, that is, rumen animals, are the group of animals in which carob is most researched. According to Feedipedia, carob pods can be a good energy support for ruminants during periods of feed shortage; when used at high rates, protein supplements are required.
The prominent findings in the same source can be summarized as follows:
- It is stated that participation levels in the range of 20-25% are considered appropriate for sheep and goats in the growth period.
- Replacing barley with carob up to 25% in Ivesi lambs did not affect feed consumption and growth.
- In Anglo-Nubian kids, the fact that 52% of the ration consists of carob pods has reduced the growth rate by approximately 40%.
- When 4% PEG was added to lambs fed with 56% carob meal, performance was similar to the corn-based control ration.
- It has been reported that a ration containing 26% carob and 27% beet pulp can replace a low-quality roughage ration in dairy goats.
A review prepared at the Cyprus University of Technology (Hatzipapa, 2023) also states that rations containing approximately 24–56% carob pulp in small ruminants, with or without added PEG, give different results on performance, digestion, feed consumption and meat quality. According to the general evaluation of the review, carob additive tends to increase polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat without major harm to animal performance and welfare.
In practice for cattle, carob is often considered as an energy and flavor component in compound feed. But regardless of the type, the rate must be calculated by an animal nutritionist, taking into account the rest of the ration and the yield period of the animal.
Carob in Pigs, Poultry and Rabbits
The effect of carob in monogastric animals is more significantly dependent on the ratio than in ruminants.
Pigs
Feedipedia states that carob flour can be added to pig rations up to 10-20% in dry matter. However, the same source also includes a study in which a 12.5% participation significantly reduces nutrient digestibility during weaning, growth and fattening periods. Kotrotsios et al., on the other hand, state that moderate use can increase feed consumption in pigs and replace other sugar-rich feeds.
Poultry
The picture is more cautious in poultry. According to Feedipedia, it has been reported that whole locust bean pods harm chicken performance even at a rate as low as 5%; kernels are not considered suitable for poultry feed. On the other hand, it is stated that protein-rich germ meal can be used up to 20% of the ration with good results. The review by Kotrotsios et al. also states that carob adulteration in broilers tends to reduce weight gain and worsen feed evaluation, and that fat or fatty acids and synthetic amino acid supplementation can mitigate this effect.
In a master's thesis conducted in Turkey (Adıgüzel, 2020), a mixture of thyme oil and carob was added to broiler compound feeds at levels of 0.5, 1 and 2 grams per kilogram; In the 42-day trial, no statistically significant difference was found in fattening performance, carcass characteristics and visceral weights compared to the control group. This study is an example where carob was used as a very low-level additive and not as the main feed ingredient.
Rabbits
In rabbit feed, carob is particularly known as a flavor enhancer. According to Feedipedia, carob flour is often added at the level of 2–3% of the ration when used mainly for flavor enhancement; applications in Spain use levels of 5–10%, while trials in Tunisia have tested levels of up to 20%.
Hatzipapa's (2023) review summarizes the recommended participation levels for monogastric animals as approximately 10–15% in pigs, 2.5–10% in rabbits, and 3–7% in chickens. These differences between sources are due to the different trial conditions, animal age, and carob product used.
Use in Horses and Other Species
Feedipedia states that carob pods are fed to horses in some countries, including Italy; however, it does not give a specific level of involvement for this species. In horses, carob is most often thought of as a sweetening ingredient in treats or muesli-type feeds. Because of its high sugar content, it is wise to consider its use with a veterinarian, especially in horses with metabolic problems.
Carob gum (E410) plays a different role in the feed industry. The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Feed Additives Panel evaluated carob gum as a technological feed additive in the emulsifier, gelling agent, stabilizer and thickener groups. In the panel's 2022 opinion, a maximum level of 10,000 mg/kg (i.e. 1%) in complete feed for all animal species was discussed; no safety concerns were observed for the consumer and the environment, but no definitive conclusion could be reached due to the lack of data on safety for target animal species. We discuss the role of gamut in pet food separately in our article Carob in Pet Food.
Things to Consider When Using Carob in Feed
Research shows that carob can be a valuable feed raw material when used in the right ratio; when used in the wrong ratio, it can reduce yield. The following points are important in practice:
- Position carob as a source of energy and flavor, not as a source of protein.
- Determine the participation rate with an animal nutritionist based on animal species, age, and yield period.
- Make the transition to ration gradually; avoid sudden and high-rate changes.
- Be especially cautious in the use of whole pods and seeds in poultry.
- Check the moisture status of the product, the presence of mold and insects; the product stored damp may pose a risk to feed safety.
- Request analysis results (moisture, protein, foreign matter, etc.) on a batch basis for large purchases.
In addition, the composition of carob products may vary depending on the variety, maturity, processing method and storage conditions. Instead of applying the ratio read in a source directly to your own business, it is a more reliable approach to base it on the analysis of the raw material you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can carob be given raw to animals?
Carob is usually used as dried fruit, cracked or flour. Whole pods and especially seeds can be difficult to digest when given without grinding. The form and amount of use should be determined according to the animal species.
Is carob a source of protein?
The protein of pods and kibble is low; its main contribution in feed is sugar-based energy. Germ flour, which is a by-product of gum production, is rich in protein and is considered as a separate raw material.
Do tannins make carob unusable as feed?
No, but it limits the rate of use. While it can reduce digestibility and growth at high rates, some positive effects have also been reported at low and moderate rates. Additives such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been tried in research to reduce the effect of tannins.
Which animals are more suitable for?
Research focuses mostly on small ruminants, pigs and rabbits. The use of whole pods in poultry is more limited; germ meal gave more positive results in poultry feed.
Carob for the Feed Industry with Carob Türkiye
Carob is a natural raw material that adds energy and flavor when used with the right product and the right ratio in the feed industry. As Carob Türkiye, we supply carob fruit, crumbs, flour/powder, seeds and extracts. Businesses looking for raw materials for feed production can talk to us about the type of product, piece size and packaging shape they need.
Our related product pages: Carob Kibble (Granular), Carob Fruit and Carob Flour/Powder. For your wholesale and export requests Contact Now You can contact us on our page.
Domestic resources
Karabulut, A., Canbolat, Ö., Kamalak, A., "Evaluation of carob, Ceratonia siliqua pods as a feed for sheep", Livestock Research for Rural Development, 18(7), Article 104, 2006. lrrd.
org/ lrrd18/ 7/ kara18104. htm Demirbaş, H. (Advisor: Çetinkaya, N.), "Chemical Composition of Carob Pulp and Determination of Its True Digestibility in Vitro", Master's thesis, Ondokuz Mayıs University Institute of Health Sciences, 2019. hdl.
handle. net/ 20. 500. 12712/ 28921 Adıgüzel, A. H. (Advisor: Şahin, T.), "The effect of thyme oil (Origanum vulgare) and carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) mixture added to broiler compound feeds on fattening performance, carcass parameters and some visceral weights", Master's thesis, Kafkas University Institute of Health Sciences, 2020. Explanation.
No, there isn't. gov. en/ handle/ 20. 500. 12812/ 97339 Foreign sources
Feedipedia, "Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)", Animal feed resources information system. feedipedia.
review. FAO. org/ node/ 320 Kotrotsios, N., Christaki, E., Bonos, E., Florou-Paneri, P., "Carobs in productive animal nutrition", review article (ekt ePublishing, JHVMS), 2017. ejournals.
epublishing. ect. gr/ index. php/ jhvms/ article/ view... Hatzipapa, R. (Advisor: Tzamaloukas, O.), "The inclusion of carob in animal feed: a review", Bachelor's thesis, Cyprus University of Technology, 2023. hdl.
handle. net/ 20. 500. 14279/ 30490 Lanza, A., Priolo, A., "Effects of carob pulp and its tannins on lamb growth and meat quality. A report of three years of studies", Proceedings of the ASPA Congress – Recent Progress in Animal Production Science, Vol. 1, pp. 592–594, 1999. agris.
FAO. org/ search/ en/ records/ 64775fc9f2e6fe92b3671eed EFSA FEEDAP Panel, "Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of locust bean gum for all animal species (Dupont Nutrition and Health)", EFSA Journal, 20(8), e07435, 2022. doi.
Scientific Resourcesorg/ 10. 2903/ j. efsa. 2022. 7435
