DA eyes seaweeds as alternative food for animals, livestock
SEAWEEDS are being eyed to be an alternative as feeds for livestock and animals to solve the wanton price hike of commercial feeds in the market.
Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano said the department will tap Lionil Henri Valentin Dabbadie, the country representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, for the exploration of the making of seaweeds as commercial feeds for animals and livestock.
Savellano disclosed the country has abundant seaweed resources that grow in coastal waters. Seaweeds are relatively cheaper and are very rich sources of protein.
Seaweed is a sustainable source of macronutrients, particularly dietary fiber, and micronutrients to animal feed. It provides several antioxidants which can increase the animals’ longevity and may lower the risk of infections.
Savellano explained that seaweeds can be used for poultry feed since they can improve animal immune status, decrease microbial load in the digestive tract, and raise beneficial nutrient content in meat and eggs.
In the recent celebration of World Food Day, Savellano said aside from processing the seaweeds as animal feeds, he is also looking at the production of native pigs and native chicken which are easier to raise and require commercial feeds with lesser cost.
According to Savellano, these initiatives are in in line with the three marching orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the different units of the agency stated in an acronym: VAM (Volume where food production will increase five-fold; Affordable price of foods in the market; and Margin or a reasonable income for the livestock raisers.
“These are some of our agency initiatives to achieve the ultimate goal of the President of having more food produced but affordable for every Filipino,” Savellano said.
