Utilization of Local Feedstuffs for Swine Feeding in the American Pacific

Utilization of Local Feedstuffs for Swine Feeding in the American Pacific

Summary

Swine production is the primary livestock industry in the American Pacific. Pigs are part of many traditional and cultural practices in the region. The economic value of pigs is closely related with the demands during annual feasts and daily community affairs.

Although no study has been conducted on the actual cost of swine production in the region, the cost is high due to the very expensive prices of commercial swine feeds coming to the islands. These feeds come all the way from the US mainland and prices become tripled ( $ 15.95 fror a 75 lbs. swine grower and $ 15.00 for a 50 lbs. sow ration ) from US prices due to freight , taxes and other charges. The local prices of pigs have increased so much that its beyond the reach of the community. At times when supply is very low, a 300 to 400 pounds sow can cost between $ 2,000 to $ 3,000.

The American Pacific region has abundance of local feedstuffs such as breadfruit, bananas, copra and fish by-products. During the harvest season, these feedstuffs are readily available for swine feeding. The primary reason these feedstuffs are not utilized is the lack of information on the nutritional contents of these individual feedstuffs and no demonstrative study of these products for swine ration.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Develop a feeding program to reduce feed cost by 50% for growing – finishing hogs and breeding stocks using local feedstuffs (breadfruit, bananas, copra and
fish-by products ).

2. Develop feed formula using these local products. After establishing the nutritional values, these formulation will be converted to simple combination formula for hog producers to understand. A formulation from these local products meeting nutritional requirements for the 2 ration to be studied will be converted to simple weighing of these products for feed ingredients.

3. Develop sustainable practices in terms of preparation of local feedstuffs for feeding swine.

4. Educate hog producers on proper ways of feeding swine utilizing available local feedstuffs. Hog producers will be trained to combine available ingredients into a ration instead of piece meal feeding of these products. Farm sites will be opened for visits from all hog producers, interested individuals and the public.

5. Publish educational materials of results in PEOPLE’s project, as a ready to print desktop publications and prints. Conduct local and regional workshops on the project.

6. To determine actual cost of production in the region.

Accomplishments/Milestones

A feed survey was conducted in Pohnpei and Pingelap to determine the most common feeding practices and local feedstuffs being utilized by hog producers.

Feeding trials are being conducted at the Ohwa Christian High School piggery in Pohnpei. Initial results show that commercial feeding has much higher growth rate and weight gain than coconut feeding. Manure is being collected for nutrient analysis ( nitrates and phosphorous ).

Another feeding trial will start at the Mangilao Hog Farm on Guam this January.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Availability of local feedstuffs are seasonal in the region. Due to this finding, the grant will attempt to formulate rations based on abundance of certain feedstuffs throughout the year.

Another aspect has been added to the scope of the grant. Manure nutrient analysis will be included to see the difference on the amount of nitrates and phosphorous being released in the manure for grain -fed and local feeds fed pigs. The results of the analysis will assist professionals in their crop nutrient management planning.

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