Final report for FW23-414
Project Information
- Summary
The problem at hand is the expensive importation of commercial poultry feeds that farmers access to sustain their poultry farming. The farmer is proposing a research effort to scale up the preliminary version of poultry local feed at his farm. The project would include utilizing manpower to gather local ingredients on island and processing the feed at the ranch. The research would also prospect the mixture of both imported feeds and local ingredients feed to gauge poultry welfare while feeding on the local feed or the mixture. The controlled, balanced and nutritious diet of the poultry is critical and the research on the local feed and the mixture feed will determine the number of eggs laid and the number of years the poultry will lay eggs for the farmers. The research included the observation and comparison of the physical characteristics, including weight, of the poultry throughout the project and upon ‘retirement’ when they are harvested for stewing meat. The project is significant because it addresses the possible economical means to support the poultry farming in Guam. The project also does not harm the environment as it is solely focused on the collection and harvesting of local vegetation. The mixture feed would be the infusion of the local mix with the approved imported feeds sold on island. This research has be the ability to advance sustainable agriculture should the local feed ingredients information be available and shared locally. The local feed project has turned the farm into a demonstration center for students, educators, researchers and farmers to avail information on the production.
Research Plan:
The project will address the production of local feeds for poultry farming in Guam. Activities will include gathering and collection of locally available alternatives such as sweet potatoes, coconut, fish and agro-industrial by-products grain malt and process to produce local feeds. Another activity will be to combine the local feed ingredients with imported feeds to observe poultry welfare when fed on both feeds or just the local feeds.
The chicken flock will be divided into three groups. A selected 20 of the chicken flock will be considered the control group and fed only with imported commercial feed. Another selected 20 of the flock will be fed with locally available feeds as previously described and the final third of the flock will be fed with a 50% mixture of imported commercial feed and locally available feed.
A period of 30-60 days will produce results which can be gauged. There will be a record keeping on the poultry feeding preferences, physical activities and overall welfare including weight tracking. There will be feeding measuring cups to capture the amount of feeds that is fed to the selected flocks each day and captured through record keeping along with scaling the poundage of the feeds on a weekly basis. Egg production will be monitored on weekly basis and the eggs size, weight and egg quality will be measured. The thickness of the egg shells will be observed and recorded as well.
The farmer [PI] will be accountable for performance objectives. He will supervise all activities relating to the project from the collection and gathering of local ingredients to the mixing and processing of the feeds. He will also supervise the mixture feeding for the poultry and document poultry reaction, preferences and general welfare.
The goal for the project is to seek an alternative approach to sustaining a poultry farming endeavor. The preliminary version for the local feeding on-site at the farm although is in its pilot states has its highlight in that it economizes the feeding approach for the poultry farm and if maximized will change the approach to poultry farming. The approach discussed in this proposal can be supported if the farm also invest into growing the ingredients vegetation around the farm. In this instance, the farmer does cultivate vegetables and fruits which are ingredients in the local feeds and partners with local businesses to gather agro-industrial by-products grain malt to add-on to the local feeds. The farm team will continue this approach and do record keeping to share and enlarge this approach with other farmers, including the cost effectiveness of gathering local feeds relative to the purchase of imported commercial feed. The team will also approach a trade scheme with non-poultry farmers to entice partnership through exchange of goods and plant growth that can secure supplies to continue the local food processing when vegetable or fruits are low.
[Photo Above: Rancher/Farmer Tommy Tanaka Jr with Agriculture Students from Univ. of Guam]
Education Plan:
The farm will be the demonstration site for the proposed project of producing poultry local feeds. Students, Educators, Researchers, Farmers and interest group are welcomed observers and participants for the gathering, planting and processing of the local feeds. At the demonstration site, there will be an attendance sheet that will collect names, dates of visit, occupations, age group, gender, and organizations represented. There will also be short fact sheet on the project and the farm’s operational objectives. The demonstration center will also sign up to a social media app to mass announce the project and capture numbers of visitors and comments pertaining to the project. The social media app will also allow for live feeds at the demonstration center during field trip visits and other events at the farm. The demonstration center will be managed and operated by the farmer [PI] and the farm team. Field trips, eco-tourism, and safe farming activities will be planned and carried out to involve stakeholders and interested groups. There will be at least 2 farm sponsored events to invite any interested age group, individuals, gender, organizations or non-residents of Guam to visit, observe and participate in the local feed production. The farm if necessary, will invite volunteers to translate information to those who do not speak or understand English. The farm has operated for a few years and with this new approach, it is strongly believed that a new interest will be sparked to learn and or support this undertaking amongst the existing farmers and the new incoming farmers in the future.
The educational aspect of this project will be based on students’ availability days for field trips. There will be quarterly demonstrations at the farm and upon request from interested individuals, researchers, farmers or groups during the project life and will be ongoing long after the project funding support terminates.
First 60-90 Days: PI and Farm Team plan and implement local feed ingredients gathering
First 30-90 Days: Planting and Continuity of farm vegetation for supporting ingredients.
First 30-120 Days: Farm Team collecting local ingredients for the local feed processing.
First 30-120 Days: Farm Team feeding poultry with local feeds and mixed feeds for observation and documentation.
Remaining Time Frame for the Project: Planning, Scheduling and Implementing the Demonstration for the Local Feeding Processing at the Farm [inclusion of researchers, students, educators, farmers and interest groups].
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
Research
Research Plan:
The project addressed the production of local feeds for poultry farming in Guam. Activities included gathering and collection of locally available alternatives such as, fish waste (fish guts) and agro-industrial by-products grain malt, Guatemala and Star grass and pelletize to produce local feeds. Another activity was to combine the local feed ingredients with imported feeds to observe poultry welfare when fed on both feeds and the other just the local feeds.
The Local Feed Research Project was initiated in June 2025 and concluded in August 2025, spanning a total of 45 days. This period presented both interesting and challenging circumstances at the research site, as the team conducted detailed observations and data collection to advance local feed development.
Flock Selection and Study Groups:
At the start of the research phase, three groups of chicken flocks were randomly selected for participation in the feed study. Each flock was carefully examined, weighed, and tagged to ensure accurate tracking and data integrity. Once selected, the flocks were placed in their designated group holding areas, separating them from the general free-ranging chicken population for the duration of the study.
Feed Groups and Research Design:
The study was structured around three distinct groups, each receiving different types of feed:
• Group 1: Received 100% imported feeds.
• Group 2: Received a mix of imported and locally produced feeds.
• Group 3: Received 100% locally produced feed.
Daily Monitoring and Data Collection:
Throughout the research period, a daily report sheet was completed for each flock. The report documented a range of data points, including weather conditions, temperature, feeding times, the daily amount of feed consumed, physical appearance, disposition, activities, observed behaviors, and the specific ingredients used in the local feeds.
Figure 1. Vegetable and fruit feeds from local food distributors
After numerous attempts at the project site to divide the hens into their respective research group, we have finalized the date to implement the 45 days research project from June 2025-July 2025. The project was been delayed due to Mawar Recovery efforts, series of storms and weather conditions that affected the number of the overall hens at the project site. The Ranch lost a vast number of laying hens during Super Typhoon Mawar and have had to order and ship 300 (3 days old) hens to the project site. The hens were ready to lay eggs in the next few weeks. This group of hens were be divided and observed as part of research efforts from June-July 2025.
The 45 days project period yielded a few discoveries. The chickens were divided into 3 main groups in their segregated cage. The group were as follows:
- 100% Imported Feed
- 50% Imported Feed & 50% Local Feed
- 100% Local Feed
The following were feeding behavior were observed during the 45 days period:
- Group 1 - 100% Imported Feed Group: Eating behavior remained the same. The chickens were confined to a smaller scratching area and although their walking area was now smaller, and their foraging was reduced, the chickens consumed their meals normally.
- Group 2 - 50% Imported Feed and 50% Local Feed Group: Eating behavior remained the same but the chickens showed interest in the local feed that was provided during their meal period.
- Group 3 - 100% Local Feed Group: Eating behavior remained the same and the chickens ate all their meal portions served.
- Drinking water behavior remained normal.
The chickens' weights did not change, and they did not give any indication of any stress behavior. There was no observation on fighting within the group although they were in a confined cage.
Egg Collections and Quality of Eggs:
- Group 1 - Collected eggs sizes ranged between Medium, Large and Extra Large.
- Group 2 - Collected eggs sizes ranged between Small, Medium and Large.
- Group 3 - Collected eggs sizes ranged between Small, Medium and Large.
The research findings after the 45 days period were noted as follows:
- The chickens health remained the same compared to the other free ranging chickens at the project site.
- The chickens did not display aggression or fighting while being confined in their cage during the research period.
- The imported feed and the local feed were both consumed by the three groups.
- The chickens did scratch and pecked the soil within their respective cages.
- The eggs collected from the 3 groups appeared to share the same quality but at times sizes were different
The local feeding project was overall a successful project. The 45 days did provide enough observations and results. The daily reports that were compiled in the time frame is sufficient to support that local feeds do provide the nutrients that the chickens need to be healthy and to produce healthy organic eggs. The critical factor in this research is that it takes time and commitment to collect and process the local feed for the chickens and that balancing the ingredients is important to ensure healthy chickens and thus producing healthy eggs for consumption.
Guam does have the ability to produce the local feed mixture to fall back on as we take note of the rise of imported feeding to sustain poultry farming in the island.
Research outcomes
Key Characteristics for Developing Local Feed Independence
During the research period, two crucial factors were identified that are essential for establishing a sustainable local feed mix and reducing reliance on imported feeds, thereby supporting local egg production and maintaining the health of the laying hen population.
1. Barter System Among Farmers
A robust barter system is necessary, enabling farmers to exchange nutritious vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein sources. This system helps process local feeds and ensures that each participant in the bartering network is supported and sustained. The collaborative approach fosters a united farming community, which is vital for Guam’s independence from costly imported feeds and for stabilizing local egg prices.
At Pacific Cattle Station (PCS), networking was essential to obtain the ingredients needed for the desired feed recipes. By exchanging eggs and other produce, PCS was able to access resources and information to achieve its goals. For instance, PCS coordinated with local fish markets to collect fresh fish meat and guts, which were then mixed with dried, processed root crops and additional ingredients, ensuring feed preparation was conducted efficiently. Scheduling with fishermen was key, and they were willing to provide these resources at minimal or no cost to PCS, provided that the arrangement fit within their operational times. Additionally, eggs were exchanged for papaya leaves and other seasonal fruits, which were distributed at various times to the hen populations in Group 2 and Group 3 throughout the study.
2. Sustaining Method for Ingredient Management
It is essential to maintain the nutritional value and safe handling of locally sourced ingredients until they are processed, pelletized, and ready for consumption by the laying hens. At PCS, local feed processing was conducted every Sunday, with the feed weighed and prepared for the upcoming week. The processing required approximately seven to eight hours, during which feeds were segregated, packed, and labeled for distribution, ensuring organization and quality control throughout the process. Fresh ingredients are essential for ensuring that the hens are fed a nutritious mix and fed at the same hour every day during the project phase.
3. Egg Production during Project Research Phase
During the research phase, we noticed the hens needed time to adjust to a smaller space and their new daily routine. While their behavior seemed normal, we can’t rule out internal stress, which isn’t our area of expertise. If they were stressed, as most beings are in new surroundings, it wasn’t visible. Egg production was lower than what’s considered normal. They were fed on time every day, but various factors may or may not have influenced their laying. A longer research period—60 to 90 days instead of 45—might have given a clearer picture. Eggshell thickness, yolk quality, and egg size were consistent with the 100% imported feed group. The nutritious feed for both the 100% local-fed group and the 50/50 mixed-feed group didn’t show notable changes in appearance, size, or taste. We’re confident that local mixed feed can work well if properly blended and nutrient-rich ingredients is used in helping hens stay healthy and produce wholesome eggs. Efforts and time must be invested into processing the feeds.
Education and Outreach
Participation summary:
University of Guam Collaboration and Community Engagement
The University of Guam, particularly through the Division of Agriculture and the guidance of Dr. Liu, has played a vital role in supporting the ongoing development and growth of the Pacific Cattle Station (PCS). The collaboration has been fostered through a variety of educational activities, including hosting site visits and field trips for university students, as well as visits from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Additionally, PCS welcomed several individuals interested in learning about its operations and the management of its free-ranging chicken setup.
Due to ongoing construction projects related to the rebuilding efforts after Super Typhoon Mawar, the safety and security of all visitors have remained a top priority at PCS. As a result, the number of visitors permitted on site has been limited. During the research phase, the most effective educational approach proved to be having the Principal Investigator (PI) and farm handlers present during each visit. This allowed PCS to offer guided walkthroughs of the site for visitors and aspiring farmers, followed by settling into a designated safe area for a question-and-answer session. These sessions provided an opportunity to address concerns, answer inquiries, and gather feedback from visitors.
PCS was also invited to participate in Guam’s May Fair, an event hosted by the Guam Department of Agriculture. At the fair, PCS highlighted its chicken and duck eggs, attracting over 65 interactions at its booth. Visitors included government officials, congressmen, students, retirees, and local business owners, all expressing interest in the farming operations—particularly the free-ranging chicken and duck practices at PCS. The event provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the SARE-funded local feed research program and emphasize the importance of developing local feed alternatives to
PCS thru its education and outreach efforts have received recommendations from prospect farmers, established farmers, and the common population that local community are supportive of local efforts to promote local produce and utilizing local resources to grow the agricultural development in Guam. Through engagement with stakeholders, we have also received innovations and recommendations on approaches to connect with other farmers for bartering produce, thereby enhancing local feeds and supporting the local market that is often overridden by imported agricultural produce brought into the island. The engagement activities have also birthed the idea that there must be political will on the island to prioritize the local market, whether it be agricultural or aquacultural. Financial, technical, and educational support must be in place for farmers to ensure growth, stability, and sustainability.
Education and Outreach Outcomes
About five producers gained knowledge, skills, attitudes, or awareness from the project through face-to-face meetings and discussions. They learned about the potential for developing a local feed ingredient and were informed about SARE research funding. Farmers discussed local options—fruits, root crops, and protein sources—that could be used to supplement feed and reduce the cost of imported feeds.
local options—fruits, root crops, and protein sources—that could be used to supplement feed and reduce the cost of imported feeds.